Minor Servicing Vs Major Servicing, What is the Difference?

Regular servicing ensures that your car runs efficiently, but it can also be a part of your warranty agreement. Plus, a full service history is essential if you want to sell your car in the UAE and get a true market value. If you buy from a dealership, you will often be offered a service package that includes periodic maintenance contracts to cover both minor and major servicing. But what’s the difference?

Servicing intervals – when to get your car serviced

Major services are usually scheduled for specific times or when your car reaches a certain number of kilometres. These are often at 10,000km intervals but may vary depending on your vehicle's age, model, and make. For example, on the Lexus range, minor services are done at 10,000km, bigger ones at 20,000km, and major services happen at 40,000 and 80,000km. If you buy a new car or a used car with a warranty, a major service may be part of your package. Failure to carry out any service at the appropriate time or when your vehicle reaches a certain point may invalidate the warranty, so it's essential to note when these services are due.

In between these major services, you should also carry out minor services. These ensure that your car is performing as efficiently as possible and that consumables such as oil, tyres and fluids are correctly maintained.

What does a minor service include?

Minor services include the basics to keep your vehicle performing correctly and safely. Your technician will check:

• The engine oil and filter – these are drained and changed to remove the old oil and to keep the engine running smoothly.
• Air and fuel filter checks – if the filters are looking worn or blocked, a minor service will include removing and replacing these critical filters.
• Tyres – your tyres will wear over time. A minor service will include an inspection to ensure the tyres are inflated to the correct pressure and are not worn below safe and legal operating standards (a minimum tread depth of 3mm). Your service centre may also rotate the tyres to ensure even wear, but be aware that there are additional charges for balancing.
• Battery tests – to ensure your vehicle starts every time you turn the key or press the button, your minor service will include a battery check and replacement if necessary.
• General inspection – finally, your technician will give the whole car an inspection, focusing on the brakes, fluid levels, hoses and belts.

What does a major service include?

A major service is a far more comprehensive inspection of your vehicle and will take longer. As well as the items checked on a minor service, a major service can also include:

• A complete engine check - to ensure no significant issues are apparent or other potential issues
• Electrical[GE1] [KC2]  and diagnostic inspection – this will include the lighting, ignition system and electrical system throughout the vehicle.
• Replacement of long-term consumables if required – this includes items such as spark plugs, and air-conditioner filters.
• Transmission checks – as well as engine checks, your technicians will also carry out a diagnostic and oil leak check.
• Wheels and tyres – as well as rotating or replacing worn tyres, your service may include examining the rims for cracks, warping or damage. They'll also check that the wheels are accurately balanced and aligned, although this will be charged as extra.
• An engine flush – available if you want to add this to your full service for an additional cost. This is a quick and effective way to 'clean' the inside of the engine by adding a chemical to your engine oil and then running the vehicle. This removes dirt, sludge deposits and contaminants from your engine. The oil and chemical mix is then drained, and fresh oil is added.

If you need a minor service or are due for a full service on your Lexus, contact Al-Futtaim Lexus today and book in at one of our service centres in the UAE.