WHICH CAR CHECK IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Why do I need a car check or service?

Servicing your car acts as a form of preventative maintenance, ensuring that it’s running smoothly and is less likely to break down. Our experts recommend that all vehicles are serviced regularly. During a check-up, any problems can be spotted and tackled before they get worse. Unlike an MOT, car checks and services are not a legal requirement, but they can help to keep your car safe and roadworthy throughout the year.

How can I book my car check or service?

To book a vehicle check or service, add your vehicle registration and postcode to our Car Servicing finder and you’ll see a whole range of options to choose from. You can read more about each service and check below.

We guarantee all parts and labour for 12 months for your peace of mind.

10-Point Car Health Check

What's included?

During our 10-Point Car Health Check, one of our technicians will inspect the following:

• Headlights and brake lights
• Wiper blade condition
• Battery health
• Windscreen condition
• Tyre tread depth and condition
• Tyre pressure (and top up if needed)
• MOT due date (UK only)
• Oil level
• Screenwash (and top up if needed)
• AdBlue and coolant levels

This basic check should take around half an hour to complete, and once done, you can drive away happy.

Car Safety Inspection

What's included?

Our 30-point Car Safety Inspection goes much further than our 10-Point Winter Car Health Check and is only available in our garages. As well as necessary fluid and vehicle safety checks, we go over your vehicle from top to bottom, testing and trying many of the safety and mechanical systems that you rely upon.

During the check, our technicians will check your brakes, steering, suspension, tyres and much more, as well as visibly assessing fluid levels and identifying any potential issues. This comprehensive vehicle safety check will take around an hour to complete.

The Car Safety Inspection check is advised for vehicles that have been left standing for long periods, or if you've recently bought a new car and want to have it checked by a professional to make sure that everything’s working well.

Diagnostic Check

What's included?

If you've noticed any worrying lights on your dashboard, then a Diagnostic Check will quickly identify the problem - and the solution. At Halfords, our ATA-trained technicians use specialised car diagnostic test equipment to read fault codes and can identify any necessary repairs.

A quick diagnostic check when a fault is first identified can reduce the likelihood of problems developing down the line that can lead to costly repairs. It's often used to identify rough or misfiring engines, but the general rule is: if there's a warning light, then there's a code.

Diagnostic checks are only required if you experience a problem and aren't necessary at any other time.

Interim Service

When:  Every 6 months or in-between annual services (if you are exceeding 2,000 miles a month)

What's included?

Our Interim Service is focused on keeping your car on the road for as long as possible. It starts with a 50-point safety check, which identifies any issues that could lead to a costly and inconvenient breakdown.

Your oil filter will be replaced with a part of Original Equipment (OE) quality, and we use the correct oil grades for your car, every time.

This will protect your engine and maintain your warranty. All work is guaranteed for up to 24,000 miles or 2 years, whichever is sooner.

Full Service

When: Every year (or 12,000 miles)

What's included?

During a Full Service, a mechanic will carry out a 77-point check of your vehicle, assessing the condition of crucial parts, systems and components. They will inspect key safety and mechanical systems, ensuring everything is functioning as it should.

As part of a Full Service, you'll get new oil and air filters, and an oil change. They'll also check and top-up brake fluid, gearbox fluid, AdBlue, coolant and top up the screenwash if needed.

One of the most important parts of a Full Service is the detailed vehicle inspection of your car by an expert. They can spot any mechanical, electrical or safety issues that could cause an MOT fail – and more importantly, affect your safety on the roads.

At Halfords, we go further than most main-dealer service packages, getting to the heart of your car to ensure it's safe.

Your car should receive a full-service or major service every year (or 12,000 miles on the road).

Major Service

When: Every 2 years (or 24,000 miles)

What's included?

The Major Service is our most comprehensive car service which includes everything you get in a Full Service, with some added extras that manufacturers recommend are replaced every two years. The Major Service includes a Brake Fluid Change (worth up to £39.99), and a Cabin Filter replacement (worth up to £60).

Free Battery Health Check

What is it?

During our Free Battery Health Check, our expert technicians will check your battery's key health indicators, such as its charging and 'cranking' capabilities. If we find you need a replacement, we'll advise you of the cost of a new car battery upfront - with no obligation for you to purchase one.

Why should I have it?

Your battery deteriorates even if it has been used for short trips, so if you're experiencing problems with your car battery, especially if it has been stationary for some time, or are unsure when your battery was last replaced, we recommend you get a battery check.

Free Tyre Check

Your tyres play a critical job in keeping you safe on the road. If you've experienced poor handling or are just worried about the condition of your vehicle, book one today. Your tyres play a critical role in your safety, so never take them for granted.

Why should I have this check?

Your tyres play a critical job in keeping you safe on the road. If you've experienced poor handling, or are just worried about the condition of your vehicle book one today. Your tyres play a critical role in your safety, so never take them for granted.

Steering Inspection

When you book a Steering Inspection, our experts will assess your steering issues to find the cause of the problem and talk you through the solution. We’ll assess the major components of your steering, including power steering fluid, steering geometry, and more.

Why should I have this check?

If your car is understeering, oversteering, or simply not steering, then this check is for you. Hard or loose steering can make handling a vehicle difficult, which can be dangerous, so we advise you get it checked as soon as possible.