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 Car Service Should I Choose?
Servicing Vs The NCT – What’s The Difference?
Why Regular Car Servicing Matters
What To Expect When Booking A Car Service
Where Should You Get Your Car Serviced In Ireland?
What Makes Up A Car Service?
A car service is a routine maintenance check carried out by a trained mechanic to assess your vehicle’s safety, performance, and overall condition.
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?
The time it takes to service a car depends on the type of service being carried out and the condition of the vehicle.
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 a basic maintenance check designed for high-mileage drivers who use their car frequently.
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
A full car service is the standard annual service recommended for most drivers to keep their vehicle running safely and efficiently.
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
A major car service is the most comprehensive option and is typically carried out every two years or after higher mileage intervals.
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?
The right car service for you depends on how often you drive, your vehicle’s age, and how closely you want to follow the manufacturer’s schedule.
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.
Servicing Vs The NCT – What’s The Difference?
Summary: A car service helps keep your vehicle running properly, while the NCT is a legal test that checks if your car meets basic road safety standards.
A car service and the NCT are often confused, but they serve very different purposes. Servicing is about maintaining your car over time. The NCT is a snapshot of whether your car is roadworthy on the day of the test.
In Ireland, the NCT is mandatory once your car is four years old. Cars aged four to nine are tested every two years, while cars ten years and older must pass an annual test. A service is not a legal requirement, but skipping it can lead to wear and tear that causes NCT failures later on.
Many drivers choose to book a service or a pre-NCT check shortly before their test. This helps catch common issues such as worn tyres, brake problems, or low fluid levels before they become a reason for failing.
Why Regular Car Servicing Matters
Summary: Regular servicing keeps your car safe, reliable, and cheaper to run over time.
A car service is about prevention rather than repair. Small issues picked up early are usually quicker and cheaper to fix than problems left to develop.
Regular servicing helps:
- Improve road safety by checking key components like brakes, tyres, and steering
- Maintain fuel efficiency by keeping the engine and filters in good condition
- Reduce the risk of breakdowns and unexpected repair bills
- Protect your car’s resale value by keeping a clear service history
Sticking to the manufacturer’s service schedule also helps ensure your car performs as it should throughout its life.
What to Expect When Booking a Car Service
Summary: A little preparation before your service can help avoid surprises and keep costs under control.
Before booking your car in, it is a good idea to ask for a clear breakdown of what the service includes and the expected cost. Most garages will provide a written quote and should contact you before carrying out any additional work.
On the day, bring:
- Your service book so the work can be recorded
- Your locking wheel nut key, if your car uses one
Between services, keeping an eye on fluid levels, tyres, and lights can help you spot issues early and get the most value from each visit to the garage.
Where Should You Get Your Car Serviced in Ireland?
Summary: You can choose between a main dealer or an independent garage, as long as the service follows the manufacturer’s guidelines and uses approved parts.
When it comes to servicing your car in Ireland, you are not limited to main dealers. Thanks to EU Competition Law, you are free to use an independent garage without affecting your warranty, provided the work is carried out to the correct standard.
Main dealers are often a good option for newer vehicles, particularly those still under warranty, as they use manufacturer-approved parts and brand-specific diagnostic equipment. They can be more expensive, but some drivers value the added reassurance.
Independent garages are usually more affordable and can offer a more flexible service, especially for older cars. When choosing an independent mechanic, look for trained professionals and recognised quality standards, such as AA Approved garages.
Electric vehicles also need regular servicing, even though they have fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel cars. Checks still include brakes, suspension, software updates, battery health reports, and cooling systems, so it is important to use a garage that understands EV requirements.
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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Car Service FAQs
How often should you service a car in Ireland?
Most cars in Ireland should be serviced once a year or every 12,000 miles or 20,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. Drivers who cover high mileage may benefit from an interim service every six months.
Can servicing your car affect your warranty?
No, servicing your car at an independent garage will not affect your warranty, as long as the service follows the manufacturer’s schedule and approved parts are used. This is protected under EU Competition Law in Ireland.
Should you service your car before the NCT?
Servicing your car before the NCT is not required, but it is often recommended. A service or pre-NCT check can help identify issues such as worn tyres, brake problems, or low fluid levels that could cause a test failure.
How much does a full car service cost in Ireland?
A full car service in Ireland typically costs between €200 and €400. The final price depends on the garage, the type of vehicle, and whether any additional work or parts are needed.