Our cars face plenty of wear and tear in their lifetimes. Keeping on top of car maintenance is tricky, which is why car servicing exists. A car service is like a health check for your car and is critical to keeping it in good shape.
We’ve broken down car services, looking at what goes into one, how long they usually take, and how much you might end up spending.
How Long Does A Car Service Take?
The Different Types Of Car Service And Their Price
What Makes Up A Car Service?
According to the AA, a car service includes the following:
- A complete vehicle health check.
- Engine oil and filter change.
- Air filter change.
- Fuel filter change.
- Spark plug replacement.
- Pollen filter change.
- Coolant and brake fluid top up.
- Battery and system diagnostics checks.
It’s important to ensure a trained mechanic is performing the service, as an unqualified mechanic increases the chances of making a mistake. A fear for many drivers is losing a car warranty off the back of servicing away from an approved garage, but this is no longer possible. Due to EU Competition Law, which applies in Ireland, you can’t lose your warranty for getting a car serviced at an independent dealer. While you have freedom in where you go, you must still follow the manufacturers service schedule, and use parts and equipment approved by them.
How Long Does A Car Service Take?
With all the checks and the need for a trained professional, a car service can take a while.
An average service lasts around 2 hours, so you’re best off dropping your car off and coming back for it later. In most cases, you will receive a text message when your car is ready to be collected. Bare in mind that a mechanic may have a few cars to service on top of yours, so that text might end up coming slightly later than the 2 hour mark.
The Different Types Of Car Service And Their Price
Car servicing in Ireland comes in three forms: interim, full and major. Let’s take a look at each, and how much they tend to cost.
Interim Car Service
An interim car service is carried out every six months or when your car reaches 6,000 miles. It is the most basic service, but you can still expect checks including oil, filter, and tyre assessments. An interim service is ideal for people making frequent journeys, who are more likely to wear their car out quicker. The limited servicing is reflected in the price, with an interim car service coming in around the €100 – €150 mark. Bear in mind, you will need to complete 2 interim services a year to make sure your car is up to scratch. To limit how often your car goes in, your best bet is the full car service 👇.
Full Car Service
This is the service you are most likely to go with. A full car service occurs every 12 months or when your car completes 12,000 miles since its last check. As part of a full service, you can expect all the features of the interim package, plus battery and service history checks. A full car service also looks at things like engine, oils, air filters and spark plug replacements, plus any fluid and gearbox changes (if needed). A full car service will cost you between €200 – €400.
Major Car Service
The most comprehensive option in our list, a major car service will take place after 2 years or 24,000 miles from the last check. It offers everything the interim and full services provide, plus a full engine and gearbox check. As the most complete package, you will expect to pay upwards of €500, but this can increase if your car is high spec.
What Car Service Should I Choose?
For most, the full car service is more than good enough to make sure your car is fit and healthy. Although the major service includes more, the full option includes everything that is necessary for your car to perform at the required level. That being said, if you are a car lover and want to get the most out of your motor, the major service every so often is a good option.
Concluding On Irish Car Servicing
Servicing your car is key to preventing any issues that could see you breaking down or having difficulties when out on the road. A car service tends to last up to 2 hours, but this can vary based on what’s needed. You have different service levels to choose from, but the full car service does more than enough to ensure your car is road-ready.
Keep a record of when your car was last serviced, and make sure you have enough money set aside for when your next service comes round.
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