MOT with a Full or Interim service ?

Mr_Benn

Hello all.  MOT due in a week, but Im Just deliberating on wether to have a full or interim service at the same time (67 plate petrol i30 with 55k on the clock ).  We have done 8,000 miles since the last full service.  Is it worth the extra £100 to have the Full service, when I cant see that much that wont be covered by an MOT & Interim service ? (apart from an Air Filter and taking the wheels off to check brake disks etc).
Please bear in mind Im useless with cars so wouldnt be doing anything technical myself.
We use this garage and their list of what their services include are here :  https://www.etbtyres.co.uk/car-servicing/

Thanks in advance. 

sheslookinhot

I would get the Interim service. How long since your brake fluid was changed ? Might be time for that extra.

Mr_Benn

The garage shows they check and top up the brake fluid on both types of service.
We bought the car 2 years ago when it had a full service. I was sure we had it serviced this time last year, but the log book isnt stamped and I cant find any other proof we did, so maybe we didnt after all. 
If I have to spend the £100 extra so be it, but when you see the list of things they check  (like the horn ), it just looks like a bit of a rip off. But hey ho. 

Mr.Generous

Oil and filter change is just as important on low mileage - oil gets contaminated with condensation not burned off on short trips. Is an oil change part of the interim service?

Mr_Benn

Yes they change the oil on the interim. (see below)

LightFlare

Might not be MSE - but surely following the manufacturer’s guidance is wise

ButterCheese

I tend to alternate yearly between full and interim service.  I also only do about 7k miles a year.  Brake fluid is checked and may be topped up, but should also be changed completely every 2 years or whatever mileage your car manual states.  Make sure your log book is stamped - I couldn't find mine for ages so lost all proof of the services.  Which puts people off if you come to sell it

fatbelly

Is this a recent trend not to change air filter yearly? I noticed my garage hadn't done it at my last service so bought one off Amazon and fitted it. Took 5 minutes, cost £11 i think and the old one was dirty

Mildly_Miffed

Mr_Benn said:

Hello all.  MOT due in a week, but Im Just deliberating on wether to have a full or interim service at the same time (67 plate petrol i30 with 55k on the clock ).  We have done 8,000 miles since the last full service.  Is it worth the extra £100 to have the Full service, when I cant see that much that wont be covered by an MOT & Interim service ? (apart from an Air Filter and taking the wheels off to check brake disks etc).
Please bear in mind Im useless with cars so wouldnt be doing anything technical myself.
We use this garage and their list of what their services include are here :  https://www.etbtyres.co.uk/car-servicing/

They aren't a garage. They're a fast-fit tyre and exhaust place.

The interim doesn't check the condition of the brake fluid. It's hygroscopic, and absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. That reduces the boiling point, which can lead to apparent brake failure in heavy use, and promotes internal corrosion.

It doesn't even remove the wheels to check the brakes.

The only thing the interim adds to an MOT and the basic checks every driver should be doing regularly anyway is coolant strength (has it been topped up with neat water? If so, where's the leak?) and an oil change. You can do the coolant check yourself with a £5 tester from eBay.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/375923881367

Nobbie1967

fatbelly said:

Is this a recent trend not to change air filter yearly? I noticed my garage hadn't done it at my last service so bought one off Amazon and fitted it. Took 5 minutes, cost £11 i think and the old one was dirty

Seems to be, my 2012 Boxster only requires it every four years. On a low mileage car it won’t make much difference unless you drive in very dusty conditions.

Mr_Benn

Thanks for all the replies.   I think if the garages cut out the 'we do 50 checks' , many of which my cat could do, then cut the cost difference between interim and full, they might get more people having a full service.