What's the Difference Between an Interim and Full Service?

Is Getting an Interim Service Worth the Price?

In the car service industry, there are two basic types of services: interim and full. So, what’s the difference between an interim and full service? 

When considering whether to book an interim or a full service, you should ask yourself how often you use your car and what type of trips you make too. An interim car service costs around half the price of a full one but is tailored to cover certain aspects of the vehicle’s maintenance, such as oil and filter changes, tyre checks and other inspections. An interim service should not be confused with a full service, however, as the former requires less thorough checks and tests.

What’s the Difference Between an Interim and Full Service?

An interim car servicing, and a full car servicing, are two completely different forms of vehicle checks. Interim checks are much less detailed and rigorous in their checking and testing, so it is recommended that low-milage drivers favour this process. A full service, on the other hand, has many more checks that dive into all of the subtleties of a vehicle. For vehicles that are driven every day all year round, then this should be the preferred process as it will ensure that the vehicle is in full working order after being used frequently.

One of the other key differences between interim and full services comes with the prices. As they are much less intense with their checking, interim services are substantially cheaper than full checks. The starting price for an interim service is somewhere between £90 to £110, whereas, for a full car service, you are looking at paying somewhere between £170 and £210. Of course, the detail level of the services also has an impact on the amount of time they take to complete. It is rare for interim services ever to last longer than ninety minutes, whereas a full service can regularly take upwards of three hours to complete. Although, this can be dependent on the team working on the vehicle.

What Does an Interim Car Service Include?

An interim service covers the basics of car repair and maintenance in order to keep your car running smoothly. This normally includes an oil and filter change, a check of the lights, tyres and battery, as well as a visual inspection of important parts and systems. This is usually enough for vehicles used for short, regular trips, especially those that have covered fewer than 12,000 miles since the last service.

Is an Interim Service Enough for my Vehicle?

Whether an interim service is enough for your vehicle depends on your circumstances. If you only use your car to make short journeys, an interim service should be sufficient. However, if you use your car for longer trips, then you may want to opt for a full service, which offers a more thorough inspection. It’s worth bearing in mind that a full service typically takes longer and costs more than an interim service.

What Are the Benefits of an Interim Service for Your Car?

Interim car services can provide numerous benefits for your vehicle. An interim service will check the condition of your car’s main components, like its oil, brakes, battery and other fluid levels. It can also identify any impending problems early on, giving you time to address them before they become expensive issues. Additionally, regular interim services will ensure your vehicle is kept in good working order and can extend the life of some of its parts. Ultimately, this can save you money in the long run, as well as avoid potential safety issues. Furthermore, opting for an interim service can save you time, as an interim service generally takes less time than a full service.