Major Service In GuildfordThe Most Thorough Service
A major service is the most comprehensive we offer — recommended every 24 months or 24,000 miles. It includes everything in a full service plus the replacement of longer-interval parts that wear out over time, such as spark plugs and fuel and air filters. It's the service that keeps an older or higher-mileage car reliable for years to come.
Major Service Done Properly
A major service is the most comprehensive we offer — recommended every 24 months or 24,000 miles. It includes everything in a full service plus the replacement of longer-interval parts that wear out over time, such as spark plugs and fuel and air filters. It's the service that keeps an older or higher-mileage car reliable for years to come.
- Quality parts and the correct oil for your engine
- One clear, upfront quote — nothing added later
- Service book stamped, warranty protected
No Other Guildford Garage Explains It Like This
Most garages just book you in and hand the keys back. We take the time to show you where your car actually is — your timing belt's condition, what the diagnostic scan really reads, and exactly which parts your major service renews. Straight answers, in plain English, before any work starts.
Interim vs Full vs Major
Not sure which service your car needs? Here's what each level covers — and roughly when it's due.
- 50+ point check
- Oil & filter change
- All fluids topped up
- Key safety checks
- 70+ point inspection
- Everything in interim
- Air filter checked
- Wheel-off brake check
- Everything in a full service
- Spark plugs (where due)
- Fuel & air filters
- Longer-interval parts
Every Check Named — No Vague ‘65-Point’ Claim
A major service is our most thorough — so here's exactly what we inspect and renew on your car in Guildford, every single point, named.
Engine & Lubrication
Fluids & Coolant
Brakes
Tyres & Wheels
Steering & Suspension
Lights & Electrical
Timing & Drive
Documentation
Which Service Do I Need?
A rough guide based on how far you drive each year. Not sure? Tell us your car and mileage and we'll advise honestly.
How Wear Parts Age Over Time
A major service replaces parts a lighter service only checks. Here's how those parts quietly wear between the big intervals.
You May Need A Major Service If…
A major service is due roughly every two years or 24,000 miles — but these signs mean it's worth booking sooner rather than later.
Inside the workshop In Guildford
A look at the team, the tools and the cars we look after every day at Giant AutoCare, Guildford.
Major Servicing You Can Actually Trust.
Honest, thorough servicing with quality parts, one clear quote and no work you didn't agree to.
People who
know their tyres.
Every fitter on our floor is trained, experienced and has been with us for years. Your wheels are in safe hands.
Need new tyres?
Fitted in under an hour.
Thousands of tyres fitted for drivers across Guildford. Call with your tyre size for an all-in quote — no pressure, no obligation.
Same-day fitting · Free tyre check · No obligation · 4.9★ from 1,200+ reviews
If there's one job never to gamble on, it's the timing belt. Snap one and the pistons and valves collide — often writing off the engine. A major service is the natural moment to check it and, if it's due, replace it before it fails.
- Timing belt condition checked at your major
- Replaced on schedule — before it can fail
- Water pump often done at the same time
- Belt-or-chain confirmed for your exact engine
Timing Belt Condition Timeline
A timing belt wears on a predictable path. Knowing where your car sits means you replace it in good time — not after it's too late.
Timing Belt Intervals By Manufacturer
A rough guide to common setups — some engines use a belt, others a chain. Always confirm against your car's handbook, and we'll check yours for you.
| Make | Common Setup | Typical Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen / Audi | Mostly cambelt (some chain) | ~4–5 yrs / 60–80k |
| Ford | Belt or wet belt by engine | Check by engine / ~10 yrs |
| BMW / Mini | Mostly timing chain | Long-life — inspect for rattle |
| Vauxhall | Belt or chain by engine | ~60k or as scheduled |
| Toyota / Honda | Mostly timing chain | Inspect; few use belts |
| Renault / Nissan | Belt or chain by engine | ~60–90k / 5–7 yrs |
When Your Car Needs A Major Service
A major service costs more because it replaces parts a lighter service only checks. Here's when it's due.
Four Types Of Fault Code Most Miss Three
A major service includes a diagnostic look-over. There's more to it than the one warning light most drivers know about.
Six ECU Systems The Scan Reads
Modern cars are full of control units. Our diagnostic scan reaches far beyond the engine to give a full health picture.
Major Service History & Your Resale Value
A complete service history isn't just paperwork — it protects your car's value and tells its story.
Why Guildford Driving Means Regular Servicing
Where and how you drive around Guildford has a real effect on how quickly your car needs attention.
Why Guildford Drivers Choose Us For A Major
You get the same schedule and standards as a main dealer — but with people who explain it properly and treat your car like their own.
- Serviced to your manufacturer's schedule, just like a dealer
- Correct-spec parts and the right oil for your engine
- Your service book stamped and history kept complete
- One clear, upfront quote — nothing added mid-job
- The same technician who gets to know your car
- Local, independent and easy to reach in Guildford
- Higher labour rates for the very same schedule
- Longer booking lead times and courtesy-car waits
- A different service advisor almost every visit
- Pressure to add extras you may not actually need
A major service puts right many of the things an MOT tester looks for — brakes, fluids, lights and worn parts — so you walk into the test far more likely to pass first time.
- Brakes & fluid checked to standard
- Worn wear-parts renewed
- All lights & wipers checked
- Advisories flagged before the test
One Drop-Off, Two Years Sorted
A service needn't cost you a day. Choose whichever suits — and we'll always confirm anything we find before doing it.
Major Service Specs By Brand
A rough guide to the oil grades common makes use — we always confirm the exact specification for your registration before we start.
| Make | Typical Oil Grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen / Audi | 5W-30 (VW spec) | Long-life spec where fitted |
| BMW / Mini | 5W-30 / 0W-30 | BMW Longlife approval |
| Ford | 5W-20 / 5W-30 | Varies by engine |
| Mercedes-Benz | 5W-30 (MB approval) | MB 229 spec |
| Toyota / Honda | 0W-20 / 5W-30 | Low-viscosity for economy |
| Vauxhall | 5W-30 (dexos) | dexos where required |
Spark Plug & Brake Fluid Reference
The consumables a major service renews, and roughly when they're due — all matched to your car's specification.
| Item | What We Fit | At A Major |
|---|---|---|
| Spark plugs | Correct-spec plugs for your engine | Renewed (petrol) |
| Air filter | Manufacturer-spec filter | Renewed |
| Fuel filter | Correct filter (where fitted) | Renewed / checked |
| Brake fluid | DOT 4 or maker spec | Typically every 2 yrs |
| Pollen / cabin filter | Correct-fit cabin filter | Renewed |
Book, Drop, Drive Away Sorted
Our workshop is right on your doorstep.
Giant Auto Care is a fixed garage based in Guildford. Customers drive to us from across Surrey — most are here within 15 minutes. Covering GU1–GU8, GU22 and GU23 postcodes and beyond.
Areas that visit our Guildford workshop
Common Questions Answered
Our Garage Is In Guildford
We're based right here in Guildford, Surrey — easy to reach from across the town and the surrounding areas. Pop in, or call ahead on 01252 323077 and we'll have everything ready for you.