Minor Service vs. Major Service: What's the Difference? [2025]

When your car's maintenance light comes on, you face a choice: do you need a minor or a major service? Many car owners are confused about the difference between these two services. However, making the right choice can save you hundreds of euros and significantly extend the life of your car. In this comprehensive guide, we explain the difference between minor and major services, what each service involves, and when each service is needed.

What is a minor service?

A minor service is the basic maintenance for your car and is usually performed annually or every 15,000 kilometers. During a minor service, the mechanic checks your car's most important systems and replaces consumables that require regular maintenance.

What happens during a minor service?

• Change engine oil – The old engine oil is drained and replaced with fresh oil according to the manufacturer's specifications
• Replace oil filter – The oil filter is replaced to filter contaminants from the oil
• Check tire pressure – All tires are checked and, if necessary, inflated to the correct pressure
• Check brakes – Visual inspection of brake discs, brake pads and brake system
• Checking fluids – Coolant, windshield washer fluid and brake system are checked and topped up
• Testing lighting – All lamps are checked for proper functioning
• Check assumption expression – Quick visual inspection of suspension components

The minor service takes on average 1 to 1.5 hours and costs between €120 and €200, depending on your car make and the type of engine oil required. For a minor service at Faay Auto Groep We offer transparent prices starting from €145, including original parts.

What is a Major Service?

A major service is a more comprehensive maintenance package, usually recommended every two years or every 30,000 kilometers. A major service includes not only the same work as a minor service, but also additional inspections and replacements of parts that require less frequent maintenance.

What happens during a major service?

In addition to all the work involved in a minor service, a major service includes:

• Replace air filter – Ensures optimal combustion and engine performance
• Replacing the pollen filter (cabin filter) – For clean air in the cabin
• Replacing spark plugs (petrol engine) – For optimal ignition and fuel consumption
• Replace fuel filter (diesel engine) – Keeps fuel system clean
• Change brake fluid – Essential for safe braking performance
• Check timing belt – Inspection for wear (replacement if necessary separately)
• Extensive chassis check – Complete inspection of all suspension components, drive shafts and rubbers
• Check cooling system – Including thermostat and cooling hoses
• Inspect exhaust system – On leaks and corrosion

A major service takes an average of 2.5 to 3.5 hours and costs between €300 and €550, depending on the car make and the parts required. Faay Auto Group We offer complete major services from €375 using branded parts.

Main Differences Between Minor and Major Service

To make it clear, we have listed the most important differences:

Aspect	Minor Service	Major Service
Frequency	Annual / 15,000 km	Every 2 years / 30,000 km
Duration	1-1.5 hours	2.5-3.5 hours
Costs	€120-€200	€300-€550
Change engine oil	✓	✓
Replace oil filter	✓	✓
Replace air filter	✗	✓
Replacing the pollen filter	✗	✓
Replacing spark plugs	✗	✓
Change brake fluid	✗	✓
Extensive chassis check	Limited	Complete

The main difference is in the scope: a minor service focuses on the most critical consumables, while a major service provides a complete overview of the condition of your car and also replaces parts that require less frequent attention.

When Do You Need a Minor Service?

You need a minor service when:

• Your car has driven approximately 15,000 kilometers since its last service
• A year has passed since the last maintenance (even with low mileage)
• The maintenance light on the dashboard comes on
• You notice that the engine runs less smoothly
• The APK inspection is approaching and you want to avoid problems

Note: Even if you drive very little, annual maintenance is important. Engine oil also degrades when the car is stationary, and rubber seals and hoses can dry out. For cars that primarily make short trips (city driving), more frequent minor maintenance may be necessary because the engine operates under more demanding conditions.

When Do You Need a Major Service?

A major service is indicated when:

• Your car has driven approximately 30,000 kilometers since the last major service
• Two years have passed since the last major service
• You notice noticeable changes in performance or driving behavior
• You have an older car (over 100,000 km) that needs extra attention
• According to the maintenance booklet a major service is prescribed
• You recently purchased the car and the maintenance history is unclear

Some car parts, such as the timing belt, have specific replacement intervals that often coincide with a major service. For many cars, it's recommended to replace the timing belt between 90,000 and 150,000 kilometers, depending on the make and model.

Cost Savings: Can You Skip a Major Service?

It can be tempting to cut costs by skipping a major service and only having minor ones performed. However, this is a risky strategy that can be more expensive in the long run.

Why not skip a major service?

• Safety: Brake fluid attracts moisture and loses effectiveness after 2 years, which reduces braking performance
• Prevent engine damage: A clogged air filter can lead to increased fuel consumption and engine damage
• Expensive repairs: Problems discovered during a major service are cheaper to repair before they become worse
• Warranty: For some warranties, regular major maintenance is mandatory
• Sales value: A complete maintenance booklet significantly increases the resale value

On average, postponing a major service ultimately costs two to three times more due to the larger repairs that become necessary. A clogged fuel filter, for example, can lead to injector problems that can cost €800-€1,200, while the filter itself only costs €45-€75 to replace.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I have a minor service carried out?

A minor service should be performed annually or every 15,000 kilometers (9,000 miles), whichever comes first. For cars primarily driven in the city or on short journeys, an interval of 10,000-12,000 kilometers (6,000-7,500 miles) may be more sensible, as the engine operates under more demanding conditions. Always check your car's maintenance manual for the manufacturer's recommended interval.

What will a minor service cost on average in 2025?

The cost of a minor service varies between €120 and €200, depending on the car brand, the amount of engine oil required, and the type of oil (mineral, semi-synthetic, or fully synthetic). Premium brands like BMW, Mercedes, or Audi are often more expensive due to higher oil requirements and parts. At Faay Auto Groep in Nieuwegein, we offer minor services starting from €145 with transparent pricing.

Can I decide for myself whether I need a minor or major service?

You can follow the basic guidelines (minor service annually/15,000 km, major service every 2 years/30,000 km), but it's always wise to consult your car's maintenance manual. Each car manufacturer has specific recommendations. If in doubt, you can also contact a specialist who can provide advice based on your mileage, driving habits, and car model. Call Faay Auto Groep at 030 601 99 15 for personalized advice.

What happens if I wait too long for a turn?

If you wait too long for maintenance, several problems can arise: old engine oil loses its lubricating properties, which can lead to engine damage, dirty filters limit performance and increase fuel consumption, and moisture in the brake fluid reduces braking effectiveness. Severe neglect can lead to engine damage, costing thousands of euros in repairs. Furthermore, failure to follow the prescribed maintenance may void your manufacturer's or dealer's warranty.

Do I have to go to a brand dealer for a service or can I also go to a private garage?

You're not obligated to go to a branded dealer for maintenance unless your car is still under manufacturer's warranty and the dealer requires it. Independent garages like Faay Auto Groep can perform maintenance using original or equivalent quality parts, often at a more attractive price. It's important that the garage works according to manufacturer specifications and records all work in the maintenance log. This preserves the value of your car and any warranties remain valid.

Is there a difference between maintenance intervals for petrol and diesel engines?

Yes, there are some differences. Diesel engines often have a diesel particulate filter that needs to regenerate regularly and may require specific engine oil (e.g., low SAPS oil). A major service often involves replacing the fuel filter on diesel engines, while the spark plugs are replaced on gasoline engines. Due to their design, diesel engines may also have slightly longer service intervals, although this varies by make and model. Always consult the maintenance schedule for your specific engine.

Conclusion: Make the Right Choice for Your Car

The difference between a minor and a major service lies in the scope and purpose. A minor service is the basic annual maintenance that keeps your car running smoothly, while a major service is a more comprehensive maintenance routine that also includes replacing parts that require less frequent attention. Both are essential for the longevity, safety, and reliability of your car.

Don't skip maintenance to save money – it always ends up being more expensive. By investing in regular maintenance, you prevent costly repairs, maintain your car's value, and drive more safely.

Does your car need maintenance? Schedule a minor or major service appointment now at Faay Auto Groep. Our experienced mechanics use genuine parts and offer transparent pricing. Call 030 601 99 15 or book your service online. We're ready to assist you in Nieuwegein!