Workshops use the terms "minor service" and "major service" loosely, and the exact content varies between garages. Knowing what each normally includes helps you compare quotes and avoid paying for work your car does not need, or skipping work it does.
Minor (interim) service
A minor service is the routine visit between larger services. It typically includes:
- Engine oil and oil filter change.
- Top-up of washer fluid, coolant and brake fluid levels (not a full change).
- Visual check of tyres, brakes, lights, wipers and belts.
- Battery condition check.
- Resetting the service reminder.
Major (full) service
A major service includes everything above, plus items that wear on a longer cycle, such as:
- Engine air filter and cabin filter replacement.
- Spark plugs, at the interval set for your engine.
- Brake fluid change, typically by time.
- Coolant change, at the interval specified for your coolant type.
- Detailed brake inspection with wheels removed.
- Inspection of suspension, steering joints, drive shafts and boots.
- Possibly gearbox or differential fluid, depending on the schedule.
How to decide
The answer is in your car's service schedule, not in a generic menu. Manufacturers list exactly which items are due at each kilometre or time milestone. Take the schedule with you, ask the workshop to quote against it, and ask them to explain anything extra they recommend.
Qatar-specific considerations
Heat, dust and long idling mean many cars here fall under the "severe" schedule. In practice that usually means more frequent oil and filter changes, and closer attention to the cooling system, battery and AC. See our guides to oil changes and filters.