How Long Does A Car Service Take?

Ever found yourself wondering just how long you’ll be without your wheels during a car service? It’s hard to plan the rest of your day when you’re not sure what to expect in terms of timing. 

Truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Different cars and services can take varying amounts of time – from a quick tune-up to a more detailed inspection. 

If you’re getting a car service, ask your car technician how long they’ll have your car. But as an idea, here’s everything that needs to be taken into account when asking how long your car service will take. 

Car servicing 101

Regular servicing is crucial for keeping you and everyone else safe on the road. It’s all about following a set schedule to make sure your car stays in great shape. This keeps your car reliable and safe to drive, and helps avoid bigger problems down the road (pun intended) by catching issues early on. 

Better performance means better efficiency which means more money saved on any repairs or surprise breakdowns. 

What impacts your car service time? 

When you drop your car off for service, a few key things can determine how long it’ll be before you’re back on the road. 

Complexity of service

What’s getting done during your car’s service? The scope of work has a big impact. 

A quick oil change might just take a short while, but if your brakes need a complete overhaul, that’s going to take longer. And if it’s time for a major service – think a deep dive into all your vehicle’s systems – you’re looking at the longest wait times. 

Basically, the more comprehensive the service, the more time it’ll take. 

Condition of your vehicle

How well has your car been maintained? Older cars, or those that have missed a few service dates, might have more issues that need fixing, which can extend the time your car spends in the shop. 

Things like rusted parts and older, harder-to-find major components might also need special attention or parts ordered in, which adds to the clock. 

Technician availability and skill 

Having the pros work on your car makes a big difference. Experienced technicians can spot and fix problems faster, but their availability might vary. If the shop is busy or if there aren’t enough hands on deck, this can stretch out the time. 

Workshop efficiency

How well the service centre runs plays a part too. A shop with up-to-date equipment and a smooth-running team can handle jobs faster and more efficiently, which means less waiting for you. Workshops that keep their gear and skills sharp tend to get cars in and out at a faster rate. 

Typical duration for different service types

Having a rough idea of the types of services and how long they take on average can help you plan your day better. Here’s (roughly) what you can expect when you drop your car off. 

Basic or minor service

Generally, a basic service will take about 1 to 2 hours. This typically includes an oil and filter change, a top-up of all the essential fluids (like brake fluid), and a check of the lights, tyres, exhaust, and brakes. It’s a quick once-over to make sure everything is functioning well and can keep you rolling until more thorough safety checks are needed. 

Full service

A full service can take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours, depending on your vehicle and the service centre you choose. This includes all the checks of a basic service, plus a deeper inspection of the engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension systems. It often includes the replacement of air filters, fuel filters, and a more detailed look at your car’s overall health. 

Major service

This is the most comprehensive type of service. It can take anywhere from 5 to 8 hours, although sometimes this can extend if any serious issues are found. 

A major service includes all of the features of a full service, with additional replacements like spark plugs, timing belt (depending on your mileage), and water pump checks. This service is aimed at thoroughly maintaining your vehicle to help prevent future major repairs. 

Add-on services

Your car service technician may recommend additional services as they come up, like tyre changes, wheel alignments, air conditioning repairs, or even detailed engine diagnostics. All of these will understandably add more to your total service time. 

For instance, a tyre replacement might add an hour, while more complex tasks like air conditioning repairs could extend the service by a couple of hours. Planning these in conjunction with regular service visits can save time overall, and prevent extra trips to the service centre. 

Tips to reduce your service time

Want to make your car service as quick and smooth as possible? Here are a few tips that can help streamline the process and reduce your wait time. 

Scheduling tips

Sometimes it’s all about choosing the right time to book your service. A simple call to the service centre when booking can give you an idea if any quieter periods are coming up; service centres will likely know their own flow and can advise accordingly. 

Pre-service checklist

Before you bring your car in, take a few minutes to check it over yourself. Look for any obvious issues that you can point out and make sure there’s nothing obstructing access to key areas of the car, like the boot or under the seats. 

While not a requirement, it can be nice to remove your personal items and clear the glove compartment and console of clutter so the technicians won’t have to manoeuvre around them or move them during the service. 

Direct communication

When you drop off your car, have a quick but thorough chat with the technician. Let them know of any specific issues you’ve noticed or any recent concerns you might have with your car’s performance. This can help focus the diagnostic process and potentially speed up the service since they’ll have a clear starting point. 

Consistent car maintenance

Make sure your car is serviced regularly and gets its regular maintenance checks between the bigger services! Sometimes it can feel like a bit of a pain, but there’s a reason your car has its service schedule that its manufacturers recommend. It’s the best way to ensure your car is in top condition and could reduce service costs in the long run. Follow your car’s log book to know what’s coming. 

Need a quick, reliable car service? 

At John Hughes, we’re committed to getting you back on the road fast. Clear communication, no surprises, just expert care tailored to you. Keep your car running smoothly – get your car service quote and book your spot today.