A minor service costs on average between €150 and €300, depending on your car brand and the garage you visit. During a minor service, the engine oil is replaced, the oil filter is changed, and important fluid levels and components are visually inspected. The price is determined by labor time, material costs, and the type of car you have. Below, we explain exactly what you’re paying for and when you need a minor service.
What exactly does a minor service include?
During a minor service, the engine oil is replaced and the oil filter is changed. Additionally, we check all important fluid levels such as coolant and windshield washer fluid, and perform a visual inspection of brakes, tires, lighting, and other important components. It’s a preventive check that ensures your car continues to run smoothly.
The minor service is less comprehensive than a major service. During a major service, for example, air filters, cabin filters, and spark plugs are also replaced, and the brake system and suspension are examined more thoroughly. The minor service focuses mainly on the engine and engine oil, because regular oil changes are important for your engine’s lifespan.
For Renault models, we work with official flat rate codes, which means you know exactly in advance how much time is allocated for the service and therefore what you’ll pay. For other brands like Peugeot and Citroën, we also have extensive experience and can transparently indicate what the costs will be. Of course, we perform maintenance on all car brands.
During the minor service, we also check if there are other things that will need attention soon. Think of tire tread depth, brake pad thickness, or a timing belt that needs replacement. We always tell you honestly what is urgent and what can wait a bit longer.
How is the price of a minor service structured?
The costs of a minor service consist of two main components: labor time and materials. The labor time depends on how much work needs to be done on your car. A minor service takes on average between 45 minutes and an hour and a half. Our hourly rate is €95 excluding VAT, which falls between local one-man shops and large dealers.
The material costs consist mainly of engine oil and an oil filter. How much oil your car needs varies by make and model. A small Renault Clio, for example, needs 4 liters of oil, while a larger Peugeot or SUV sometimes requires 6 to 7 liters. The type of oil also makes a difference in price. Modern engines often require specific oil with certain specifications, and that’s more expensive than standard engine oil.
Why do prices differ between garages? That has to do with the hourly rate, but also with knowledge and speed. We know Renault, Peugeot, and Citroën inside and out, which means we often work faster than a garage that doesn’t know the brand as well. That ultimately saves you money, even if our hourly rate might seem slightly higher than at a small garage.
A fair price for a minor service is between €150 and €300. Are you paying much less? Then there’s a good chance that only oil is being changed without thorough inspection. Are you paying much more? Then you’re probably paying dealer rates without the benefits of a small-scale garage. With us, you know exactly what to expect, without surprises afterward.
When should you have a minor service done?
Most cars need a minor service every 15,000 to 30,000 kilometers, or once a year if you drive little. Your car’s maintenance booklet indicates exactly what the recommended interval is. Modern cars with a maintenance indicator on the dashboard show themselves when a service is needed.
Even if your car is still running well, it’s wise to stick to the maintenance interval. Engine oil deteriorates over time as well, not just through kilometers. Water and combustion residues collect in the oil, causing the lubricating properties to decrease. This can lead to extra wear and eventually to expensive engine damage.
Do you have a lease car? Then you’re often required to have maintenance done at an authorized dealer or workshop. We are an authorized Renault workshop and can handle all warranty cases and lease maintenance. For other brands, we can also perform maintenance, but do check your lease contract to see if there are specific requirements.
Signs that your car needs maintenance are: a warning light on the dashboard, engine oil that has become black and thick, or an engine that runs less smoothly than normal. Don’t wait too long with this, because delay can lead to bigger problems and higher costs.
What is the difference between a minor and major service?
The main difference lies in the amount of work performed. A minor service focuses on engine oil and basic checks, while a major service is much more comprehensive. During a major service, air filters, cabin filters (pollen filters), spark plugs or glow plugs are also replaced. The brake system, suspension, and other components are also more thoroughly inspected and maintained.
The frequency also differs. You usually do a minor service annually or every 15,000 to 30,000 kilometers. A major service is needed less often, often every 30,000 to 60,000 kilometers or every two to three years. Your car’s maintenance booklet indicates exactly when which service is needed.
In terms of costs, a major service is naturally higher, usually between €300 and €600 depending on the make and model. That’s due to the extra parts and longer labor time. Both services are important for your car’s lifespan. The minor service keeps your engine healthy, the major service ensures that all other systems also continue to function well.
Many motorists think they save money by skipping a service, but that’s a misconception. Regular car maintenance prevents bigger problems and keeps your car in good condition longer. A timing belt that breaks because it was replaced too late, for example, quickly costs €1,500 to €2,500 in repairs. That’s many times more expensive than a timely service.
Schedule your minor service at Verdonk
Do you now know exactly what to expect regarding the costs and work involved in a minor service? At Autobedrijven Verdonk in Veldhoven, we combine the personal approach of a village garage with the knowledge of an authorized dealer workshop. We always explain what happens, why it’s necessary, and what it will cost.
For Renault owners, we are the authorized workshop where you can go for warranty and lease maintenance. For Peugeot, Citroën, and all other brands, we also have extensive experience. Are you unsure when your car is due for service, or do you want to know what a minor service for your car will cost exactly? Contact us. We’re happy to think along with you and schedule an appointment that suits you.
Need help with your minor service?
At Autobedrijven Verdonk in Veldhoven, we’re ready to provide your car with a thorough minor service. With our experience and transparent prices, you know exactly what to expect. Make an appointment and let us get your car back in top condition.