Whether you drive a reliable daily ride or a luxury brand like Rolls Royce or Bentley, your car needs more than just a quick oil change to stay in peak shape. That’s where a major car service comes in. It’s a complete inspection, replacement, and tune-up that protects your car from breakdowns, ensures safety, and keeps your vehicle running like new.
We are take you inside the garage with Dubai’s luxury car experts and show you exactly what a major car service includes, why it matters, and how it’s tailored to both everyday drivers and high-end vehicle owners.
What Is a Major Car Service?
A major car service is a detailed, full-service check that covers every important system in your vehicle. It goes beyond what a minor car service includes and is typically scheduled every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers or once every 12–18 months. However, in tough driving conditions—like the heat and dust of Dubai—you may need it sooner.
This service includes filter replacements, fluid checks, diagnostics, brake inspections, and more. It’s not just a recommendation—it’s a requirement for long-term performance, especially for luxury vehicles that have more complex systems.
What Does a Major Car Service Include?
Let’s walk through the complete major car service checklist and explore each part with details.
1. Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement
Fresh engine oil keeps your engine running smoothly. During a major service, both the oil and the engine oil filter are replaced to ensure clean lubrication and protect against engine wear.
Old oil causes sludge buildup, reduced performance, and overheating.
2. Air Filter Replacement
The air filter keeps dirt and dust out of your engine. In Dubai’s dusty environment, this gets clogged faster than in cooler climates. Replacing the air filter improves fuel economy and engine efficiency.
3. AC Filter and AC Gas Check
The AC filter (also called the cabin filter) ensures clean air inside your car. It catches pollen, dust, and pollution. The technician also checks AC gas levels and recharges it if needed so your AC keeps cooling properly, which is crucial in UAE summers.
4. Brake System Inspection and Fluid Check
Brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid are all inspected. The major car service includes topping up or flushing the fluid, checking wear on the pads, and inspecting the system for safety. Any soft braking or squeaking can be signs of trouble.
5. Suspension and Steering Check
A full inspection of the suspension system is part of every major service. The team will look for wear in bushings, shocks, and joints. The steering system is also inspected for tightness and control.
6. Tire Rotation and Wheel Alignment Check
Tire rotation is done to ensure even wear, which improves handling and extends tire life. A wheel alignment check may also be recommended during the major car service, especially if your car pulls to one side or the steering feels off.
7. Battery and Charging System Test
The battery’s voltage and charging system are tested. If needed, a replacement is suggested. A weak battery is one of the top causes of breakdowns in Dubai, especially during summer.
8. Spark Plug Replacement
If required by the vehicle’s mileage, spark plugs are replaced during a major service. This helps your engine start smoother and run cleaner.
9. Engine Diagnostics
A major car service includes running a diagnostic scan of your vehicle’s onboard computer systems. This helps identify issues you can’t see, like faulty sensors, emissions problems, or misfires.
Modern luxury cars like Rolls Royce and Bentley have complex systems that require special tools and software.
10. Transmission and Coolant Checks
Transmission fluid and engine coolant are both checked and topped up or replaced as needed. These are vital for temperature control and smooth gear shifts.
Why It’s Important for Luxury Vehicles
Cars like Land Rover, Bentley, and Rolls Royce have advanced systems and performance standards. They require expert care to function properly. At Apex Auto Garage, our car mechanics are trained in Rolls Royce Repair Dubai, Bentley Repair Dubai, and Land Rover Repair Dubai—so your luxury car gets manufacturer-level service.
Skipping or delaying a major car service on these vehicles can lead to electronic malfunctions, suspension failure, and reduced engine life.
Major Car Service vs Minor Car Service
Still confused about what sets them apart?
Feature |
Minor Car Service |
Major Car Service |
Oil & Oil Filter |
✔️ |
✔️ |
Air Filter |
❌ |
✔️ |
AC Filter & Gas |
❌ |
✔️ |
Spark Plugs |
❌ |
✔️ |
Battery Test |
✔️ |
✔️ |
Brake Inspection |
✔️ |
✔️ |
Engine Diagnostics |
❌ |
✔️ |
Suspension & Steering |
❌ |
✔️ |
Tire Rotation |
Optional |
✔️ |
As you can see, major car services are much more detailed and vital to long-term car care.
How Often Should You Get a Major Car Service?
- Normal Conditions: Every 20,000 to 30,000 km
- Dubai Conditions: Every 15,000 to 20,000 km
Dubai’s high heat, sandy roads, and stop-and-go traffic wear your car down faster. That’s why we recommend slightly more frequent service intervals—especially if your vehicle is a luxury brand or used daily.
Where to Get a Major Car Service in Dubai?
Apex Auto Garage is a trusted name for professional car repair services. Whether you need routine work or luxury car servicing, our team provides everything under one roof—from diagnostics and inspections to tire rotation and wheel alignment near me.
We’re not just an auto garage—we’re a complete car care partner for Dubai drivers.
Real Example: Bentley Saved from Breakdown
A recent customer brought in a Bentley after skipping his major car service for over 40,000 km. The oil filter was blocked, the AC gas was low, and the engine oil filter hadn’t been changed in nearly two years.
By the time he visited our garage near me, the vehicle was overheating, and engine components were starting to fail. A complete major service saved the car and avoided a repair bill of over AED 20,000.
Why Routine Major Car Service Pays Off
Here’s what you gain when you stay consistent with your major car services:
- Smoother engine performance
- Better fuel economy
- Quieter cabin and drive
- Longer engine and brake life
- Safer handling
- Fewer breakdowns
- Higher resale value
Conclusion
Now that you know what a major car service includes, it’s clear why it matters so much—especially in Dubai’s extreme conditions. From oil and filters to diagnostics and AC care, every part of the service plays a role in protecting your car’s health.
Whether you own a compact car or a luxury machine like a Rolls Royce, regular servicing isn’t optional—it’s essential. At Apex Auto Garage, we specialize in detailed, professional major car services for all types of vehicles.
So next time you’re due for maintenance, don’t delay. Book your service with experienced car mechanics who know your car inside and out.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does a major car service take?
It usually takes 3 to 5 hours depending on the vehicle type and services needed.
- Can I skip a major service if I just did a minor one?
No. A minor car service handles only basic maintenance. Skipping your major car service can lead to serious issues.
- How much does a major car service cost in Dubai?
It varies by vehicle, but average pricing ranges from AED 1,200 to AED 3,500 for luxury cars.
- Do you offer brand-specific services like Land Rover Repair Dubai?
Yes. We specialize in Land Rover, Bentley, and Rolls Royce Repair Dubai with original parts and brand-trained technicians.
- Is tire rotation included in a major service?
Yes. Tire rotation is part of a full major car service checklist at Apex Auto Garage.