Autobedrijf Willemsbrug · Rotterdam-IJsselmonde

Car service in Rotterdam: major service and minor service

Minor or major service for all makes, following the manufacturer’s service schedule. You get a quote in advance for the work we agree on. If more work is needed, we discuss it with you first. Our team speaks English.

Autobedrijf Willemsbrug has been a Rotterdam family business since 1979 and an RDW-approved APK (MOT) station.

Customers rate us 4.8 / 5 from 235 reviews | RDW-approved | Open on Saturdays

The short answer

During a minor service we change the engine oil and replace the oil filter. We also check the main parts and fluids. A minor service is usually done within a few hours. You leave your car with us for it.

A major service is more thorough. We also test the battery (in Dutch), check the brakes more thoroughly and replace the filters that are due. We replace spark plugs (on petrol engines) at the manufacturer’s interval, not at every service. If the timing belt is due for replacement, you get a separate quote for it. The APK is free with a major service.

Which service your car needs depends on the make, the model, the engine and how you use the car. We follow the manufacturer’s service schedule. We record the service in our own system and, if you have a service book, in that too.

The price differs from car to car. Call +31 10 479 00 00 with your registration number. You then get a quote in advance.

Jump to: minor or major service · when to service · costs · booking · manufacturer’s warranty · combining with the APK · directions · frequently asked questions

The difference between a minor and a major service

The manufacturer’s service schedule decides what your car needs. It differs by make, model, engine and mileage. Below you can see what a minor and a major service usually include.

Minor service: often every year or around 15,000 km

Depending on the make, the model, the engine and how you use the car.

  • Change the engine oil and replace the oil filter
  • Check the brake fluid, coolant and screenwash and top up if needed
  • Check the brakes and tyres for wear
  • Check the lights and wipers
  • Measure the tyre pressure and tread depth
  • Record the service in our own system and, if you have a service book, in that too

Major service: often every two years or around 30,000 km

Depending on the make, the model, the engine and how you use the car.

  • Everything in the minor service
  • Replace the spark plugs at the specified interval, on petrol engines
  • Replace the air filter and cabin filter according to the service schedule
  • Check whether the timing belt is due for replacement at the set interval
  • Test the battery (in Dutch)
  • Check the brake discs and brake pads more thoroughly
  • Change the brake fluid if your car’s service schedule requires it. You see this in advance in your quote
  • The APK is free if you combine it with the major service

Read all about the major service (in Dutch)

When is your car due for a service?

Many cars need a service every year, with a major service every few years. The exact interval is in the service book. Mileage counts as well as time. If you drive a lot, the service is due sooner.

Many modern cars show on the dashboard when a service is due. We read your car’s system and carry out the service specified for your make and engine. This helps you keep your car reliable and safe. A documented service history also helps when you sell the car.

The schedule differs by make. For example, read how it works for servicing the Volkswagen Polo (in Dutch). On the oil, read why an oil change is needed (in Dutch) and how often to have the oil changed (in Dutch).

Not sure whether your car is due for a service? Call +31 10 479 00 00. We are happy to help.

How much does a car service cost?

The price of a service differs from car to car. It depends on the make, the year, the mileage and the type of service. The specified engine oil also plays a part: one engine needs more oil, or more expensive oil, than another.

That is why you get a quote in advance, based on your registration number and the work we agree on, including VAT. If we find more work during the service, we call you first. We only do extra work with your approval.

If you have a major service done, the APK is free. Call +31 10 479 00 00 for a quote.

How a service works with us

You book a service by phone. Online booking is only available for the APK.

1

Book an appointment

Call +31 10 479 00 00. Have your registration number and mileage ready. We tell you when we can help you.

2

Get a quote

You get a quote in advance for the work we agree on, including VAT.

3

Drop off your car

On weekdays you drop off your car by appointment between 8.00 and 8.30 am. On Saturday you drop it off at 9.00 am. Bring your service book if you have one.

4

Collect your car

You leave your car with us, even for a minor service. For bigger jobs you can use a free loan bike, if one is available. We call you as soon as your car is ready.

Servicing with us does not automatically void your manufacturer’s warranty

To keep your manufacturer’s warranty, you do not usually have to have routine servicing done by the brand dealer. Some conditions do apply. The servicing must follow the manufacturer’s specification, with suitable parts and fluids. It must also be properly documented. So keep your invoices. Warranty repairs and recalls do go through the brand dealer.

That is how we work too. We follow the manufacturer’s service schedule, use suitable parts and fluids, and record the service in our own system and, if you have a service book, in that too.

If you have an extra warranty, a dealer warranty or a maintenance contract with its own conditions, read those conditions first or call us. We are happy to look at them with you.

Why have your car serviced at Autobedrijf Willemsbrug?

  • Quote in advance. You know where you stand before the work starts. We only do extra work with your approval.
  • Servicing to the manufacturer’s schedule. For all makes. We record the service in our own system and, if you have a service book, in that too.
  • Rotterdam family business since 1979. We are an RDW-approved APK station.
  • Hybrid and electric cars too. Our mechanics hold a GMTO certificate for work on hybrid and electric cars. Read more about our hybrid servicing (in Dutch).
  • Customers rate us 4.8 / 5 from 235 reviews. Read what our customers say.
  • Open on Saturdays. Servicing is also possible on Saturdays, with no weekend surcharge. Read more about our Saturday opening (in Dutch).

Combining a service with the APK

If your car is also due for its APK, combine the inspection with the service. That way you only need to come to the workshop once. The APK is free with a major service.

Keep the difference in mind. The APK is a legal inspection of safety and emissions. A service is preventive maintenance to the manufacturer’s schedule. Some checks overlap, but a car that passes the APK has not necessarily been serviced.

Servicing is also possible on Saturdays. We schedule the APK on a weekday, because that is the only time we can register the result with the RDW. To combine both, choose a weekday. If you only need the APK, you can book an APK online.

We can also help you with brakes (in Dutch), the timing belt (in Dutch), testing and replacing batteries (in Dutch), tyres (in Dutch), oil changes (in Dutch), flushing the automatic gearbox and air conditioning service. We work on cars, vans and commercial vehicles up to 3,500 kg, and on the base vehicle of motorhomes. Read more about the APK.

Easy to reach in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde

You will find us at Boterdiep 11 (3077 AW) in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde, close to Stadion Feijenoord (De Kuip) and exit 24 Rotterdam-Feijenoord on the A16. The A15 is a five-minute drive away. You can park for free in front of the garage if there is space. The Stadion Feijenoord tram stop (line 3) is close by.

Our customers come from Rotterdam, Barendrecht, Ridderkerk, Capelle aan den IJssel, Krimpen aan den IJssel, Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht, Zwijndrecht and other places.

We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00 to 17.30 and on Saturday from 9.00 to 15.00. We are closed on Sundays. We are also closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Plan your route to Boterdiep 11 or see our contact page.

Service by make. Alfa Romeo · Audi · BMW · BYD · Chevrolet · Citroën · Cupra · DS · Dacia · Daihatsu · Fiat · Ford · Honda · Hyundai · Jaguar · Jeep · Kia · Lancia · Land Rover · Lexus · Lynk & Co · MG · Mazda · Mercedes-Benz · Mini · Mitsubishi · Nissan · Opel · Peugeot · Polestar · Porsche · Renault · Saab · Seat · Skoda · Smart · Subaru · Suzuki · Tesla · Toyota · Volkswagen · Volvo.

By type of car. American cars · classic and vintage cars · Chinese brands.

Frequently asked questions about car servicing

No need to click: all the answers below are already open for you.

What is the difference between a major and a minor service?

During a minor service we change the engine oil and replace the oil filter. We also check the main parts and fluids.

A major service is more thorough. It usually includes replacing the air filter and the cabin filter, a battery test and a more thorough check of the brakes.

We replace spark plugs (on petrol engines) and the timing belt at the specified interval, not at every major service. You get a separate quote for the timing belt. A timing chain usually has no fixed interval. We check or replace it when it is worn, makes noise or causes a fault.

How often does my car need a service?

Many cars need a service every year, with a major service every few years. Intervals of around 15,000 and 30,000 kilometres are common, but these are examples. The exact schedule differs by make, model, engine and use, and you can find it in your service book.

If you drive a lot, the service is due sooner. Many modern cars show on the dashboard when a service is due.

How much does a car service cost?

That differs from car to car. The price depends on the make, the year, the mileage, the type of service and the specified engine oil. Call +31 10 479 00 00 with your registration number. You then get a quote in advance for the work we agree on, including VAT.

If we find more work during the service, we discuss it with you first.

Will my manufacturer’s warranty be void if I do not go to the dealer?

No. Not automatically. You can also have the servicing done at an independent garage. It must follow the manufacturer’s specifications, with suitable parts and fluids, and it must be properly documented. That is how we work too.

If you have an extra warranty, a dealer warranty or a maintenance contract with its own conditions, read those first or call us. We are happy to look at them with you.

Can I combine the service with the APK?

Yes. That way you only need to come to the workshop once. The APK is free with a major service. We schedule the APK on a weekday, because that is the only time we can register the result with the RDW. So choose a weekday for the combination. Read more about the APK or call +31 10 479 00 00 to book.

How long does a service take?

A minor service is usually done within a few hours. A major service takes longer, because we check more and replace more parts. In both cases you leave your car with us. When you book, we tell you how much time we need. That way you can plan your day around it.

Can I wait for my car?

No. For a service you leave your car with us, even for a minor service. That gives us time to check your car carefully. For bigger jobs you can use a free loan bike, if one is available. The Stadion Feijenoord tram stop (line 3) is close by. We call you as soon as your car is ready.

Can I book a service online?

No. You book a service by phone on +31 10 479 00 00. That way we can discuss straight away which service your car needs. Online, you can only book an APK.

Can I come in for a service on Saturday?

Yes. On Saturday we are open from 9.00 to 15.00, with no weekend surcharge. For a major service we discuss in advance whether it fits on a Saturday. Read more about our Saturday opening (in Dutch).

Do you also service hybrid and electric cars?

Yes. Our mechanics hold a GMTO certificate for work on hybrid and electric cars. We carry out the servicing according to the vehicle’s specifications and safety procedures. Read more about hybrid servicing (in Dutch).

Should I bring my service book?

Yes. Bring it if you have one. The book holds your car’s service history. We update it after the service.

If your car has a digital service book, ask us in advance whether we can record the service in it. We record the service in our own system in any case.

Want to book a service?

Call us with your registration number and mileage. We tell you which service your car needs and you get a quote in advance. We work by appointment. For a quick question or check, you can drop in without an appointment.

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