# The car service checklist: every item a proper service should cover

> Source: https://motorservicing.co/blog/car-service-checklist/  
> Provider: Motor Servicing (Fuel Fixer Ltd), mobile car servicing across the United Kingdom.  
> Contact: 0333 366 1081 · Updated: 2026-07-31

_Guides · published 2026-06-06_

**A proper car service should cover engine oil and filter, air and pollen filters at the appropriate level, brake and tyre wear measured in millimetres, steering and suspension play, all fluid levels and conditions, lights, wipers and washers, battery and charging health, and a written record of every measurement.**

## Engine and oil

- Engine oil drained fully and refilled to the correct grade and approval
- New oil filter, new sump plug washer
- Oil level verified after running, and checked for leaks
- Visual inspection of belts, hoses, and the engine bay for leaks or perished rubber
- Service indicator reset where the vehicle supports it

## Filters

Filter | Changed on | Why | 

Oil filter | Every service | Removes wear particles from circulating oil | 

Air filter | Full and major | A restricted filter costs power and economy | 

Pollen / cabin filter | Major | Cabin air quality, demister performance | 

Fuel filter | Manufacturer schedule | Diesel systems especially, protects injection equipment | 

## Brakes and tyres, measured

- Brake pad thickness in millimetres, per corner, not "OK"
- Disc condition, lipping and thickness where measurable
- Brake fluid condition, moisture content on a major service
- Tyre tread depth in millimetres across the tread, per tyre
- Tyre pressures set to placard, including the spare where fitted
- Uneven wear noted, as it usually indicates alignment or suspension issues

**The measurement test**Numbers, not adjectives. A service report that says "brakes fine" is not a service report.

## Steering and suspension

- Play in track rod ends, ball joints and steering rack gaiters
- Shock absorber condition, checked for leaks and bounce
- Bushes inspected for splitting and perishing
- Wheel bearings checked for noise and play
- Driveshaft gaiters inspected, a common MOT advisory

## Electrics and visibility

- All exterior lights operated and checked, including brake and reverse
- Battery condition and charging system output tested
- Wiper blades inspected, washers topped and jets aimed
- Horn, mirrors, seatbelts and warning lights checked
- Any stored fault codes noted, even where no light is showing

## The record

The service ends with a document, not a verbal summary. It should list the date, the mileage, the level of service, every part fitted, every measurement taken, and any advisories with a timeframe attached.

That record is what protects your warranty position, your resale value and your own memory in eighteen months when you are trying to remember whether the pads were done. Every [Motor Servicing visit](https://motorservicing.co/services/full-service/) produces one automatically by email.

## Frequently asked

**How many checks should a service include?**  
Our interim service covers 39 points, the full service 42 and the major service 45. The count matters less than whether measurements are recorded.

**Should a service include an MOT?**  
No, they are separate. An MOT is a legal test at an approved station. A service is maintenance. Many drivers book them in the same month, which is sensible.

**Can a service be done at my home?**  
Yes, everything on this checklist is achievable on a private driveway with the right tools. Only ramp work and MOT testing require a workshop.


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