LAND ROVER DEFENDER SERVICING
Land Rover Defender Servicing in Lancashire
K Motors provides specialist servicing for Land Rover Defender models from 1983 to 2015 across Lancashire. Our independent garage in Leyland serves Defender owners throughout Preston and surrounding areas with manufacturer-schedule servicing that maintains your vehicle’s reliability and value. Whether you own a 90, 110, or 130 variant with petrol or diesel engines including the 300TDI, TD5, or Puma, our JLR-trained technicians follow precise schedules tailored to your Defender’s specific engine code and year.
Interim and full servicing
We offer oil services, interim services and full servicing schedules designed specifically for Defender models. Our basic oil service at 6,000 miles covers engine oil and filter changes with essential fluid checks, recommended for vehicles under hard use, frequent short journeys, or severe operating conditions. Our interim service follows a 45-point schedule at 12,000-mile or 12-month intervals and includes oil and filter changes, fluid top-ups for brake, clutch, coolant and washer systems, tyre pressure and tread checks, and visual inspections of brakes, steering, suspension, battery, exhaust and all lighting systems.
Our full service follows a 65-point schedule at 24,000-mile intervals and includes all interim tasks plus replacement of air and fuel filters, diesel sedimenter draining on older models, complete brake system inspection with wheels removed, drivetrain lubrication including propshafts and control linkages, and checks of transfer box, axle and gearbox oils. We adapt each service to your Defender’s specific engine type, whether it’s a 2.25L petrol, 3.5L V8, 19J diesel, 200TDI, 300TDI, TD5, or Puma TDCi variant. More detail on our schedules can be found on our SERVICING HUB.
Diagnostics and technical checks
Defender servicing at K Motors includes JLR diagnostic checks tailored to your model year and engine type. For TD5 and Puma variants, we perform electronic diagnostics to read fault codes, check sensor operation, and verify turbo function and emissions systems. Earlier models receive thorough mechanical diagnostics including timing checks for 300TDI engines, cooling system pressure tests, and drivetrain inspections. Our DIAGNOSTICS PAGE provides more information on our technical processes. We use manufacturer-level diagnostic equipment to identify issues early and maintain your Defender’s performance across all systems.
Pricing and what’s included
When you enter your Defender’s registration into our online booking system, you’ll receive accurate pricing based on your specific model, engine size and service requirements. Our pricing reflects the specialist nature of Defender servicing while remaining approximately 30% lower than main dealer rates. Your service includes all scheduled tasks for your Defender’s age and mileage, genuine or OEM-equivalent parts matched to your engine variant, full multi-point inspection with documentation of any findings, and a stamped service record. Major service items such as timing belt replacement, brake fluid changes, coolant replacement, and gearbox or axle oil changes occur at specific mileage intervals and are quoted separately as additional work on top of the standard full service.
Warranty-safe servicing
Using an independent garage like K Motors for your Defender servicing does not void your manufacturer warranty. UK and EU Block Exemption regulations protect your right to choose where you service your vehicle, provided the correct schedule and suitable parts are used. We follow Land Rover’s exact service schedules and use parts that meet or exceed manufacturer specifications, maintaining detailed service records for your peace of mind.
What we check
Every Defender service at K Motors includes critical checks specific to these vehicles. We inspect chassis and bulkhead areas for corrosion, particularly around footwells and door frames. Oil leaks from rocker covers, main seals, sumps and cooler pipes are identified and documented. For 300TDI engines, we check timing belt condition and recommend replacement at the critical 72,000-mile interval to prevent catastrophic engine failure. Cooling systems receive thorough inspection including radiator, hoses, water pump and expansion tank condition.
On TD5 and Puma models we pay particular attention to turbo oil feed pipes which are prone to failure. Brake systems are checked comprehensively including vacuum pump operation, brake lines, and fluid condition. Drivetrain checks cover propshaft universal joints, gearbox and transfer box fluid levels and condition, and all greased nipples are lubricated. We also inspect steering linkages, suspension bushes, shock absorbers, and all mountings for wear or deterioration. These Defender-specific checks form part of our multi-point quality control process that goes beyond basic servicing schedules.
Minor repairs and approvals
During servicing we often identify minor issues that can be addressed immediately with your approval. Common examples include replacing worn wiper blades, corroded battery terminals, perished hoses, or low tread tyres. We contact you before carrying out any work beyond the agreed service schedule and provide clear explanations of what’s needed and why. Our technicians document findings where needed, allowing you to make informed decisions about repairs. Minor items that affect safety or MOT compliance are highlighted as priorities, whilst advisory items are explained for future attention.
Repairs and additional work
When your Defender requires repairs beyond routine servicing, K Motors provides comprehensive repair services covering all mechanical, electrical and chassis work. Common Defender repairs include timing belt replacement on 300TDI engines, turbo and oil feed pipe replacement on TD5 and Puma models, cooling system overhauls, brake system refurbishment, and drivetrain component replacement. You can find more details on our QUOTE ME PAGE.
For customers with aftermarket warranty plans, our WARRANTY REPAIRS PAGE explains how we work with warranty providers to process claims for covered repairs. All repair work is discussed and approved before we proceed, with transparent pricing and clear timeframes provided. We use genuine Land Rover parts or quality OEM equivalents, ensuring reliability and longevity of repairs.
Booking and communication
Booking your Defender service is straightforward through our online system where you enter your registration to receive specific pricing and available dates. Alternatively, you can contact us by telephone or email to arrange your service. Once booked, we send confirmation details and reminders ahead of your appointment. On arrival, we document your vehicle’s condition and discuss your usage patterns and any concerns you have. Our technician conducts a thorough inspection when the job starts to identify any issues requiring attention.
Throughout the service we maintain clear communication, contacting you if we discover issues requiring attention or approval. After completion, we provide a detailed handover that includes reviewing our multi-point inspection report, showing any replaced parts where appropriate, stamping your service book, and setting reminders for your next scheduled service. We follow up within 24-48 hours to ensure you’re satisfied and answer any questions.
Areas we cover
K Motors serves Defender owners throughout Lancashire from our workshop in Leyland. We regularly service vehicles from PRESTON, CHORLEY, and BLACKBURN, with many repeat customers choosing our specialist Defender knowledge over main dealer servicing. Our central location provides convenient access for Defender owners across the region who value expertise, transparency and competitive pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does my Land Rover Defender need servicing?
Defenders under hard use benefit from a basic oil service every 6,000 miles. Interim servicing is recommended every 12,000 miles or 12 months, and full servicing every 24,000 miles. Major service items such as brake fluid changes, timing belt replacement, and drivetrain fluid changes occur at specific mileage intervals depending on your model and engine type. Following these schedules prevents premature wear and maintains your Defender’s reliability.
What is included in a full service for a Defender?
A full service includes engine oil and filter replacement, air and fuel filter replacement, all fluid checks and top-ups, comprehensive brake system inspection with wheels removed, drivetrain lubrication of propshafts and linkages, checks of gearbox, transfer box and axle oils, tyre condition and pressure checks, battery and electrical system checks, and thorough inspection of steering, suspension, exhaust and chassis condition. We follow a 65-point schedule adapted to your Defender’s specific engine and model year.
Can you update my Defender’s digital service record?
We stamp physical service books for all Defenders and maintain detailed service records. For later TD5 and Puma models where digital records may apply, we can update available online service histories where the system allows independent garage access. We provide full documentation of all work completed which maintains your service history and protects your vehicle’s value regardless of record format.
Can I use an independent garage without voiding my warranty?
Yes, using an independent specialist like K Motors does not void your manufacturer warranty. UK Block Exemption regulations protect your right to choose where you service your vehicle. We follow Land Rover’s exact service schedules and use parts that meet manufacturer specifications, ensuring your warranty remains valid. Many Defender owners prefer independent specialists for more personal service, greater mechanical expertise with older models, faster turnaround times, and approximately 30% lower costs compared to franchised dealers.
What engine oil does my Defender need?
Oil specifications vary significantly between Defender engines. Earlier 2.25L and V8 petrol engines typically use 20W-50 mineral oil, whilst 200TDI and 300TDI engines require 10W-40 semi-synthetic. TD5 engines need 5W-30 fully synthetic oil, and Puma engines require 5W-30 meeting specific Land Rover specifications. We verify the correct oil specification using your vehicle identification number and engine code, ensuring the right oil for your specific Defender variant.
Why is timing belt replacement critical on 300TDI Defenders?
The 300TDI engine uses an interference design where timing belt failure causes pistons to strike valves, resulting in catastrophic and expensive engine damage. Land Rover schedules timing belt replacement at 72,000 miles or five years as a critical maintenance item. This work is quoted separately from standard servicing and is one of the most important preventative maintenance tasks for 300TDI Defenders.
What are common problems found during Defender servicing?
Common issues we identify include oil leaks from engine seals and gaskets, cooling system deterioration including perished hoses and failing water pumps, turbo oil feed pipe failures on TD5 and Puma engines, brake system wear including worn vacuum pumps, and worn drivetrain components such as propshaft universal joints and gearbox mounts. Regular servicing identifies these issues early before they develop into expensive failures.
Do you offer collection and delivery or loan vehicles?
We can arrange collection and delivery for customers within our service area depending on availability and booking schedules. Loan vehicle availability varies, so it’s best to enquire when booking if you require transport during your Defender’s service. Many of our Preston-area customers prefer to drop off and collect their vehicles directly, allowing us to discuss findings and recommendations in person.
How much does Defender servicing cost at K Motors?
Pricing depends on your specific Defender model, engine type and service requirements. When you enter your registration in our booking system, you receive accurate pricing for your vehicle. As an independent specialist, our servicing typically costs approximately 30% less than main dealer pricing whilst following the same schedules and quality standards. Major service items are quoted separately as they vary significantly depending on your vehicle’s age and mileage.
What’s the difference between interim and full service?
An interim service at 12,000 miles includes oil and filter changes, fluid top-ups, and visual inspections of all major systems following a 45-point schedule. A full service at 24,000 miles includes all interim tasks plus air and fuel filter replacement, wheels-off brake inspection, drivetrain lubrication, and comprehensive checks of gearbox, transfer box and axle oils following a 65-point schedule. Full services are more thorough and address components that require less frequent attention.
