The easiest way to keep up with car maintenance is to take it in for service at a body shop. For a general service, mechanics will do a quick once-over of the vehicle to check for any obvious damages. But a full car service consists of a more comprehensive inspection. Typically, mechanics check for about 50 different things when doing a full service. 

 

Full-service checklists vary depending on the mechanic or body shop. Likewise, prices can be very different. It is always best to get a few estimates from different shops before receiving any services. Here’s what you can expect with a full-service inspection.

4
What to Expect When You Get Full Car Service
Back 4 of 4

Taking your car in for full-service every so often is a great way to stay ahead of potential problems or issues. Every shop is different when it comes to what is included in a full-service inspection.

However, most full-service inspections include the following services:

  • Lightbulb replacement
  • Alignment
  • Top offs on fluids, such as wiper fluid, engine oil and antifreeze
  • Filter replacement
  • Coolant level checks
  • Safety checks on brakes and horn
  • Battery inspection or replacement

Some components of your vehicle may not need replacing at the moment but might show signs of wear and tear. Most mechanics will rate each component on a scale that indicates its condition. For example, the tread on your tires may indicate that they will need to be replaced after a certain number of miles.

The mechanic could also highlight potential problem areas that you were previously unaware of. You could have a window that doesn’t close all the way, which puts you at risk of a mold problem if rainwater seeps into the car.

If you don’t know how to check the fluids in your car, you could run into trouble very quickly. Mechanics can check fluid lines for leaks as well as check the sealing areas around the gaskets to ensure nothing blows.

Getting a full-service inspection could point out these issues before they are full-blown problems, helping you avoid sudden major expenses down the line.

Because they are quite extensive, full car inspections take time. As to the cost of the service, it may set you back $150 to $250, and if your mechanic finds parts that need to be replaced or fixed, the cost may increase. However, keep in mind that these inspections are key to ensure your safety behind the wheel as well as the safety of anyone else who travels with you.

Back 4 of 4