30 October 2025

What’s Included in a Full Car Service?

When was the last time you gave your car the attention it truly deserves? Most drivers know they should book regular servicing, but many aren’t quite sure what’s included in a full service or why it matters beyond ticking a box.

Here’s the thing: a proper full car service isn’t just a quick health check; it’s a thorough, preventative inspection that catches problems before they become expensive repairs or leave you stranded at the roadside.

At Sunrise Service & MOT Centre, we’ve been providing detailed MOT and service work for over 25 years, and we’re here to walk you through exactly what happens when you book a full service with us. And if you’ve Googled ‘car service near me’, one call is all it takes to book your vehicle in with us.

Engine Oil and Oil Filter

Let’s start with the heart of your car: the engine. Engine oil is your engine’s lifeblood, lubricating moving parts, reducing friction, and preventing overheating. Over time, oil breaks down and collects contaminants, which is why both the engine oil and oil filter are replaced during every professional car service.

Fresh oil means your engine runs smoother, lasts longer, and performs better. We use quality oils suited to your vehicle’s specifications, and we’ll always explain what we’re using and why. It’s a simple change that makes a massive difference to your car’s reliability and longevity.

Lights, Tyres, Bodywork and Exhausts

Now that your engine’s sorted, we move on to the visual and functional checks that keep you safe and legal on the road. Every full car service includes a comprehensive inspection of your lights (headlights, brake lights, indicators, and fog lights), ensuring they’re all working properly and aimed correctly.

We’ll check your tyres for tread depth, uneven wear, and damage, and adjust pressures to manufacturer specifications. Your bodywork gets a visual inspection for damage or corrosion, and we’ll examine your exhaust system for leaks, rust, or loose mountings.

Think of it as a detailed car servicing checklist that covers everything from bumper to boot. If we spot worn tyres or brakes, we’ll let you know what needs attention and when.

Brakes and Steering

Your ability to stop and steer safely is non-negotiable, which is why a thorough brake check and steering check are essential parts of any MOT and service work. We inspect brake pads and discs for wear, check brake fluid condition, and test the handbrake’s effectiveness.

Steering components, including the rack, tie rods, and power steering system, are examined for play, leaks, or damage. These aren’t just mechanical checks; they’re about keeping you, your passengers, and other road users safe. If your brakes feel spongy or your steering seems loose, a full service will identify the cause and give you peace of mind that everything’s working as it should.

Fluid and Coolant Levels

Your car relies on several vital fluids to function properly, and checking fluid levels is a key part of any comprehensive service.

We’ll inspect and top up:

  • Brake Fluid: Essential for responsive braking
  • Coolant: Prevents your engine from overheating
  • Power Steering Fluid: Keeps steering smooth and effortless
  • Windscreen Washer Fluid: Maintains clear visibility

Low or contaminated fluids can lead to poor performance, component damage, or even complete failure. Our car servicing checklist ensures every fluid is at the correct level and in good condition, so you can drive away knowing your car’s systems are properly maintained and protected.

Suspension Check

Suspension might not be the first thing you think about, but it’s crucial for both comfort and control. A well-maintained car suspension system absorbs bumps, keeps your tyres in contact with the road, and ensures predictable handling in all conditions.

During a full car service, we inspect shock absorbers, springs, and suspension mountings for wear, leaks, or damage. Common signs of suspension problems include a bouncy ride, uneven tyre wear, or clunking noises over bumps.

Catching these issues early prevents more serious (and expensive) problems down the line and keeps your car driving smoothly and safely.

Battery Health

Even the most reliable car won’t start without a healthy battery. Our battery health check includes testing voltage, checking connections for corrosion, and assessing overall battery condition.

Batteries typically last three to five years, but extreme temperatures and short journeys can shorten their lifespan. If your battery’s showing signs of ageing or struggling to hold a charge, we’ll let you know and can replace it on the spot if needed.

At Sunrise Service & MOT Centre, we stock quality batteries for all makes and models, so you won’t be left without power when you need it most.

Why Choose Sunrise Service & MOT Centre for Your Service?

After more than 20 years in business and 8,000+ satisfied customers, we’ve built our reputation on honest advice, quality workmanship, and genuine care for every vehicle that comes through our doors.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • GroupAuto Approved Garage: Recognised for meeting the highest industry standards
  • Experienced, Skilled Team: We’ve been fixing cars in Blandford Forum for over two decades
  • No Upsells or Pressure Tactics: Just transparent recommendations based on what your car actually needs
  • One-Stop Shop: From routine servicing to specialist repairs, we handle it all under one roof

When you’re looking for what’s included in a full service, you want a garage that’s thorough, trustworthy, and local. That’s exactly what you get with our professional car service. We’ll talk you through everything we find, explain any issues in plain English, and never leave you guessing about the work your car needs.

Book Your Full Service in Blandford Today

Don’t wait for unusual noises or dashboard warning lights to remind you that your car needs attention. A comprehensive MOT and service keeps your vehicle reliable, safe, and performing at its best, while ensuring it is road legal.

From a complete brake check and steering check to battery health check, fluid levels, and car suspension inspection, we cover every detail, so you don’t have to worry.

Call us today on 01258 459 798 or fill in our contact form to book your full service with Sunrise Service & MOT Centre.

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