A major service is a crucial part of vehicle maintenance that requires a professional approach and precise selection of parts based on the specific characteristics of your vehicle model and engine. Unlike a minor service, it involves a more detailed inspection and replacement of components with a longer service life, ensuring the vehicle’s long-term reliability and safety.
The process itself begins with a thorough inspection of the vehicle and determining which components are due for replacement based on mileage, vehicle age, and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Since the scope of work varies from one engine to another, at Royal Auto Service in Belgrade, we begin by analyzing the vehicle’s service history and technical data. We then define the exact work plan and the appropriate parts required.
What Does a Major Service Include?
The scope of a major service depends on the engine design, drivetrain, transmission, and service intervals recommended by the manufacturer:
- Regular engine servicing: Checking the engine oil and filters, along with an inspection of the main systems in accordance with the recommended service interval.
- Engine timing system: For engines equipped with a timing belt, the belt, tensioners, and idler pulleys are replaced as a complete timing belt kit. For engines with a timing chain, the chain and related components are inspected.
- Water pump: If the water pump is connected to the timing system, it is usually replaced at the same service interval.
- Oils and fluids: The condition and level of the transmission and differential oil are checked, as well as the level and condition of the coolant and brake fluid.
- Braking system and filters: Brake discs, pads, and lines are inspected, as well as the oil, air, fuel, and cabin filters.
- Electronic and mechanical inspection: In addition to diagnostic fault-code scanning, compression may be measured when necessary, while engine operation, sensors, and fluid leaks are also checked.
What Does the Major Service Process Look Like in Practice?
After receiving the vehicle and determining its exact specifications, the service process is carried out through several connected steps:
- Vehicle preparation and inspection: An initial inspection of the vehicle’s condition, existing leaks, and components included in the service.
- Timing system and water pump replacement: Installation of a new timing kit and water pump, where applicable, if the pump is driven by the timing belt, followed by topping up or replacing the coolant.
- Fluid and filter service: Replacement of engine oil and filters, as well as inspection of transmission oil, brake fluid, and coolant.
- Engine and system inspection: Compression testing and inspection of the intake and exhaust systems, including the EGR system, DPF, and lambda sensor, when necessary.
- Electronic diagnostics and road test:Reading fault codes from the vehicle’s control modules, including the engine, ABS, ESP, and climate-control systems, followed by a final road test to verify the proper operation of the vehicle.
When Is It Time for a Major Service?
The major service interval is not universal and varies from one vehicle to another. It primarily depends on the engine type, model year, driving conditions, and the manufacturer’s recommendations:
- Timing belt and the passage of time: For vehicles equipped with a timing belt, it is extremely important to monitor not only mileage but also the age of the belt. The belt material deteriorates and loses elasticity over time, regardless of how much the vehicle is driven.
- Driving conditions: City driving, frequent stops, and short-distance journeys place additional stress on the timing system and related components.
- Unknown service history: If you do not have reliable information about when the last major service was performed, a detailed vehicle inspection and review of its service history are strongly recommended.
How Is the Price of a Major Service Determined?
The price of a major service depends on a number of specific factors that vary from one vehicle to another:
- The make, model, and engine type of your vehicle.
- The manufacturer and brand of the selected parts, including the timing kit, water pump, idler pulleys, and tensioners.
- The quantity and specifications of the required coolant and other related materials.
At Royal Auto Service in Belgrade, the price is determined entirely based on the exact specifications of your vehicle. For the most accurate quotation, we recommend sending us your vehicle identification number (VIN). We always inform our customers in advance about the expected costs before any work begins.
Why Choose Royal Auto Service in Belgrade?
After a successfully completed major service, you receive all relevant documentation for the parts installed, along with a 12-month warranty on workmanship and materials.
Our advantages include:
- Experience working with a wide range of vehicle makes, models, and engine types.
- Professional diagnostic equipment for accurate electronic system inspections.
- Use of genuine parts or high-quality OE-equivalent parts.
- Clear and transparent communication with no hidden costs.
For more information, parts verification, or appointment scheduling, please visit our Contact page. For a faster and more accurate assessment, we recommend providing the vehicle make, model, year, engine type, and VIN when making an inquiry.
How Can You Contact Us?
If you have any additional questions regarding a major service, would like us to check the required work, or want to schedule an appointment for your vehicle, send us a message through the following CONTACT link. We respond within the same business day.