Is your trusty Ford starting to feel a bit sluggish, perhaps drinking too much petrol, or are you simply worried about a looming MOT failure?

Well, if it is by ignoring these little signs, this can lead to expensive breakdowns and severely drop your car’s resale value in the process.

So do not risk those costly emergency repairs or drive around unknowingly on worn-out brakes, nor keep that nagging uncertainty about your engine's health going, either, as this can just lead to unnecessary stress for you.

However, if you are still not sure if a Ford service is worth it for you, we will explain every single check that goes into a Ford Interim, Full, or Major service, and help you to discover exactly how to keep your Ford running smoothly, safely, and efficiently in-between servicing, along wiith why servicing is a good idea, and all the questions would want to know, to help you to have the peace of mind you need to help you get the most from your car in the long run, while keeping your running costs down as you do so as well.

Table of Contents

• How to Choose the Right Ford Service for You?
  • A. The Interim Service (The Quick Tidy-Up)
  • B. The Full Service (The Annual MOT-Ready Check)
  • C. The Major Service (The Deep Clean and Overhaul)
• How to Choose the Right Ford Service for You?
  • A. The Interim Service (The Quick Tidy-Up)
• Simple Servicing Pricing and Planning
  • Fixed Price and Essential Servicing
  • Taking on a Ford Service Plan
• A Deep Dive On The Core Components Checked in Every Service
  • A. Fluids and Filtration, AKA The Car’s Lifeblood
  • B. Wheels, Tyres, and Brakes: Your Safety Net
• Under the Bonnet and Your Electrical and Mechanical Checks
  • A. Engine and Running Gear
  • B. Electrical and Lighting
  • C. Interior and Underbody
• After the Service, The Paperwork and Peace of Mind Stage
  • A. The Road Test
  • B. The Service Report
  • C. Stamping the Book (or Digital Record)
• Digital Tools and Support Used
  • The FordPass App and Connectivity
  • Ford Video Check, Because Seeing is Believing
  • Power-Up Software Updates
• Frequently Asked Questions and Customer Support We Get Often
  • Common Servicing Questions
• So is A Ford Service Right For You?
• Related New Car Reviews & Car Guides
• Who is Chippenham Motor Group? 

How to Choose the Right Ford Service for You?

When you book a Ford service, you can be offered one of three options.

• The Intermin Ford Service
• The Minor Ford Service
• The Major Ford Service

But, what is the right one for you depends on how much you drive and when your car was last looked at.

For instance, this is how they differ, and why you should also consider each one:

A. The Interim Service (The Quick Tidy-Up)

This tends to be more suitable for high-mileage drivers – or those doing lots of motorway miles or long commutes – usually every 6 months or after about 6,000 miles.

What is it?

This is the most basic service, which in turn focuses on the essentials that need regular top-ups and checks over the more detailed areas that are covered by the other services, as you will find out shortly.     

Engine Oil and Filter

The most crucial part that is covered, as any old oil is dirty and thick, which makes your engine work harder, is then replaced with fresh oil, and the oil filter (which cleans the oil) is also changed as well here.

Visual Checks

A quick look at the brakes, tyres, and lights will also be carried out to make sure that there is nothing obviously wrong with these.

Fluid Top-Ups

Our Ford technicians will then check and top up your screenwash, brake fluid, and steering fluid as well.

B. The Full Service (The Annual MOT-Ready Check)

This next Ford service type is then suitable for most drivers, once every 12 months or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.     

What is it?

This is a comprehensive service that covers all of your main components, while it is also designed to keep your car in its best condition between its annual MOT test as well.

Key Checks in a Full Service

This then includes everything from an Interim Service plus:

        
• More filter checks, including changing the air filter (helps the engine breathe properly) and often the cabin / pollen filter (keeps the air inside the car fresh) as well.
         
• Checks on your battery and alternator, as here thorough checks of your battery condition and the alternator (which charges the battery) are also carried out.
         
• Your wiper blades are then checked for splits to make sure that they remain clear of the screen properly.
         
• Your suspension and steering system then gets a detailed inspection underneath the car for any wear or leaks as well.

C. The Major Service (The Deep Clean and Overhaul)

This is then recommended every 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.

What is it?

Consequently, this is the most detailed service that you can get, and covers everything in the Full Service, plus components that only need checking or replacing every two years, including, for instance:

Key Checks in a Major Ford Service

Here is a Major service, which includes everything from a Full Service plus:

       
• Your spark plugs (On petrol engines) will wear out and need replacing to make sure that you keep getting easy starting of your engine and efficient fuel burning as well.
        
• Your fuel filter then prevents dirt from entering your fuel tank and getting into the engine, and as a result, this needs changing less often, but is still checked to see if it does.
        
• Your brake fluid should then be replaced every two years as it absorbs moisture over time, which in turn reduces its effectiveness and can cause damage to your engine as it does so.
        
• Your coolant system then gets a thorough check to make sure that your cooling system is not being prevented from overheating or corrosion is not building up.
    

How to Choose the Right Ford Service for You?

As you can see above, when you book a Ford service, you can be offered one of three options that fall under Ford's official Scheduled Service recommendations, or you can opt for an Essential Service for older models.

What is the right one for a Ford owner depends on how much you drive and when your car was last looked at.

For instance, this is how they differ, and why you should also consider each one:

• The Interim Ford Service
• The Minor Ford Service
• The Major Ford Service

A. The Interim Service (The Quick Tidy-Up)

This tends to be more suitable for high-mileage drivers – or those doing lots of motorway miles or long commutes – usually every 6 months or after about 6,000 miles.

Ford Express Service Option

Need it fast? We also offer a Ford Express Service, which is a rapid maintenance check that gets you back on the road in about an hour.

Simple Servicing Pricing and Planning

A common concern for every owner we know is cost.

That is why we aim to offer transparent pricing so you always have peace of mind knowing your maintenance costs are managed.

For instance, here you have:

Fixed Price and Essential Servicing

All of our core services are offered at a fixed price, meaning the quote you receive is the price you pay, with no hidden costs.

For older Ford models, we can also offer discounted Essential Services as well, which provide you with the quality of care you need using our genuine parts at a lower cost.

Taking on a Ford Service Plan

The best way to manage your car's maintenance is with a Ford service plan. As these plans allow you to spread the cost of your future Scheduled Service into affordable monthly payments.

We can also offer various levels, such as Service Plan Essential, Service Plan Plus, and Service Plan Assur, and even a Wear & Tear Plan, to make sure that everything from your regular servicing to future brake pads or clutch plate replacements is covered as well.

A Deep Dive On The Core Components Checked in Every Service

As you can now see, no matter which service you choose, our Ford mechanics will always focus on the same core areas that you need for your safety and performance.

The reason they do this differs for each one, and includes, for instance:

A. Fluids and Filtration, AKA The Car’s Lifeblood

This is perhaps the most important part of any service, as clean fluids help to keep everything moving and cooled.

This is because:

Engine Oil

As mentioned prior, new oil reduces friction and keeps the engine cool, so you should think of it as a fresh cup of tea instead of a used, gritty one, and here the oil filter is always changed with the oil as well.

Brake Fluid

Unlike oil, brake fluid’s main job is to transfer force (when you press the pedal), and it needs to resist high temperatures; its level and condition are checked thoroughly.

Coolant / Antifreeze

This stops your engine from freezing in winter and overheating in summer, so our mechanic will check its strength and level to make sure it is topped up, ready for when you need it.

Air Filter

Located near the engine, this filter filters dust and debris from the air going into the engine, and a blocked filter reduces power and increases fuel use.

Fuel Filter

This filter then makes sure that the petrol or diesel going into your injectors is clean, which is essential to make it run smoothly in return.

B. Wheels, Tyres, and Brakes: Your Safety Net

These are then the only parts of the car that touch the road, making them key for your safety.

As a result, during servicing, the following checks can be carried out on them to make sure they are up to scratch, including, for instance:

Tyres

Here, our mechanic checks the tread depth (which should be above the legal minimum of 1.6mm), looks for any cuts, bulges, or cracks, and makes sure that your pressure is also correct.

They also check for uneven wear, which might indicate that you have a wheel alignment problem if found, for instance.

Brakes (Pads and Discs)

Here, the two main components are the pads (the material that grips) and the discs (the metal plate), which will be checked over.

Here, for instance, the mechanic will measure the wear on the pads and discs to make sure there is plenty of life left in them before they need replacing, and they will also check the brake lines for leaks as well.

Wheel Bearings

A check for any looseness or noise in the wheel bearings will also be carried out, which ensures that your wheels spin safely and freely.

Under the Bonnet and Your Electrical and Mechanical Checks

A service is also not just about changing oil; it is actually a full inspection of your Ford's mechanical and electrical well-being.

Due to this, the following areas are also checked, including, for instance:

A. Engine and Running Gear

When it comes to your Frod's engine and running gear, here during a service, the following areas will be checked over:

Belts

Our mechanic will inspect your auxiliary belts (which run the alternator, power steering, etc.) for any cracks or signs of fraying.

The timing belt (or cam belt) is also inspected, but its replacement, if needed, will be a separate, major job scheduled by time/mileage (usually between 60,000 and 100,000 miles for a Ford).

Exhaust System

A look underneath your car is also carried out to check the exhaust system for leaks, damage, or corrosion, as here a leaky exhaust is bad for the environment and can affect your performance as well.

Gearbox and Clutch

For manual Ford cars, the clutch operation is checked, and on automatic models, the transmission fluid level is also checked when possible (though many Ford gearboxes are now "sealed for life").

Hoses and Pipes

All your rubber hoses that carry fluid (like your coolant and brake fluid) are then also checked for leaks, swelling, or signs of perishing as well.

B. Electrical and Lighting

When it comes to your electrical and lighting systems, here is what will be checked over:

All Your Lights

Every single bulb is checked, including your headlights (full and dipped beam), sidelights, fog lights, brake lights, reverse lights, number plate lights, and indicators, for instance.

Battery

The battery's health is also tested using a specialised tool to check its voltage and how well it holds a charge, along with the terminals which are also checked for signs of corrosion too.

Horn and Wipers

A simple check will also be carried out to make sure that your horn is working correctly and that your wiper blades are clearing the screen effectively without smearing as well.

C. Interior and Underbody

For your interior and underbody, our technicians will then look to check the following:

Dashboard Warnings

Here, the mechanic connects diagnostic equipment designed for Ford cars to your car’s computer system (via the OBD-II port) to check for any stored fault codes that have not yet caused a warning light to appear, which is a brilliant way to catch issues early.

Suspension and Shock Absorbers

The car is then lifted on a ramp, and the suspension components are inspected for leaks (on the shock absorbers) and wear (on the springs and bushes), as here a good suspension really is key for your comfort and handling as well.

Seatbelts

A check is then carried out ot make sure that your seatbelts lock correctly when pulled sharply and that the mechanisms are working as they should as well.

After the Service, The Paperwork and Peace of Mind Stage

Once the mechanic has finished all the checks, replacements, and top-ups, a few final things happen.

For instance, here you will tend to see happen:

A. The Road Test

Where a quick drive is performed to make sure everything feels right, and this is where the technicians will listen for any unusual rattles, check that the braking is even, and ensure the engine performs as it should as well.

B. The Service Report

You will then receive a detailed report outlining everything that was checked, and this usually comes with a "traffic light" system:

        
• Green, all good, no action required.
        
• Amber indicates that an item is starting to show wear and needs monitoring, likely requiring replacement in the near future (e.g., brake pads are 50% worn).
        
• Red, where you have an item that is unsafe or critically worn and needs immediate attention (e.g., tyres are below the legal minimum tread would be one that shows up here).

If you then have any Amber or Red items which are found, our Ford service garage will contact you with a quote for the extra work needed.

Please note: You are always in control and can decide whether to proceed with the repairs there and then, or book them in for a later date as well.

C. Stamping the Book (or Digital Record)

Finally, your Service Book will then be stamped or, as is often the case with modern Fords, the service history is updated digitally for you.

This is then the official record that proves your car has been well-maintained, which is a big factor when it comes to selling or trading it in as well.

Digital Tools and Support Used

Modern Fords are also not just mechanical marvels on the road today; instead, they are also kitted out with clever tech to make your life easier. When it comes to keeping your car on the road and helping to speed up your servicing.

For instance, here you have:

The FordPass App and Connectivity

The FordPass App, for instance, is your digital link to your car, and by activating your car's modem, you unlock a host of features right on your smartphone that also revolve around your service as well, such as:

Remote Control

With this feature, you can lock, unlock, and even start your car remotely - which is perfect for pre-heating the cabin on a frosty morning.

Vehicle Health Alerts

The app can then give you a heads-up about potential issues like low tyre pressure or a problem with your driver assistance systems before they become a big headache, meaning that you can get the issue rectified prior to booking it in for a service if required as well.

Service Booking

You can easily check your service history and book your next appointment directly through the app as well.

Ford Video Check, Because Seeing is Believing

When your car is in for a service, Ford dealers, like us, will also use a Ford Video Check service.

Here, for instance, you will get:

30-Point Video Report

Instead of just a written list, our mechanic will also carry out a detailed inspection and record a short video explaining any work that needs doing and showing you why.

Here they will also show you exactly what they mean, for instance, by showing the wear on your brake pads or a leaky component so you can see it for yourself.

Approval on the Go

This makes it crystal clear and allows you to approve any extra work needed right from your smart device, saving you time.

Power-Up Software Updates

Just like your smartphone, your Ford can receive Power-Up software updates over the air as well during your service, and these updates help you to:

    
• Keep your systems running smoothly.
    
• Improve existing features.
    
• In some cases, even fix minor issues without a trip to the garage.

Frequently Asked Questions and Customer Support We Get Often

We know that many customers have a lot of questions, so some of our most common questions that our Ford owners have asked about servicing, warranties, and support include, for instance:

Common Servicing Questions

So is A Ford Service Right For You?

As you can now see regular Ford service</> really is the best way to protect your car and, more importantly, to protect yourself and your passengers as well.

So much so that we hope that by now, you understand what goes into an Interim, Full, or Major service, and that you can be confident that your reliable Ford is ready for whatever the British roads throw at it.

Pro Tip: Prevention is always cheaper than cure, so by keeping up with your servicing schedule, your Ford will thank you for it with years of faithful service, so get your Ford Service booked in today.

Related New Car Reviews & Car Guides

If you liked our Ford servicing guide, then you may like some of our other latest news about lease deals and the latest sports cars, as well as in-depth reviews for both plug-in hybrid cars, small cars, and mild-hybrid systems reviews, car buying guides and car news to help you find your perfect car.

For example, some of these are, for instance:

• Kia Service Guide, How to Keep Your Kia in its Best Condition & What Goes On During One?
• Volvo Service Guide, Costs, Schedules & Advice. Get Booked In Today
• Kia EV4 Review, Specs, Range, Price & Interior Details & Lots, Lots More
• KIA EV3, All The Questions You Need To Know - How Much Does It Cost, Are They Quiet, Good On Motorways, What Is Its Range, Insurance Group & Lots, Lots More
• KIA EV9, All The Questions You Need To Know - How Much Does It Cost, How Many Seats Does It Have, What is its Range & Lots, Lots More
• Kia EV3 Review Ultimate Guide - Price, Warranty, Engines, Features & Lots More
• KIA Stonic Buyers Guide - Everything You Need to Know From Price, Features, Models, Reliability & More
• KIA Hidden Features Explored - the Smart Key, Backup Camera, Door Mirrors, & Lots More Hidden Features
• Large Kia Cars Guide, Sorento, Sportage, EV9 & More - Which One Is The Best For You?
• Kia Niro Review & Ultimate Buyer's Guide - From Price, Warranty, Insurance, Models, Range & More
• KIA Stonic Buyers Guide - Everything You Need to Know From Price, Features, Models, Reliability & More
• Large Kia Cars Guide, Sorento, Sportage, EV9 & More - Which One Is The Best For You?
• Volkswagen Polo Buyer’s Guide - Everything From Price, Reliability, Models & More
• Kia Niro Review & Ultimate Buyer's Guide - From Price, Warranty, Insurance, Models, Range & More
• Volkswagen Tiguan Buyers Guide - Everything to Know from Specs, Models, Features & Lots More
• KIA EV6 Buyers Guide - Warranty, Price, Features, Models, Towing, Range, Battery, Charging, Reliability & Lots More
• KIA Car Warning Lights Guide: What Do The Top 35 Warning Lights Mean and What Should You Do?
• A guide to the new Golf 8 - Cost, Models Compared, Electric, Speed, Features and Lots More Explored
• Helpful hidden features in the Kia Sportage
• KIA EV 9 Buyers Guide | Features, Models, Pricing, Reliability & Lots More
• Motability Cars In Depth - Who Can Drive Them, Eligibility & More
• Small KIA Cars - Compact but Packed with Features. Which is the Smallest KIA car for you?
• The History Of Kia Cars
• Kia Sorento Buyer's Guide - Discover the Perfect Blend of Comfort, Performance, and Value in this Midsize Family SUV
• KIA Rio Guide | Cost, Models, Features, Boot Space & More
• How to setup KIA Cockpit, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Driving Modes, and Your KIA Car Settings - In-depth look
• Small KIA Cars - Compact but Packed with Features. Which is the Smallest KIA car for you?
• Detailed Look at the new KIA Picanto - How much does it cost, are they quiet, good on motorways, what is fuel consumption like & Lots, Lots More
• KIA ProCeed Explored from - Cost, Price, Compared to Other Models, Towing Ability & More
• Kia Sportage in Depth - Reliability, Towing Ability, Price & More
• KIA Ceed All Questions Answered | Price, Reliability & More
• Small KIA Cars - Compact but Packed with Features. Which is the Smallest KIA car for you?
• A How-To Guide on Kia’s Bluetooth Features
• Kia Soul Car Review | Ultimate Buyers Guide for this Compact SUV, Price, Features & Lots More
• KIA Hidden Features Explored - the Smart Key, Backup Camera, Door Mirrors, & Lots More Hidden Features

Who is Chippenham Motor Group?

Here at Chippenham Motor Group, we are a reputable automotive dealership based in Chippenham that has been around for a long time in the United Kingdom.

As a result, we are committed to giving you exceptional customer service and offering you a wide range of new and used Kia vehicles for sale, along with others from leading brands as well.

In addition to vehicle sales, we can also give you access to comprehensive after-sales services, including maintenance, repairs, and genuine parts, and our experienced and friendly team are proud that we help every customer find the perfect vehicle to suit their needs and budget.

So contact us today if we can help you find your next car. We are here to help.