What Is Included in a Major Car Service?

If you are wondering what is included in a major car service, the simple answer is this: it is a more detailed vehicle service that checks the parts, fluids and systems that affect safety, reliability and long term performance.

A minor service usually covers the basics, such as engine oil, oil filter and key safety checks. A major car service goes deeper. It looks at the condition of your engine, brakes, tyres, suspension, filters, fluids, battery, cooling system and other wear items that may not need replacing at every service.

At Grimshaw Automotive in Bundoora, a major service is not treated as a quick box ticking job. It is a proper vehicle health check, especially for European and prestige vehicles where the right parts, fluids and service process matter.

For drivers in Bundoora and Melbourne north, a major service is one of the smartest ways to reduce surprise repairs, protect resale value and keep your vehicle feeling safe and dependable.

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Major Car Service: The Big Check Your Car Actually Needs

A major car service is designed to look beyond the obvious. It helps identify worn parts, dirty filters, tired fluids, leaks, warning signs and maintenance items that may become expensive if ignored.

Every vehicle is different, so the exact major service checklist depends on the make, model, age, kilometres and manufacturer schedule. This is especially true for BMW, Mercedes Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, Land Rover and other European vehicles.

That means a proper major service should not be copied from a generic checklist. It should be built around your vehicle.

If your car is still under warranty or follows a factory service schedule, a manufacturer compliant logbook service may be the right option. If the vehicle is older or has higher kilometres, the major service may also include extra checks based on its current condition.

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Major Service vs Minor Service: What Is the Difference?

A minor service is usually a shorter service focused on routine maintenance. It often includes an oil and filter change, fluid checks, tyre pressure check, brake check and a general safety inspection.

A major service is more detailed. It usually includes everything expected in a minor service, then adds deeper checks and replacement of selected filters, fluids or service items where required.

In plain language, a minor service keeps your vehicle on track. A major service gives it a more complete health review.

This is why many drivers book a major service before long trips, before selling a vehicle, after buying a used car, or when the vehicle is approaching a larger service interval.

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What Is Usually Included in a Major Car Service?

The exact list can change from vehicle to vehicle, but a quality major car service will usually include the following areas.

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1. Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement

Clean engine oil is essential for reducing friction, heat and internal engine wear. During a major service, the old oil is drained and replaced with oil that suits the vehicle’s specification.

The oil filter is also replaced. This helps remove contaminants from the oil as it circulates through the engine.

European vehicles often require specific oil grades and approvals. Using the wrong oil can affect performance, service life and warranty confidence, so this step should never be treated casually.

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2. Air Filter Check or Replacement

The engine air filter helps stop dust and debris from entering the engine. When it becomes dirty or blocked, your vehicle may feel slower, use more fuel or run less smoothly.

A major service may include checking or replacing the air filter, depending on its condition and the manufacturer schedule.

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3. Cabin Filter Check or Replacement

The cabin filter helps clean the air that enters the cabin through the heating and air conditioning system.

If the cabin filter is old or blocked, you may notice weaker airflow, musty smells or poor demisting. Replacing it can make the cabin feel cleaner and more comfortable.

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4. Fuel Filter or Spark Plug Replacement Where Required

Some major services include fuel filter replacement, spark plug replacement, or both. This depends heavily on the vehicle type.

Petrol vehicles may require spark plugs at certain intervals. Diesel vehicles may have fuel filter requirements. Some European vehicles also have specific procedures around these parts.

This is why the service schedule matters. A major service for one car may not be identical to a major service for another.

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5. Brake System Inspection

Brakes are one of the most important safety systems on your vehicle. During a major service, the brake system should be inspected carefully.

This may include checking brake pads, discs, brake fluid condition, brake lines and signs of uneven wear.

If your brakes are squealing, grinding, vibrating or feeling soft, it may be time to look at brake, suspension and steering repairs rather than waiting for the problem to worsen.

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6. Tyre Condition and Pressure Check

Tyres affect safety, braking, handling and fuel use. A major service should include tyre tread checks, tyre pressure checks and a look at wear patterns.

Uneven tyre wear can suggest alignment issues, suspension wear or steering problems. Catching this early can help protect both tyres and handling.

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7. Steering and Suspension Check

The steering and suspension system helps your car feel stable, smooth and controlled.

During a major car service, the technician should look for worn bushes, loose components, leaking shock absorbers, steering play and other signs of wear.

This is especially important for cars driven through stop start traffic, rough roads, speed humps or regular commuting around Bundoora, Plenty Road and Melbourne north.

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8. Cooling System Check

The cooling system stops the engine from overheating. A major service may include checking coolant level, coolant condition, hoses, radiator, thermostat area and visible leaks.

Cooling problems can become expensive quickly, especially in European vehicles. If there are signs of coolant loss, overheating or pressure problems, the vehicle may need a dedicated cooling system inspection and repair.

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9. Battery and Charging System Check

A weak battery can cause starting issues, warning lights and electrical faults. During a major service, the battery and charging system should be checked for condition and performance.

Modern vehicles rely heavily on electronics, so a weak battery can create symptoms that look like bigger problems.

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10. Fluid Levels and Fluid Condition

A major service should include checks of important fluids such as coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid where applicable, washer fluid and transmission related fluids where inspectable.

Some fluids are topped up. Others may need replacement at specific intervals. The right approach depends on the vehicle and service schedule.

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11. Belts, Hoses and Visible Leaks

Belts and hoses age over time. Heat, pressure and kilometres can cause cracking, swelling, leaks or wear.

During a major service, visible belts and hoses should be checked. If there are signs of damage, early replacement may prevent a breakdown later.

Timing belts and timing chains are separate major maintenance items. They are not always included in a standard major service, but they should be discussed when the vehicle is approaching the correct interval.

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12. Lights, Wipers and Safety Items

A good major service should also check everyday safety items such as exterior lights, indicators, wiper blades, washers, horn and visible safety concerns.

These items may seem small, but they matter for daily driving and road safety. They can also affect whether a vehicle is ready for a roadworthy inspection.

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13. Diagnostic Scan Where Needed

Modern cars store fault codes and system data. This is especially important for European vehicles with complex electronic systems.

A diagnostic scan may be recommended if warning lights are showing, if the vehicle has unusual symptoms, or if the service schedule requires electronic checks.

For deeper warning light concerns, Grimshaw Automotive also offers advanced European vehicle diagnostics and electrical repairs.

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14. Road Test and Final Checks

A road test may be used to check how the vehicle feels under real driving conditions. The technician may listen for noises, feel for vibration, check braking behaviour and notice issues that are not obvious while the vehicle is stationary.

Final checks help confirm the service has been completed properly and that the vehicle is ready to return to the customer.

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What Is Not Always Included in a Major Car Service?

This is important. A major service is detailed, but it does not mean every repair or replacement is automatically included.

Items that may be extra can include:

• Brake pad and rotor replacement
• Tyre replacement
• Wheel alignment
• Timing belt or timing chain replacement
• Transmission servicing
• Major leak repairs
• Suspension parts replacement
• Battery replacement
• Air conditioning repairs
• Fault diagnosis beyond routine service checks

A trustworthy workshop should explain these items before carrying out extra work. At Grimshaw Automotive, the goal is clear communication. If something needs attention, it should be explained in plain language before repairs go ahead.

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Why the Manufacturer Schedule Matters

Every vehicle has a recommended service schedule. This schedule explains what should be checked or replaced at each interval.

For example, one vehicle may need spark plugs at a certain kilometre interval, while another may not. One European vehicle may require a specific oil standard, while another may need a particular filter or fluid procedure.

Following the correct schedule helps maintain reliability, protect the service history and support warranty confidence where applicable.

For vehicles with digital records, Grimshaw Automotive can update digital service history where applicable, helping keep the vehicle’s maintenance record clear and complete.

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Why Major Servicing Matters for European Vehicles

European vehicles can be rewarding to own, but they need careful servicing. Many models use advanced electronics, tighter engineering tolerances and more specific fluid requirements than basic vehicles.

A major service for a BMW, Mercedes Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, Land Rover or Jaguar should be handled with the right knowledge and equipment.

That does not mean every European car needs expensive work at every visit. It means the vehicle should be checked properly, with attention to the systems that commonly affect safety, reliability and performance.

This is where Grimshaw Automotive’s European vehicle experience is valuable. The workshop is set up to support premium vehicles while still welcoming all makes and models.

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How Often Should You Book a Major Service?

There is no single answer that suits every vehicle. The right timing depends on your owner’s manual, logbook, age, kilometres and driving conditions.

As a general rule, a major service is often booked at larger service intervals or every second service, but your vehicle’s own schedule should guide the decision.

You may need servicing sooner if you:

• Drive long distances often
• Sit in heavy stop start traffic
• Tow loads
• Drive a European or prestige vehicle
• Have warning lights showing
• Notice leaks, noises or vibration
• Have an older or high kilometre vehicle

If you are unsure, ask the workshop to check your service history and recommend the right next step.

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Signs Your Car May Be Due for a Major Service

Your vehicle may be ready for a major service if you notice:

• The service reminder is showing
• The vehicle feels rough or sluggish
• Fuel use has increased
• Brakes feel soft, noisy or uneven
• Steering feels loose or shaky
• The engine is running hotter than normal
• You can see oil or coolant leaks
• There are unusual smells or noises
• The car has not had a detailed service for a long time

Small symptoms often become bigger repairs when ignored. A major service helps find issues early and gives you a clearer picture of your vehicle’s condition.

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Major Service Before Buying or Selling a Car

If you are buying a used vehicle, a major service can help, but it is not the same as a full pre purchase inspection.

A major service focuses on servicing and maintenance. A pre purchase inspection looks at the vehicle’s overall condition before you decide to buy it.

If you are selling a car, a major service can make the vehicle more presentable and give buyers more confidence. If the vehicle also needs transfer requirements, it may be worth reading our guide on what an RWC means.

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Book Major Car Servicing in Bundoora

If your vehicle is due for a major service, choose a workshop that takes the time to check it properly.

Grimshaw Automotive provides vehicle servicing and repairs from its Bundoora workshop, with a strong focus on European vehicles, diagnostics, manufacturer compliant servicing and preventative maintenance.

Whether you drive a prestige European vehicle or an everyday family car, a major service can help keep your vehicle safer, smoother and more reliable.

Book your major car service with Grimshaw Automotive in Bundoora today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in a major car service?

A major car service usually includes engine oil and filter replacement, filter checks, brake inspection, tyre checks, fluid checks, battery testing, suspension and steering checks, cooling system checks, lights and safety checks, and a road test where required. The exact checklist depends on the vehicle.

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Is a major service the same as a logbook service?

Not always. A logbook service follows the manufacturer’s schedule for your exact vehicle. A major service is a more detailed service level. Sometimes a scheduled logbook service may also be a major service, depending on the interval.

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Does a major service include brake replacement?

Brake inspection is usually included, but brake pad or rotor replacement is normally extra if those parts are worn. A good workshop should explain this before any extra repair work begins.

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Does a major service include spark plugs?

Spark plugs may be included at certain intervals for petrol vehicles, but not every major service includes them. It depends on the manufacturer schedule and the condition of the parts.

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How long does a major car service take?

A major service usually takes longer than a minor service because it includes more checks and may involve more replacement items. Timing depends on the vehicle, parts availability and whether extra faults are found.

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Why is a major service important for European cars?

European cars often have specific oil, filter, fluid and diagnostic requirements. A careful major service helps protect performance, service history and long term reliability.