Car Service Dorchester
Welcome to our Dorchester Car Service centre.
Keeping up with regular vehicle servicing doesn’t just extend your car’s lifespan—it also helps keep you and others safe on the road. At Elite Garages Dorchester, our skilled team provides expert car servicing using parts that match the quality of your original manufacturer—without the high dealership prices. Book your car service and MOT together to save even more!
When it comes to car servicing in Dorchester, you can expect the same high standards Elite Garages is known for across all our branches. Our Dorchester team brings decades of combined experience, offering professional, approachable service and honest advice to drivers in and around the area. It’s the kind of customer care that keeps people coming back.
Sticking to the manufacturer’s service schedule is key to keeping your engine running smoothly for years to come. At Elite Garages Dorchester, we carry out servicing exactly as your vehicle needs—giving you full peace of mind, especially if your car is still under warranty.
We service all major makes and models, including:
| Audi | Jaguar | Mazda |
| Mercedes | Jeep | Mitsubishi |
| Bentley | Honda | Mini |
| BMW | Kia | Nissan |
| Citroen | Land Rover | Peugeot |
| Ford | Lexus | Renault |
| Fiat | Skoda | Volvo |
| Seat | Toyota | Volkwagen |
| Suzuki | Vauxhall |
Regular car servicing plays a vital role in keeping your vehicle safe, reliable, and running efficiently—and it’s not something to ignore. While many people still choose main dealerships, European legislation confirms that you’re free to use an independent garage without affecting your warranty. The only requirement is that the service follows the manufacturer’s schedule and uses parts of equivalent quality.
How Often Should I Service My Car?
It’s a common question we hear at our Dorchester car service centre and the answer depends largely on your vehicle and its manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. Most cars fall into one of two categories: fixed servicing or variable (also known as long-life) servicing.
Fixed-schedule servicing means your car needs a service after a set number of miles or a specific period of time—whichever comes first. This is usually every 12,000 miles or once a year. It’s ideal for those who drive shorter distances or use their vehicle regularly around town. You can check your service book for the exact schedule.
Variable servicing, on the other hand, uses sensors and your vehicle’s onboard computer to determine when maintenance is needed. This is more suitable for drivers who clock up high mileage with longer journeys, as it often extends beyond the 12,000-mile mark.
Whichever category your car falls into, our team in Dorchester can help you stay on top of it with expert servicing that keeps your vehicle in top condition.
What’s Included in a Car Service at Elite Garages Dorchester?
The exact checks and replacements in your service will depend on your vehicle’s age, mileage, and service history—but you can always expect thorough, professional care. A typical car service includes changing the engine oil and oil filter, and depending on your vehicle, it might also involve replacing spark plugs (for petrol engines), coolant, brake fluid, or power steering fluid.
At our Dorchester branch, we also carry out a wide range of safety checks. If we spot anything that needs attention, especially safety-critical items like tyres or brakes, we’ll always call you before carrying out any additional work. No hidden surprises. And if we replace any parts, we’ll keep the old ones for your inspection.
Our car service packages are designed to suit your needs and driving habits. Choose from:
- Bronze Service (Interim) – for high-mileage drivers or in-between major services
- Silver Service (Premium) – our most popular option for annual maintenance
- Gold Service (Major) – a full top-to-bottom check for complete peace of mind
Need help choosing the right one? Our friendly Dorchester team is here to guide you. Below is a detailed breakdown of the types of car services at Elite Garages Dorchester.
| DESCRIPTION | Bronze – Lubricant service + health check | Silver – 12,000 miles / 12 months | Gold – 24,000 miles / 24 months |
| LIGHTS AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||
| 1: Check operation of exterior lights | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 2: Check headlight alignment | ✔ | ||
| 3: Check rear reflectors | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 4: Check operation of instrument warning lamps | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 5: Check illumination of dash and heater control lamps | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 6: Check battery condition and connections | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 7: Check horn | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| INTERNAL / VISION | |||
| 8: Test / advise alternator output and security | ✔ | ||
| 9: Check door / bonnet lock operation and lubricate locks, hinges and catches | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 10: Check windscreen wiper and washer condition and operation | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 11: Top up windscreen washer reservoir with additive if required | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 12: Check / advise pollen filter condition, replace if necessary* | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 13: Check air conditioning system / temperature if applicable | ✔ | ✔ | |
| ENGINE | |||
| 14: Drain engine oil and refill* | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 15: Replace oil filter | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 16: Replace air filter | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 17: Replace fuel filter (if fitted and external from fuel tank) | ✔ | ||
| 18: Check / advise general oil leaks | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 19: Check / advise coolant level and antifreeze strength | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 20: Top up antifreeze if required | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 21: Check coolant hoses for leaks and condition, incl. header tank | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 22: Check condition and tension of auxiliary drive belts (excl. timing belt) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 23: Spark plugs changed according to mileage* | ✔ | ||
| 24: Check / clean HT leads and components (if fitted) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 25: Visual check of fuel system (incl. tank and cap) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 26: Check timing belt replacement interval & report if due according to mileage / age | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| BRAKES | |||
| 27: Check brake servo operation | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 28: Check / advise brake fluid level and boiling point | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 29: Top up brake fluid if required | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 30: Visual check of brake pads for wear or damage | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 31: Visual check of brake calipers for leaks and security | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 32: Visual check of brake discs, shoes and cylinders for wear or damage | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 33: Visual check of brake pipes and hoses | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 34: Check operation of handbrake | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 35: Check security of handbrake linkages and travel and adjust if required | ✔ | ✔ | |
| STEERING / SUSPENSION | |||
| 36: Check condition of road springs | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 37: Check power steering fluid reservoir | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 38: Check steering / suspension components for wear and corrosion | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 39: Check steering rack gaiters condition | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 40: Check shock absorber condition and mounting, report any leaks | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 41: Check wheel bearings for excessive play or noise | ✔ | ✔ | |
| DRIVE SYSTEM | |||
| 42: Check drive shaft gaiters for security and report any leaks | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 43: Check gear box fluid level manual / automatic differential (if applicable) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 44: Check / adjust clutch operation | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 45: Check for transmission oil leaks | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 46: Check condition of clutch cable (where visible) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 47: Full car fault code read | ✔ | ||
| EXHAUST | |||
| 48: Check / advise condition of exhaust and mountings | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 49: Check / report on additive levels for Diesel vehicles (where applicable) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| TYRES / WHEELS | |||
| 50: Check tyre condition and tread depth (incl. spare) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 51: Check / adjust tyre pressures (incl. spare) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 52: Remove all road wheels and check flanges and mountings | ✔ | ||
| 53: Check wheel nut torque to manufacturer’s specification | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 54: Expiry date for the puncture repair cannister (where applicable) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| FINAL RE-SET / SERVICE BOOK | |||
| 55: Carry out engine management system scan | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 56: Reset vehicle service light where applicable | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 57: Reset Oil quality counter (Diesel vehicles) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 58: Stamp service book | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
*Note – Additional service operations may be required for your vehicle make/model and will be an added charge
*Note – Stamp service book as per Elite Service manual
If you only need to check your brakes, see our Brake Service page
While you wait for our Dorchester car servicing team to repair or check your vehicle, why not explore the Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, just a short walk away and packed with fascinating local history and exhibitions? Or, if you fancy a coffee break, Finca Coffee on Trinity Street serves some of the best artisan brews and baked treats in town.