So you just brought in the car of your dreams for a checkup and now you are deliberating whether to get hold of that quintessential full car service plan but you have no idea about its benefits or its disadvantages – sounds familiar? We have all been there at some point in our lives. Standing there numb in front of the salesperson while he delivers his speech and only doing some quick math in our heads on whether the agency is trying to rip us off. This is the reason why we wanted to shed some light on the topic and discuss the possible advantages and disadvantages of full car service and what it has in store for you!

What is a full car service?

A full car service, as opposed to regular service, offers certain additional checklists that can be quite beneficial for your car depending on its present condition, like  Oil and Filter Change, Interim Service, Electronics, Battery Check, etc.

In layman’s terms, it is a more thorough inspection of your car where the mechanics spend additional time inspecting the different elements of your car in order to locate its problem-areas.

Therefore, certain issues can be found and addressed through a full car service that would have otherwise gone unnoticed during a regular one.

Initial Checklists

The first thing to consider when opting for a full car service is the service provider. If the one providing the service wants to rip you off or does not have access to competent mechanics, then there is nothing that a full service or a regular service can do. So, conduct adequate research into the service providers in your location before opting for such plans.

The next thing to consider is the present condition for your car. Though the mechanics are going to thoroughly inspect the car for its underlying problems, it definitely helps if you can convey the exact problems that you are facing. After all, you will be the best judge of your own car. So take up a notepad, take the car out for a spin and note down the issues one by one. After coming back from the drive, inspect the exterior of your car for possible damages. Note these down as well! Don’t forget to pop open the hood and take a quick look inside. Inspect the electronics, make a note of the warning lights and turn on the air conditioner for some time if you didn’t already during the drive.  Make sure to check the headlights and the indicators in order to check their power. When you are satisfied with the check, take the car to the service provider with a list of the issues noted. Hand over the note to the mechanic in charge and keep a copy for yourself for further reference. Also, make sure you have around 3 hours in hand before taking the car in.

How much does a full service cost?

The average full service cost for a car amounts to 5500-6000 AED.

The service price differs with the various car models and its type. While a minor check like that of an air conditioner might cost up to 250 AED, the price for full car service will vary from one service center to another.

How long does it take to do a full service on a car?

A full car service takes a minimum of 3 hours of completion time.

The time taken for a car service depends entirely on the service package selected, and other service/repair specifications added. A minor repair like an air filter/brake/tire check will take about 15-20 mins depending on the extent of damage to the car part, and an interim examination (not as extensive as a full-service) will overall take about 1.5-2 hours.

Full Car Service Details

So now that you know the essentials that you need to take care of before taking the car in, let’s look into its advantages. Please note that the services listed here may vary from actual service providers, so make sure you check their brochure before signing any deals. We recommend that you free up your time so that you can personally oversee the work being done on your car.

Initial Checklists

1. Service Provider

If the one providing the service wants to rip you off or does not have access to competent mechanics, then there is nothing that a full service or a regular service can do. So, conduct adequate research into the service providers in your location before opting for such plans.

2. Car’s Present Condition

Though the mechanics are going to thoroughly inspect the car for its underlying problems, it definitely helps if you can convey the exact problems that you are facing. After all, you will be the best judge of your own car. So take up a notepad, take the car out for a spin and note down the issues one by one.

3. Look for Possible Damages

After coming back from the drive, inspect the exterior of your car for possible damages. Note these down as well!

4. Check the Interiors Well

Don’t forget to pop open the hood and take a quick look inside.

• Inspect the electronics, make a note of the warning lights and turn on the air conditioner for some time if you didn’t already during the drive.
• Make sure to check the headlights and the indicators in order to check their power.

When you are satisfied with the check, take the car to the service provider with a list of the issues noted. Hand over the note to the mechanic in charge and keep a copy for yourself for further reference. Also, make sure you have around 3 hours in hand before taking the car in.

What does a full car service include? Here are some services you can expect for your car

1. Oil and Filter Change

2. Interim Service

3. Electronics

4. Lights

5. Battery Check

6. Other Inspections

1. Oil and Filter Change
   

   Make sure you talk to the service provider regarding this as it is one of the most essential services. Though most service providers include this in the basic package, it is still better to have a talk with them directly before opting for any plans.

2. Interim Service

   This includes basic car maintenance checks such as tire-treads, fluid levels and all other amenities present in the car. Thorough visual inspection along with certain technical ones ensures that the car receives the level of care recommended. Oversee the entire process in order to stay updated on the services being done on your car.

3. Electronics
   

   A full service will include inspection and repair of all the electronics in the car such as the AC and the stereo. This is usually not included in a basic service plan.

4. Lights
   

   A thorough check-up of all the lights ensures that your car is ready for the road in all conditions.

5. Battery Check
   

   A full service will typically include a battery check-up and also recharge it if necessary.

6. Other Inspections
   

   In addition to the above-mentioned checks, a full service typically includes all the maintenance checks mentioned in the user’s manual. This may include, but is not limited to:

• Windscreen wipers check
• Wheel alignment check
• Charging systems check
• Exhaust check
• Battery check
• Charging system check
• Tyre tread and pressure check
• Antifreeze coolant check and top-up
• Windscreen wash check and top-up
• Full brake check
• Power steering fluid check and top-up
• Steering check
• Shock absorbers check
• Suspension check

This is basically what a full car service has in store for you as opposed to regular basic service. We recommend getting this done once every year in order to ensure that your car is kept in its optimal conditions. However, there are various service providers to choose from, each specializing in certain aspects and having their own drawbacks. Carcility is a revolutionary new app that provides you with all the details you might require for a car service along with quotes. This makes it easier for you to choose the appropriate service provider according to your needs while ensuring complete transparency and the lowest costs. Click here to download the Carcility app and get instant access to the best and credible service providers in your locality.