What Happens During a Car Service?

Your car is not only a luxury item, but it is also an essential tool for managing daily tasks. Your car is a large machine, containing a lot of small and large components. These components function with each other to move your vehicle. Just like the health check of your body, you need a regular check for your vehicle. This check is called car servicing in technical language.

Many drivers are not exactly sure what garages check during a car service or what they are paying for. In general, car owners have only limited knowledge about the most common steps involved in a typical car service. Knowledge of the steps involved in a Car Service Birmingham makes sure you are not missing out any crucial maintenance steps that could affect your car’s health in the future.

In this blog, we will have a closer look at what actually happens during a car service.

Initial Inspection: The Health Check Begins

Visual inspection is the first step of any typical car service procedure. As soon as your vehicle enters the garage, mechanics begin with a visual inspection.

They commonly check the following:

The condition of tyres (tread wear, cracks, bulges, damage)

Exterior lights (headlights, indicators, fog lamps)

Wipers and washer levels

Dashboard warning lights

General body condition and under-body leaks

This check is just like an inspection, while a doctor checks your temperature and pulse before starting treatment.

Engine Oil and Filter Change

After the visual inspection, car mechanics generally check the condition of the engine oil and filter.

Oil engine becomes dirty over time and loses its ability to protect moving parts.

The mechanic drains the used oil completely and replaces the clogged oil filter. After that, they fill the engine with fresh, manufacturer-recommended oil.

Oil and oil filter change is a crucial step because dirty oil and a clogged filter may reduce the efficiency of the car engine and may lead to overheating, friction, and damage.

Air and Cabin Filter Replacement

An air filter ensures clean air reaches the engine. A clogged filter affects fuel efficiency and performance.

The cabin filter keeps the air inside your car clean. It filters dust and pollutants. A clean cabin filter is important for your health and comfort.

Mechanics will clean or replace the filters according to their condition.

Brake System Check

There is no doubt that the brake system is essential for safety. Therefore, technicians include it in the checklist.

The technicians will check:

The thickness of brake pads and the condition of discs

Brake fluid level

Handbrake effectiveness

Signs of uneven wear and sticking brakes

Tyre Inspection and Rotation

Tyres make direct contact with the road surface. They carry the weight of your vehicle and keep it stable. Therefore, mechanics would not avoid these important components.

They will check the following during the test:

Tread depth

Uneven wear

Correct air pressure

Sidewall damage

Cuts and punctures

Battery Test

Car batteries do not give a warning signal before draining. During a service, the technicians will check:

The battery’s voltage output

Terminals for corrosion

Battery for early signs of weakness

Lights, Indicators, and Electrical Checks

During the car service, the technicians will check all exterior and interior lights, including:

Headlights (dipped and full beam)

Tail lights, brake lights

Turn signals

Hazard lights and fog lights

Technicians also test basic electronics like power windows, the horn, and dashboard indicators.

Coolant and Fluid Levels

Technicians will check fluid levels during the car service. These common fluids include:

Coolant – Prevents engine overheating

Brake fluid – Essential for stopping power

Power steering fluid – Ensures smooth steering (in older models)

Washer fluid – For clean windshields

Suspension and Steering Inspection

While you visit the garage for car service, the mechanic will check for worn-out suspension components. Moreover, they will check shock absorbers for signs of leaking as well. Furthermore, the mechanic will check your steering for smooth movement. They will inspect ball joints and sockets as well.

These steps are necessary because a faulty suspension can cause poor handling and discomfort, and may lead to tyre wear and reduced braking.

A faulty suspension can cause poor handling and discomfort — and may even lead to tyre wear or reduced braking.

Exhaust System Check

Exhaust is an essential component. It ensures safety. Therefore, car mechanics include it in the car service checklist.

The technician checks:

Exhaust pipes and joints

Signs of rust or leakage

Hangers and brackets

Spark Plug Inspection (Petrol Cars):

If your car runs on petrol, the spark plugs are essential for combustion. Damaged spark plugs lead to several issues, including misfires, rough idling, and poor fuel economy.

The mechanic will check and replace them as part of the  car service.

Wheel Alignment and Balancing

If your car is pulling to one side and you have observed signs of uneven tread wear on your tyres, you have to check your tyres for alignment and balancing issues.

During regular car servicing, the mechanic checks both wheel alignment and balancing.

Proper alignment and balancing improve fuel efficiency, tyre life and driving stability.

 Service report

Once every step is done, you receive a service report. This report mentions checked, repaired, and replaced components along with any future maintenance recommendations.

Your car service center will stamp your service book, keeping your service history up to date.

Final words

A car service is a routine checkup that keeps your car in good condition and improves its performance. Car service centers generally offer car servicing after regular intervals. Following the car service schedule is not legal like the MOT Birmingham test, but it is extremely essential for the health and life of your car. Moreover, regular car service will keep you financially well because of decreased maintenance costs and better fuel economy. So, do not ignore car servicing and visit a car service center regularly.