Service and repair of your car are inevitable, and you have to spend a lot of time at the mechanic. It is helpful to have an idea of how long your car service will take so you can plan your day accordingly.
A complete car service takes between one and four hours, depending on the type of service performed and the condition of the vehicle. Generally, a full car service includes several checks, tests, and adjustments to make sure your vehicle is operating as safely and smoothly as possible. When booking your service, ask your mechanic for an estimated time because the amount of time it takes will vary between mechanics and cars.
Read our crucial guide on Regular Car Maintenance for Your Electrical System
What is involved in a Full Car Service?
A full car service might seem to cover everything, but it falls between an interim and a major service. It encompasses 60-80 checks, whether you have a Bentley, Audi, or Ferrari such as:
- Engine Tuning
- Brake pad inspection
- Ac Service or Air Filter Change
- Fluid top-ups
- Suspension inspection
- Malfunction Repair
Manufacturers recommend a full service every 12,000 miles (20,000 km) or annually, which takes around 3 hours. Cars require regular inspections due to the numerous parts and systems they contain. It’s because things rust, things wear, and dirt accumulates. Keeping your car in top condition is the goal of these services.
What Is Involved In an Electric Car Service?
Just because an electric car has fewer moving parts than a gasoline or diesel-powered vehicle does not mean it does not require maintenance. During an EV service, the technician will connect the vehicle to a diagnostic computer to evaluate the battery’s status as well as the cabling and battery coolant system. Aside from that, EV servicing is similar to that of any other automobile, with brakes, suspension parts, tires, air conditioning systems, and wipers all required to be maintained.
Why are Services Important?
As your automobile ages, it becomes increasingly vital to have it serviced on a regular basis in order to keep it operating smoothly and avoid costly problems. Depending on the type and model of your vehicle, as well as how you drive it, you may require servicing every few months or once a year. This may take a few hours, but it is necessary to complete so that you can be confident that your automobile is secure and working properly.
How Long Does It Take For a Major Service to be Completed?
When it comes to servicing, a huge service is at the top of the list. Because your mechanic will go over everything in the full service and more, they should only be performed every two or three years. The length of a major service depends on the amount of replacement parts, but it will likely take at least 3-4 hours.
How Long Does an Interim Car Service Take?
An interim car service takes roughly 30 minutes. Some garages will collect your phone number and contact you when they are finished. Others provide a place to wait. In any case, if the engineer finds nothing seriously wrong with your vehicle, you can drive away straight away.
If the service detects any major issues, they may need to be resolved immediately. This will lengthen the time it takes to service your vehicle.
How Long Does an Oil Change Take?
An oil change is a quick and easy service. The process can take about 30 minutes if you get it done at a repair shop or fast lube store. Some people choose to do their oil changes because it is a simple operation.
If you do the oil change yourself, a lot will depend on the tools you have and your level of experience. A DIY oil change takes between 30 minutes and an hour. Repairing a car’s engine can be costly. Oil changes preserve and maintain the engine of your vehicle.
How Long Does Tire Rotation Take?
Unless the lug nuts or wheels are seized, tire rotation can take up to an hour. An auto mechanic spins the tires during this operation to prevent uneven wear. If you intend to rotate the tires manually, you should be aware that the tread pattern and the powertrain type of the vehicle determine the proper position of each tire.
Factors Affecting Car Service Duration
Car’s State
The duration of the maintenance procedure can vary greatly depending on the general condition of the car. Vehicles in good condition often require less repair time, but those in poor condition necessitate more intensive diagnostic and repair work.
Make and Model
For predicting how long it will take to service your car, the brand and model are crucial. This is due to the fact that particular cars may want specialised tools or more intricate expertise from mechanics, which may impact how much time they need to spend servicing them.
Availability of Parts
The availability of parts is another aspect that can influence the length of a car service. If a certain part needs to be replaced and it is not easily available, service may be delayed. However, reliable service shops normally keep a substantial stock of often-needed parts, which helps to reduce client wait time.
Avoiding A Lengthy Car Service
The sooner you drop off your car at your mechanic, the more productive you can be during the waiting period than if you sat in an auto repair shop waiting room. You can even leave your keys in a night lockbox at some shops so that you don’t have to get up early in the morning. Furthermore, a growing number of auto mechanic shops offer free shuttle service between their shop and your home if it’s in a specific area.
Keeping to the manufacturer’s recommended intervals is another way to avoid a lengthy car service. Irregular maintenance intervals tend to lead to more mechanical failures. A regular inspection of important car parts can help identify problems that may eventually render your car irreparable, such as the engine, transmission, and power steering.
Can I Service My Car?
You can absolutely service your car if you possess sufficient mechanical skills and the right tools. If you want to do it yourself, it might take you considerably longer than a professional mechanic who has a shop, tools, and experience.
It is important to take any appropriate safety measures, including using axle stands and protecting your eyes and skin from wayward fluids, before servicing your car.
FAQs
In a car maintenance service, what is usually included?
Car maintenance includes checking the battery, the suspension, the fluid levels, the engine, the filters, and the exterior lighting. The majority of auto shops also perform computer diagnostics.
How does a full car maintenance work?
Complete maintenance involves checking all the essential parts and systems of the vehicle. Full car maintenance should be performed every year or every 12,000 miles (20,000 km).
Why does car service take so long?
Mechanics can’t keep parts for every single car in their collection. They may have to procure quality parts from spare parts stores if your service reveals something that needs to be replaced.
Wrapping It Up
By getting an MOT, you can ensure your vehicle is safe for everyone else on the road. The regular servicing of your car will make you feel more confident that it is well maintained, just as your home insurance will make you feel more secure if the worst were to happen. Having your car serviced regularly is a proactive way to keep it drivable, and probably longer than if you didn’t do it.
Despite feeling like you lost a half-day to the service center, you aren’t. In this way, you invest in your future health and continued ability to drive and get around.
Book a Service Today
Whether you need logbook servicing for your car or a general tune-up, Al Zaabi Auto Care delivers a service experience that’s unmatched by dealerships. Our welcoming shopfront, flexible prepayments, and good old-fashioned family service will care for your car and you with the best of modern processes.
