Minor vs. Major Service: What's the Difference, and Which Does Your Car Need?

"Does my car need a minor or a major service?" is one of the most common questions we get on the repairs side of the business, and the honest answer is: it depends on mileage, how long it's been since the last full service, and what the manufacturer recommends for your specific car.

Here's what's actually included in each, so you can make an informed call.

Our minor service covers the two things that matter most for keeping your engine protected between full services:

• A full engine oil change, using the correct grade of oil for your vehicle
• A new oil filter
• A basic fluid level check

Our major service includes everything in the minor service, plus every other filter that needs replacing on a typical car:

• Engine oil and oil filter
• Air filter — keeps your engine breathing properly and running efficiently
• Fuel filter — protects the fuel system from contamination
• Cabin (pollen) filter — keeps the air inside the car clean
• A full multi-point vehicle check

As a general rule, most manufacturers recommend an oil change (our minor service) roughly every 6,000–12,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first, and a full service (our major service) less frequently, alternating with minor services depending on your car's specific schedule.

If you're not sure what your car is due, the simplest thing to do is send us the mileage and the date of your last service — we'll tell you honestly which one it needs rather than upselling you to the major service by default.