What Parts Get Replaced During a Major Service?

A major service is the more thorough check-up your car needs every couple of years or every 20,000–24,000 miles (always check your manufacturer’s schedule). It goes well beyond the basics covered in a minor service, digging into components that wear down more slowly but are just as critical to safety and performance. Here’s what’s typically included.

What Is a Major Service?

Think of a major service as a full health check for your vehicle. It includes everything from a minor service — oil, oil filter, basic inspections — plus a deeper look at, and often replacement of, parts that don’t need attention every few months but do need it periodically.

Parts Commonly Replaced in a Major Service

1. Engine Oil and Oil Filter

As with a minor service, fresh oil and a new filter are standard.

2. Air Filter

If not already replaced at the last minor service, the air filter is typically swapped now.

3. Cabin Air Filter

Replaced to keep airflow and air quality inside the car in good condition.

4. Fuel Filter

Often replaced during a major service to keep fuel flowing cleanly to the engine, which supports performance and efficiency.

5. Spark Plugs

Spark plugs wear out over time and affect fuel efficiency and engine performance. A major service is a common point for replacement if they haven’t been done recently.

6. Brake Fluid

Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which can reduce braking performance. It’s commonly flushed and replaced during a major service.

7. Coolant

Coolant (antifreeze) is often flushed and replaced to protect against overheating and corrosion inside the engine and radiator.

8. Timing Belt or Chain (if due)

For vehicles with a timing belt, this is one of the most important major-service items — belts are usually replaced around 60,000–100,000 miles depending on the manufacturer, since a snapped belt can cause serious engine damage. Timing chains last longer but are still inspected.

9. Drive Belts (Serpentine/Auxiliary Belts)

These belts power components like the alternator and air conditioning compressor and are checked for cracking or wear, with replacement if needed.

10. Spark Plug Leads / Ignition Components (where applicable)

On some vehicles, related ignition parts are inspected and replaced alongside spark plugs.

What’s Thoroughly Inspected

Beyond replacements, a major service includes a deeper inspection of:

• Brake pads, discs, and calipers
• Suspension and steering components
• Exhaust system
• Battery health and charging system
• Tyres, including alignment
• Wheel bearings
• Underbody and structural components for rust or damage

Anything found worn or borderline is usually flagged with a recommendation, even if it’s not replaced as standard.

Major Service vs. Minor Service

The simplest way to think about it: a minor service maintains the basics, while a major service catches the parts that wear out more gradually but can cause serious problems if ignored — like a timing belt or degraded brake fluid.

The Bottom Line

A major service is a bigger investment than a minor one, but it’s designed to catch issues before they turn into expensive repairs or safety risks. Staying on schedule with major services is one of the best ways to protect your car’s long-term reliability.

Not sure when your car is due for a major service? Contact us and we’ll check your vehicle’s history and let you know exactly what it needs.