What's Included in a Major Car Service?
Regular servicing is one of the most important investments you can make in your vehicle. While many drivers understand the importance of routine maintenance, there's often confusion about the difference between a minor service and a major service. A common question we hear at AP Auto Services is, "What exactly is included in a major car service?"
A major service is a comprehensive inspection and maintenance package designed to keep your vehicle running safely, efficiently, and reliably. It goes far beyond a simple oil change, covering key components that affect your vehicle's performance, safety, and longevity.
In this guide, we'll explain what a major car service includes, why it's important, and how it helps prevent costly repairs.
What Is a Major Car Service?
A major car service is a detailed maintenance procedure carried out at longer intervals than a standard or minor service. Most manufacturers recommend a major service approximately every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometres or every two years, although the exact schedule depends on your vehicle's make, model, and driving conditions.
Unlike a basic service, a major service includes replacing additional parts and carrying out a much more detailed inspection of your vehicle's mechanical, electrical, and safety systems.
The aim is to identify wear and tear early, reduce the risk of breakdowns, and ensure your vehicle continues to perform at its best.
Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement
Fresh engine oil is essential for protecting your engine.
During a major service, the old engine oil is drained and replaced with high-quality oil that meets your vehicle manufacturer's specifications. At the same time, the oil filter is replaced to ensure contaminants are removed from the lubrication system.
Regular oil changes help:
Reduce engine wear
Improve fuel efficiency
Prevent overheating
Extend engine life
Maintain smooth engine performance
Neglecting oil changes can lead to increased friction, sludge build-up, and expensive engine repairs.
Air Filter Replacement
Your engine needs a constant supply of clean air for efficient combustion.
Over time, the engine air filter becomes clogged with dust, dirt, and debris, restricting airflow and reducing performance.
Replacing the air filter helps:
Improve fuel economy
Restore engine performance
Reduce emissions
Protect internal engine components
A clean air filter allows your engine to breathe properly and operate more efficiently.
Cabin (Pollen) Filter Replacement
The cabin filter cleans the air entering your vehicle's interior through the heating and air conditioning system.
A dirty pollen filter can lead to:
Poor airflow
Unpleasant odours
Increased dust inside the cabin
Reduced air conditioning efficiency
Replacing this filter improves cabin air quality and creates a more comfortable driving experience.
Fuel Filter Replacement (Where Applicable)
Some petrol and diesel vehicles require periodic replacement of the fuel filter.
The fuel filter removes contaminants from the fuel before it reaches the engine.
Replacing it helps:
Maintain fuel system performance
Protect fuel injectors
Improve engine efficiency
Prevent starting problems
Not all vehicles require fuel filter replacement during every major service, so the work is carried out according to the manufacturer's schedule.
Spark Plug Replacement (Petrol Vehicles)
Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the fuel-air mixture inside petrol engines.
Worn spark plugs can cause:
Difficult starting
Poor fuel economy
Reduced engine performance
Engine misfires
Increased emissions
Replacing spark plugs at the recommended interval ensures smooth engine operation and efficient combustion.
Brake Inspection
Your braking system is one of your vehicle's most important safety features.
A major service includes a thorough inspection of:
Brake pads
Brake discs
Brake callipers
Brake fluid level
Brake lines
Overall braking performance
Identifying worn braking components early helps maintain safe stopping distances and prevents more expensive brake repairs later.
Suspension and Steering Inspection
Suspension and steering components naturally wear over time, especially on Irish roads where potholes and uneven surfaces are common.
A major service includes checks of:
Shock absorbers
Springs
Ball joints
Suspension bushes
Steering components
Control arms
Maintaining these components improves ride comfort, tyre life, and vehicle handling.
Battery and Charging System Check
A weak battery is one of the leading causes of unexpected breakdowns.
During a major service, the mechanic checks:
Battery condition
Battery terminals
Charging system
Alternator output
Starting performance
Early battery testing helps prevent inconvenient starting problems, particularly during colder weather.
Tyre Inspection
Your tyres are the only part of your vehicle that makes contact with the road.
A major service includes inspection of:
Tyre tread depth
Tyre pressure
Uneven wear
Sidewall damage
Overall condition
Correctly maintained tyres improve safety, handling, braking performance, and fuel efficiency.
Fluid Level Checks and Top-Ups
Modern vehicles rely on several essential fluids to operate correctly.
During a major service, the mechanic checks:
Engine coolant
Brake fluid
Power steering fluid (where applicable)
Windscreen washer fluid
Transmission fluid (where appropriate)
Maintaining proper fluid levels helps protect important mechanical systems from unnecessary wear.
Drive Belt and Hose Inspection
Belts and hoses play a critical role in engine operation.
A major service includes checking for:
Cracks
Wear
Fraying
Leaks
Loose fittings
Replacing worn belts before they fail can prevent serious engine damage and costly roadside breakdowns.
Comprehensive Vehicle Diagnostics
Modern vehicles contain sophisticated electronic systems that monitor engine performance, emissions, braking, and safety systems.
At AP Auto Services, we use advanced diagnostic equipment to scan your vehicle for stored fault codes and hidden issues.
Diagnostics help identify problems affecting:
Engine management
ABS
Airbag systems
Electrical systems
Charging systems
Emissions
Many faults can be detected before warning lights even appear on your dashboard.
Exterior Safety Inspection
A major service also includes checking external safety features such as:
Headlights
Brake lights
Indicators
Fog lights
Wiper blades
Windscreen washers
Horn
Mirrors
These simple checks help ensure your vehicle remains roadworthy and safe to drive.
Road Test
Where appropriate, a qualified technician may carry out a road test after servicing to ensure the vehicle is operating correctly.
This allows the mechanic to assess:
Braking performance
Steering response
Suspension comfort
Engine operation
Gear changes
Overall drivability
A road test provides an additional level of quality assurance before returning the vehicle to the customer.
Why Is a Major Service Important?
A major service provides far more than routine maintenance.
It helps:
Improve vehicle safety
Reduce the likelihood of breakdowns
Extend engine life
Improve fuel economy
Protect your manufacturer's service history
Maintain resale value
Identify hidden faults early
Reduce long-term repair costs
Investing in preventative maintenance is significantly more affordable than repairing major mechanical failures.
Final Thoughts
A major car service is one of the best ways to protect your vehicle and ensure it continues to perform safely and efficiently. By replacing essential service items, inspecting key safety components, and identifying developing faults early, a major service helps prevent costly repairs and gives you confidence every time you get behind the wheel.
If your vehicle is due for a major service, let AP Auto Services take the hassle out of maintenance. Our fully equipped mobile mechanics come directly to your home or workplace anywhere in Dublin and the surrounding areas, providing expert servicing at a time that suits you.
Book your major car service with AP Auto Services today and enjoy professional vehicle care delivered right to your doorstep.
