Living in Dubai means your car faces intense heat, heavy traffic, and sometimes long road trips across desert highways. That kind of stress adds up—and eventually, your car will show signs that it’s overdue for a major car service. But how do you know when it’s time? Is a strange sound enough? Or is it safe to wait until your next scheduled checkup?
Why Major Car Service Matters
Before jumping into the signs, it’s important to understand what a major car service includes. Unlike a minor car service—which typically covers oil changes, fluid top-ups, and quick checks—a major service involves a deep dive into your vehicle’s systems. It includes replacing the air filter, oil filter, AC filter, and engine oil filter, checking the suspension, topping up AC gas, and doing full diagnostics.
It also ensures parts like spark plugs, belts, and fluids are still in good condition.
Experts recommend a major car service every 20,000 to 30,000 km or once every 12 to 18 months, depending on usage and vehicle type. In hot climates like Dubai, you may need it even sooner.
1. Your Engine Feels Sluggish
If your car feels slow when accelerating or lacks its usual power, this could be a sign of clogged filters or dirty engine oil. Dubai’s dusty air can quickly clog up your air filter and reduce fuel combustion efficiency.
Over time, this puts unnecessary stress on the engine and lowers fuel efficiency. Replacing the engine oil filter and air filter during your major car service helps your car breathe properly again and restores performance.
2. Fuel Efficiency Drops Suddenly
Are you filling up more often than usual? A noticeable drop in fuel economy often means the engine isn’t operating efficiently. This could be due to old oil, worn spark plugs, or dirty injectors—all things addressed during a major car service.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, simple maintenance like changing a clogged air filter can improve fuel efficiency by up to 10%.
3. Your AC Isn’t Cooling Properly
In Dubai, your AC is essential. If your car takes too long to cool or doesn’t blow cold air at all, you may be low on AC gas, or your AC filter could be clogged with dust and debris.
During a major service, garages inspect and recharge the AC system, clean filters, and check for leaks. These simple fixes can make your cabin feel cool again—especially in peak summer.
4. Warning Lights Are On
Dashboard warning lights are your car’s way of asking for help. Whether it’s the check engine light, oil light, or battery alert, these signals should never be ignored. They often indicate issues with the engine, transmission, or other critical systems.
A good auto garage will use diagnostic tools to scan your car and identify hidden issues. Ignoring warning lights can result in breakdowns or more expensive repairs later.
5. Strange Noises or Vibrations
Do you hear rattling, squeaking, or grinding sounds? Maybe you feel a vibration when braking or steering? These are common signs of wear in brakes, suspension, or alignment.
During a major car service, your car mechanics will inspect the full suspension system, check brake pads, and verify alignment. They’ll also rotate tires to promote even wear. If needed, they’ll carry out tire rotation to prevent premature tire damage.
6. Your Brakes Don’t Feel Right
Soft brake pedals, delayed stopping, or squeaky sounds could mean your brake fluid is low or your pads are worn. As part of your major car service checklist, the garage will inspect the brake system, check fluids, and replace any worn components.
Delaying brake maintenance can lead to total failure—something no driver should risk.
7. You Haven’t Serviced Your Car in Over a Year
Even if your car seems fine, going too long without service is risky. Dust, heat, and stop-and-go traffic in Dubai put a lot of stress on your vehicle. Skipping regular maintenance can lead to expensive failures and unsafe driving conditions.
Luxury cars like Land Rover, Bentley, and Rolls Royce require especially detailed care. At Apex Auto Garage, we provide tailored major car services for high-end models, including Land Rover Repair Dubai, Rolls Royce Repair Dubai, and Bentley Repair Dubai. These brands have unique servicing needs—and skipping a major service can lead to system malfunctions.
What’s Included in a Major Car Service?
Here’s what you can expect when booking a major car service with a trusted car repair services provider like Apex:
- Full oil and oil filter change
- Replacement of air filter, AC filter, and engine oil filter
- Top-up or replacement of brake and transmission fluids
- Inspection and refill of AC gas
- Battery and electrical system check
- Engine diagnostics
- Tire rotation and balance
- Suspension and brake inspection
- Spark plug replacement (if required)
This complete check ensures your vehicle stays in peak shape.
Major vs Minor Car Service—Why Both Matter
A minor car service is like a regular health check-up—it keeps your car running day-to-day. But a major car service is more like a full-body scan. It digs deeper to prevent major failures.
Skipping either one can lead to bigger issues. Your local auto garage should guide you on when each is needed. At Apex Auto Garage, we customize our schedule based on your driving style, distance, and vehicle brand.
Where to Get a Major Car Service in Dubai
Searching for a garage near me doesn’t always guarantee quality. Look for a garage with trained technicians, original parts, clear pricing, and experience with multiple car brands.
Apex Auto Garage is trusted by hundreds of drivers in Dubai for both basic and complex maintenance. Whether you need routine care or brand-specific attention like Bentley Repair Dubai, we’ve got the skills and tools to help.
Conclusion
Knowing when to book a major car service can save you money, reduce stress, and keep your car in great shape. From strange noises to poor fuel economy, the warning signs are easy to spot—if you’re paying attention.
Don’t wait for a small issue to turn into a big problem. Whether you drive a daily sedan or a luxury car, regular servicing is key to protecting your investment and staying safe on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How often should I get a major car service?
Every 20,000 to 30,000 km or once every 12–18 months.
- Is a major car service necessary if my car feels fine?
Yes. Even if nothing seems wrong, internal parts still wear out and need maintenance.
- What’s the difference between a major and minor car service?
A minor car service includes oil and filter changes, while a major service includes deep inspection and multiple part replacements.
- Do luxury cars need more frequent major service?
Yes. Brands like Land Rover, Rolls Royce, and Bentley require detailed servicing with specific parts.
- Can I get a major car service at any auto garage?
It’s best to choose a trusted garage with experience in car repair services and brand-certified technicians.
