Added: 20 October 2025
As you will know all too well, keeping your SKODA in its best condition is really needed for your safety, keeping your running costs down, your reliability, and to maintain its value.
As a result, this is where regular servicing is the best way to achieve this.
In the UK, SKODA services are typically broken down into two main types: the Minor Service and the Major Service.
These are generally alternated, though specific service schedules can vary based on your car's age, mileage, and model (e.g., Fabia, Octavia, Kamiq, Kodiaq).
However, which one do you need, and are you worried about what actually happens when your trusty SKODA disappears into the garage for its service?
Do you fear unexpected, sky-high bills, or the nagging doubt that actual essential checks might even be missed?
That uncertainty can be stressful, as without a clear service history, your car's value dips, you could lose your warranty or be in breach of a financial contract you have on the car, as key components like your brakes and fluid age may not be replaced with genuine parts, or a tiny oversight could mean a major, costly breakdown on the motorway later.
However, do not let guesswork jeopardise your budget or your family's safety.
Consequently, you do not need to worry, as in this comprehensive, simple Skoda service guide, we will break down exactly what goes into a Minor and Major service at a Skoda bodyshop, so you can be assured what's occurring and which option is right for you.
For instance, here we will detail every fluid top-up, every filter replacement, and every critical safety check in plain British English for you, giving you the knowledge to budget confidently and to make sure your SKODA receives the high level of care it truly deserves as a direct result.
The Minor Service is usually recommended every 12 months or 10,000 miles (whichever comes first) and focuses on the essentials to keep your engine running smoothly and safely.
For instance, this gives your lubrication and filtration systems the once over, which really are the foundations of keeping your engine lasting for a long time, and keeping it at its peak performance at the same time as well.
However, what does this cover exactly?
Well, here you have:
The core of the minor service involves replacing crucial fluids and filters to prevent wear and tear from building up, including:
Old engine oil actually becomes contaminated over time and loses its both its lubricating and thermal properties as it does so.
As a result, this is fully drained from the sump and replaced with fresh, manufacturer-approved, low-ash oil - which is typically a long-life, fully synthetic blend - which is specifically suited to SKODA’s modern engines.
As here using the wrong specification oil can cause your new Skoda especially, some serious damage to its key components like your turbocharger or even your particulate filter.
For your engine oil filter, here the filter removes metallic debris, carbon deposits, and sludge from your oil.
As a result, this will reduce its efficiency over time, as any filter would do, so a new filter can be fitted to make sure the fresh, clean oil remains contaminant-free, thus protecting the engine's internal moving parts from abrasive wear as a result.
Our SKODA technicians will also perform a thorough, multi-point series of checks on your key safety and operational components as well to identify issues before they become serious.
Here, for instance, you can often be looking at:
Checked for level and condition, and noted for its two-yearly replacement schedule.
Checked for concentration level, to make sure you have adequate protection against freezing and corrosion.
Topped up to make sure that you have clear visibility when you need it.
This will be checked to make sure it is at the correct level if applicable.
These are straightforward but needed operational checks to make sure that all your exterior lights (headlights, brake lights, indicators) and interior dashboard warning lights are all functioning correctly.
Here, your wipers will also be checked for their blade condition and to make sure that they continue to give you a smooth effectiveness, and the horn must function to meet safety standards as well.
Your tyres are then checked to make sure that they are at the correct pressure, and will be adjusted as per the manufacturer's specification if they are not.
The tread depth will then also be checked to make sure they meet the legal minimum of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread, and also a general condition check - looking for cuts, bulges, age-related cracking, or uneven wear patterns which might indicate a tracking or balance issue.
Then lastly, your spare tyre or tyre inflation kit will also be verified.
Your Skoda will then have a quick visual inspection of its components, which are accessible without major dismantling, including the exhaust system for leaks or corrosion, your suspension components for visible damage or excessive play, and your battery condition and charge level are correct as well.
The Major Service is then the most comprehensive service your SKODA needs.
For instance, this is typically recommended every 24 months or 20,000 miles and includes everything in the Minor Service above, plus several more detailed checks and mandatory part replacements.
Here, for instance, this service will tend to provide you with in-depth maintenance that is really necessary to give you the best long-term reliability as a result.
Beyond the oil and filter checks, here a Major Service swaps out other important filters and wear items that degrade over the two-year period, and can impact your engine's life and cabin air quality as a result.
Including, for instance:
The engine air filter prevents dirt, dust, and debris from entering the combustion chamber.
As a result, a dirty, clogged filter will actually restrict your airflow, which reduces your engine performance, increases your fuel consumption, and can stress your turbocharger all at the same time.
As a result, replacing it will make sure that your engine can breathe easily and efficiently, giving you greater performance as a result.
This filter then cleans the air entering the car's cabin via the ventilation system.
As a result, replacing it improves the air quality you then get, reducing allergens and pollutants from entering the cabin as a direct result, all while keeping the air conditioning working at its best by making sure that you get an unrestricted airflow to the evaporator.
For those with a petrol engine, we will check over your spark plugs and, where needed be look to replace any that are worn.
These are then vital for generating the precise spark needed for efficient combustion to occur in your engine.
As a result, worn plugs can cause you to have poor idling, misfires, reduced fuel economy, and loss of power, for instance.
For the diesel engine Skoda's your fuel filter needs to be replaced.
This is more than essential for protecting the high-pressure diesel injection system from microscopic contamination and water found in the fuel, which can cause you extremely expensive injector or fuel pump repairs if these fail.
The Major Service also provides you with a deep dive into the car's mechanical and electronic systems as well, often requiring the car to be lifted on a ramp for a full underbody inspection.
When this happens, we tend to check checked following:
The brake pads and discs are also measured accurately for wear against the manufacturer's minimum thickness specifications.
Here, your brake callipers are then checked to make sure they are operating correctly, and you are still getting a smooth sliding, and all brake lines (pipes and hoses) are also inspected for leaks, corrosion, or perishing as well.
The handbrake function and travel are also tested and adjusted if needed too.
All your suspension and steering components, which you need for your handling, ride comfort, and safety, are inspected for wear, play, or damage as well, including:
Checks are then made on the condition of the drive shafts, Constant Velocity (CV) joints, and their protective rubber gaiters as well.
On manual Skoda cars, the clutch operation (bite point and slip) is usually assessed as well to make sure it is still working correctly.
For automatics, the transmission fluid level and condition may be checked instead, depending on the specific SKODA gearbox type you have, as DSG models often have a separate, dedicated fluid and filter change schedule, for instance.
Our dedicated technicians will also use specialist diagnostic equipment to plug into the car's Onboard Diagnostics (OBD) port.
This check will then scan for any stored or pending error codes (DTCs) that relate to the engine management system, airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), and other electronic modules.
As this then makes sure that all software is running correctly and alerts our technician where to look for any non-visible faults, that may need addressing.
A few other items may be included or recommended, depending on your SKODA's history, age, and mileage.
These are often separate, and here scheduled replacements can be needed to allow you to have the maximum component life from your car.
For instance here these can include things such as:
Some replacements are then based on age, not just mileage, as materials degrade over time, which can include, for example:
Your brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning that it readily absorbs moisture from the atmosphere over time.
This moisture contamination then lowers the fluid's boiling point, which can cause brake failure during heavy use.
As a result, this is standard across the VAG group and highly recommended for replacement every two years, regardless of your mileage, to maintain its braking performance and safety as well.
The timing belt is then a key rubber-and-fibre component that synchronises the engine's internal moving parts.
As a result, if it snaps, it can cause you catastrophic engine damage.
SKODA models have a specific replacement interval, often based on mileage (e.g., 60,000 to 100,000 miles) and time (e.g. 5-7 years).
Note: This is usually a separate expense, and the water pump is often replaced at the same time to make sure your car keeps its efficiency, so you should always check your service handbook for the exact interval for your model.
Once the Skoda service has been successfully completed, your service book, or your digital service record, which is becoming the standard these days, will then be stamped and updated.
This record is more than needed for you to be able to prove the car has been properly maintained by following the manufacturer's strict guidelines, which significantly increases its resale value and protects any contracts you have on the car and your warranty at the same time.
We know keeping your SKODA perfectly maintained can feel expensive, which is why we offer special service packages and promotions to give you value and peace of mind.
For instance, here you can get:
The best way to budget is to ask about the SKODA All-in Plan (similar to the 'All-in from SKODA' concept).
This popular SKODA service plan is designed for cars aged 3 to 6 years and typically includes:
This package locks in today's prices, protecting you from future inflation and saving you money compared to booking the items separately.
This is a much-needed check, particularly before the cold months.
Here, it covers key areas like your battery, tyres, lights, and fluid levels (e.g., antifreeze) and is often bundled into a competitive winter check package as well.
Now that you know exactly what your Minor or Major Service will entail, taking the next step is actually very straightforward.
Booking your SKODA service with an approved SKODA dealer, such as us, is the best way to guarantee the work is performed by SKODA-trained technicians using genuine parts, which protects your warranty and your vehicle's value.
There are several easy ways to schedule your essential maintenance or MOT:
The quickest way is often to use our online booking system, available 24/7.
Here, you will typically put in your registration number to retrieve your car's details and view available slots.
You can also simply call our service team directly as well to speak to one of our SKODA specialists who can help you identify the correct service schedule for you and your car, and find a convenient time for you as well.
After your service, your maintenance records will then be updated, making sure that your SKODA service history is complete.
While older cars use a physical service booklet, modern SKODA vehicles often have a digital service history that is updated directly with the manufacturer.
So, if your SKODA is equipped with the SKODA Connect system, some data may also be linked to your service requirements.
You should also consider asking us about our maintenance plans, such as the SKODA All-in Plan, which can cover your servicing and MOT costs for a fixed monthly price, offering great peace of mind and protection against inflation.
So, get booked in today to get your car serviced.
Sometimes, an unexpected bump or minor damage can happen between your services.
As a result, if your SKODA is involved in an accident, or just needs a cosmetic fix, our Skoda trained bodyshop is here to help.
As an official Skoda Bodyshop, we have access to SKODA-Approved Accident Repair Centres' equipment to handle everything from minor scuffs and scratches to major bodywork.
It is also important to choose an approved repairer here because they will guarantee:
Only Genuine SKODA Parts are used to maintain your car's structural integrity, safety ratings, and warranty.
Repairs are carried out by SKODA-trained specialist technicians who know your specific model.
We also use SKODA-approved tools and diagnostic equipment, making sure that all your sensors, driver aids, and onboard computer systems (including any necessary software changes) are calibrated correctly after the repair.
As a result, for any bodywork, large or small, you should always consider bringing your car to a SKODA-approved garage to get your vehicle back to its original condition, and we can often provide advice on insurance claims and offer SKODA service offers as well to help to keep your costs down.
As you can see, keeping your SKODA service schedule up to date is more than required for your safety and saving you money in the long run.
With the Minor Service being more of an essential annual top-up, focusing on fresh oil and filter changes, plus quick safety checks.
While your Major Service, typically every two years, is far more detailed, and can even swap out items like the air and pollen filters, checking the braking and suspension systems deeply, and updating spark plugs or the fuel filter.
As a result, sticking to this routine will give you the maximum efficiency, all while you also maintain your car's value, and give you total peace of mind that your SKODA is ready for the road ahead as well.
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Here at Heritage SKODA, we are a trusted car dealership that has been serving customers for many years.
Consequently, we can offer you a wide range of new and Approved used SKODA vehicles, and we are proud to provide you with excellent customer service and expert advice to help you find the perfect car.
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With a strong reputation in the community, we are committed to delivering you a high-quality experience, whether you’re buying a new car or servicing your current one.
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