Ask five garages in Dubai what a "major service" includes and you may get five different answers. Terms like minor, interim, full and major are not standard, which makes quotes hard to compare. This guide explains what each level usually covers and how to make sure you get what your car actually needs.
Minor service: the essentials
A minor (or interim) service keeps the engine healthy between bigger services. It usually includes:
- Engine oil change to the correct specification
- New oil filter
- Top-up of coolant, brake fluid, power-steering fluid (where fitted) and washer fluid
- Visual checks of tyres, brakes, lights, wipers, belts and hoses
- A look underneath for leaks
- Service indicator reset
Major service: the deeper check
A major service includes everything in a minor service, plus items that wear over longer periods:
- Air filter and cabin (AC) filter replacement
- Fuel filter where the car has a serviceable one
- Spark plugs when they are due for your engine
- Brake fluid replacement (most makers say every two years)
- A detailed inspection of brakes, suspension, steering, exhaust, drive belts and the underbody
- Battery and charging test
- A computer diagnostic scan for stored faults
Manufacturer services: the real reference
Many modern cars don't use "minor" and "major" at all. Mercedes alternates Service A and B, BMW lists individual items under Condition Based Service, and VW/Audi and many Japanese brands specify services by distance and time. The best service is the one your manufacturer specifies for your car's mileage and age, adjusted for Dubai conditions. See our guide to Mercedes Service A vs B.
How often in Dubai?
Follow your service booklet first. Heat, dust and stop-start traffic usually count as "severe use", so many Dubai drivers do a minor service (oil and filter) around every 10,000 km or six months, with a major service once a year or every 20,000 to 40,000 km depending on the car. Read more in how often to change engine oil in the UAE.
Questions to ask before you book
- What exactly is included? Ask for the list, not just the name of the package.
- Which oil? Ask for the approval code that matches your handbook (for example MB 229.5, BMW LL-01 or VW 504 00).
- Which filters and parts are replaced, and which are only "checked"?
- Are spark plugs and brake fluid included or extra?
- Is a diagnostic scan included?
- Will you call me before doing anything extra?
- Do I get an itemised invoice for my service record?
Watch out for "everything at once"
A good garage reads what your car is actually due for. Replacing every filter and fluid at every visit "just in case" costs you money without helping the car. Equally, skipping brake fluid or spark plugs for years to keep a price low costs more later.
At Partinn Auto Service
We service cars to the manufacturer's schedule, read what the car says is due, and give you a clear list before we start. A full computer diagnostic check is free with any major service, and our oil change offer starts from AED 99. More about servicing.
Need a hand?
Send your car model and mileage on WhatsApp 052 296 5483 or call 058 821 2219. We are in Dubai Investment Park 2, open Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 10 PM.
