Difference Between a Major and Minor Car Service

What is the Difference Between a Major and Minor Car Service

Have you ever wondered how a major car service differs from a minor one? Whether you have a hatchback, SUV, compact vehicle, or luxury car, everyone needs one. 

There's not just a price difference—there's also a difference in the services performed, influenced by several factors. Keep in mind that what’s included in a car Service Plan is not the same as a major service that requires additional checks and repairs. 

We know that a car service is exactly what it sounds like, where you book your vehicle into an approved workshop for routine maintenance. Whether it’s part of a dealership plan or an extended plan,technicians will perform OEM-approved servicing based on the manufacturer’s guidelines. 

If you’ve purchased a car Service Plan, the terms and conditions will outline what is and what isn’t included, as well as what is expected of you as the client. It’s a different story if your car requires something beyond routine care.

That said, no service is unnecessary. Having a complete history is a good way to protect your vehicle and help maximise your car’s resale value. 

Benefits of Car Maintenance 

The benefits of regular car maintenance outweigh the small frustrations of having to book your car in for the day. That said, if you have gone through a Service Plan, here are some of the major benefits:

1. Fixed, monthly payments make it easier to budget for other expenses. 
2. Total peace of mind knowing your car is professionally covered.
3. Helps keep your car on the road for longer.
4. Only OEM car parts are used by qualified technicians.
5. Helps maximise your car’s resale value.
6. Exclusive benefits from your provider.

What is a Minor Car Service?  

Whether you have a Service Plan or not, minor car services are basic check-ups and are routinely performed. Services may differ from one automaker to the next, but in general, they follow the same timing pattern and cover similar components.

Minor Car Service Checklist 

A minor car service involves a comprehensive vehicle system and diagnostic check, where car parts are maintained according to manufacturer guidelines at each mileage interval or every 12 months. 

What’s included?

What you can expect from a minor service involves visual and manual inspections. These may include: 

• Air filter
• Oil filter
• Engine oil
• Transmission fluid
• Coolant
• Brake and clutch fluid
• Lubricants
• Spark plugs
• Cambelt
• Workshop consumables 

What is a Major Car Service?

A major car service involves performing inspections and maintenance processes that go beyond routine tasks. It relies on detailed assessments of specific components that cover functionality, safety, and reliability. 

Major Car Service Checklist 

The frequency of major car services depends on a number of things. These may include the type of vehicle you drive, automaker brand, car model, age, and condition. The general rule of thumb for most mechanics (in terms of timing) is between 40,000 and 60,000 kilometres. 

What Does a Major Car Service Include? 

In a little more detail, any additional checks, replacements, and repairs will vary from one mechanic to the next. But, as a guideline, you can expect part replacements and top-ups that may include: 

• Oil change
• Fluid top-ups: coolant, axle oils, transmission, clutch, gearbox, etc.
• Sparkplugs (if need be).
• Brake pads (if need be).
• Points and condenser. 
• Bodywork 
• Brake discs and drums
• Fan belt
• Pedals 
• Leaks
• CV join dust covers
• Wheel balance
• Shock absorbers
• Lubrication and cleaning

Bottom Line

Every little bit of maintenance counts, whether you’re out on the road frequently or barely travel. There’s a reason why manufacturers provide car owners with a set number of years of servicing and warranty when a new car is purchased; it is up to you to follow through on those requirements, especially if you want to keep your motor plan active.

If you’re close to expiry or shopping around for new quotes, read more about it here: Your Service Plan Extension Explained.

If you’re interested in learning more about Extended Warranties, this is the right place. There’s nothing worse than not knowing what to do if your car breaks down.