What Mechanics Actually Do in a Full Car Service (and What They Skip!)
When you book a full car service, you're expecting a complete health check-up for your vehicle, inside and out. But have you ever wondered what really goes on behind the garage doors?
Are all 50+ checkpoints actually covered? Are parts genuinely checked or just ticked off a list?
At MyFNG, India’s most trusted car service aggregator, we believe in transparency. This blog breaks down what mechanics truly do during a full car service and what often gets skipped, whether intentionally or not.
What Should Be Included in a Full Car Service
A full car service is typically recommended every 10,000 to 15,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Here is what a comprehensive full-service should include:
1. Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement
This is essential. Mechanics must drain the old oil, replace the oil filter, and refill the engine with the correct grade of fresh oil suited for your car.
2. Air Filter and Cabin Filter Cleaning or Replacement
Air filters help your engine breathe clean air. Cabin filters protect the air you breathe inside the car. Both should be inspected and either cleaned or replaced depending on their condition.
3. Coolant Top-Up and Radiator Check
Your engine cooling system must be inspected for leaks and topped up with the appropriate coolant to prevent overheating.
4. Brake Fluid and Brake Pad Inspection
Brake pads should be measured for wear and tear. Mechanics must also check brake fluid levels and top up or flush if needed.
5. Battery Condition Check
The battery terminals should be cleaned, connections tightened, and the voltage tested. If the battery is not maintenance-free, distilled water should be added if required.
6. Tyre Tread, Rotation and Air Pressure
Tyre rotation ensures even wear, which extends tyre life. Tread depth should be measured, and tyre pressure should be adjusted to the manufacturer's specifications.
7. Suspension and Steering Components
Shock absorbers, ball joints, and steering rack ends should be checked for play or damage, especially if the car frequently drives on rough roads.
8. Lights, Wipers, Horn, Indicators
Every light, including headlamps, brake lights, turn indicators, reverse lights, and fog lamps, should be tested. Wipers and the horn should also be checked for proper function.
9. AC System Health Check
Mechanics should test AC performance, inspect the compressor, and check refrigerant levels.
10. Engine Scanning and Diagnostic Codes
Modern cars come with onboard diagnostics (OBD). Mechanics should scan the system for fault codes and interpret them correctly.
What Often Gets Skipped or Done Superficially
Now let’s talk about what typically gets overlooked, especially at unverified or budget garages.
1. Filter Replacements
Instead of replacing filters, some garages simply blow compressed air through clogged filters. This quick fix is not a proper solution. Cabin filters are often ignored entirely.
2. Brake Pad Measurements
Rather than using proper tools to measure brake pad thickness, many mechanics rely on visual car inspection. This is risky and imprecise.
3. Battery Testing
Unless you complain about starting issues, many garages do not test the battery. Voltage and load tests are skipped, even if the battery is weak.
4. Tyre Rotation
Rotating tyres takes time and effort. If not specifically requested, this task is commonly omitted.
5. Suspension Check
Unless there is a complaint about noise or ride comfort, suspension parts are often left unchecked.
6. Fluid Top-Ups
Coolant, brake fluid, and washer fluid are often marked as "OK" on checklists without proper car inspection. Actual fluid top-ups may never happen.
Why These Things Get Skipped
The reasons are fairly common:
- Lack of standardisation across garages
- Time pressure to complete jobs quickly
- Mechanics assume customers won’t check
- Cutting corners to reduce service costs
- No accountability or transparency
This is why MyFNG exists: to ensure a standardised, professional car servicing experience you can rely on.
How MyFNG Delivers a Complete and Transparent Service
With MyFNG, you are never left wondering what was done. Here's how we ensure you get what you pay for:
- Digital job cards that show every task and checkpoint
- Before and after images to confirm what was cleaned, replaced, or left unchanged
- A strict 50+ point checklist followed by all partner garages
- Mechanic background checks and regular quality audits
- Only genuine parts with a warranty are used across all car service centres
Warning Signs at Local Garages
If you are not using MyFNG yet, watch out for these red flags:
- No photos or proof of parts replaced
- Old filters are not shown to the customer
- No clear explanation of what was done
- Lack of any diagnostic or test drive report
- Rushed service with minimal communication
Smart Questions to Ask Your Mechanic
Here are a few quick questions to ensure you are not being shortchanged:
- Can you show me the old air and oil filters?
- Did you rotate the tyres?
- What is the current brake pad thickness?
- Was a diagnostic scan done? Can I see the report?
- Were the coolant and brake fluids topped up or changed?
Mechanics should be able to answer these confidently. If they hesitate, it is a sign that something might have been skipped.
Final Thoughts
A full car service is not just about changing the engine oil. It is about maintaining safety, performance, and long-term reliability. Unfortunately, many car owners end up paying for a full service but receive only half the care.
With MyFNG, you no longer have to guess or follow up endlessly. Every service is trackable, visual, and completely transparent. So next time your car is due for a service, skip the uncertainty. Book with MyFNG and experience the difference of a truly professional car service.