What is the difference between Ford major and minor service?
A minor service is a routine, lighter maintenance visit focused on essential checks and top-ups, while a major service is a more thorough, comprehensive inspection that includes additional replacements. Exact items vary by Ford model, engine type, and regional schedules, so always check your owner's manual or consult a Ford dealer for your specific maintenance plan.
In this article we break down what typically distinguishes minor and major Ford services, explain what each kind of service covers, and offer practical guidance on how to know which one your vehicle needs. While the lists reflect common industry practice, Ford schedules can differ by market and model, so use this as a general guide and verify with your dealer or the official Ford maintenance schedule.
Minor service: what it typically includes
Below is a representative set of tasks you might expect during a minor service. The exact items can vary by model and market, but these are the checks and basic maintenance most dealers perform at this level.
- Engine oil and engine oil filter replacement
- Top-ups and checks of essential fluids (coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, possibly power steering fluid)
- Basic safety inspection of braking system (visual check of pads, discs, and brake lines)
- Tire condition, tread depth, and tire pressures; spare wheel check
- Battery health check and electrical system inspection
- External lights, indicators, wipers, and horn check
- General visual inspection of belts, hoses, and visible leaks
- Reset of service reminder light or diagnostic checks as needed
A minor service is designed to address routine wear and usage between more extensive maintenance, helping prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems between major intervals.
Major service: what it typically includes
This is a more comprehensive maintenance visit that targets components and systems with higher wear risk or critical impact on reliability and safety. Items listed below are commonly included, but exact content depends on your Ford model and mileage.
- Engine oil and oil filter replacement with appropriate grade for the engine
- Replacement of air filter; investigation and replacement of cabin air filter as needed
- Fuel filter replacement where applicable (diesel engines or specific petrol systems)
- Spark plugs replacement for petrol engines (or ignition system service where required)
- Inspection and/or replacement of drive belts and hoses as needed
- Coolant level check and possible coolant replacement or flush
- Brake fluid inspection and replacement if due
- Transmission fluid inspection and replacement if required by the service plan
- Power steering fluid check/replace if applicable
- Comprehensive diagnostic scan of onboard systems and software updates if needed
- Wheel alignment check and suspension inspection for wear and safety
- Battery test and replacement if necessary
A major service is intended to maintain long-term reliability and safety, addressing components that accumulate wear over time and mileage. It often aligns with higher-mileage or longer-interval maintenance plans and may involve OEM parts for warranty considerations.
How to determine which Ford service you need
To decide between minor and major service, use these steps to reference Ford’s guidance and your vehicle’s condition. They help ensure you follow an interval appropriate for your car and driving habits.
- Consult the official maintenance schedule in your Ford owner's manual or the Ford Pass/My Ford app for model-specific guidance
- Check mileage and time elapsed since the last service to gauge if you’re due for a major or minor service
- Consider driving conditions (frequent short trips, heavy loads, high temperatures, or harsh climates) which can accelerate wear
- Ask your Ford dealer or service advisor for a VIN-specific plan; they can tailor recommendations to your engine and trim
- Schedule a pre-service inspection if you’re unsure; technicians can identify items that require attention beyond routine maintenance
In practice, many owners combine both the letter of the maintenance schedule with real-world usage: if you’re approaching a major service interval or notice symptoms (noisy belts, warning lights, reduced performance), contact your dealer for an assessment. OEM-approved maintenance helps protect warranty coverage and resale value.
Summary
For Ford vehicles, minor service is the lighter, routine maintenance aimed at keeping the car functioning smoothly between more thorough checks, while major service is a comprehensive, multi-item inspection and replacement procedure designed to address wear-prone components and ensure long-term reliability. Always refer to the model- and market-specific Ford maintenance schedule, and consult your dealer for VIN-based recommendations to determine the right service for your vehicle at any given time.
