CRITTER MOTORS

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(805) 325-8952

EUROPEAN AUTOHAUS

Land Rover | Audi | VW | Jaguar | BMW | Mercedes

Land Rover Service and Repair

Owning a Land Rover in Santa Barbara means you expect capability, comfort, and a little bit of coastal swagger. But when that check-engine light pops on (again), you need a repair shop that actually understands these beasts. At Critter Motors, we specialize in Land Rover diagnostics, repair, and maintenance—everything from oil leaks and suspension issues to complex electronic gremlins that only show up at the worst possible time. Local drivers trust us because we know the quirks of every model, from classic Defenders to the latest Range Rover Sports.

When your Land Rover starts clunking, clicking, or doing that mysterious “British thing,” you want a team that doesn’t guess—we fix the root cause. Our certified technicians use dealer-level tools and genuine or OEM-grade parts to keep your Rover running like it should. Whether you’re dealing with air suspension failures, cooling system problems, brake wear, or drivetrain issues, Critter Motors delivers precise diagnostics and long-lasting repairs. No fluff, no upsells, no nonsense—just honest work that keeps your Rover on the road instead of decorating your driveway.

Critter Motors is proud to be Santa Barbara’s go-to shop for Land Rover repair, maintenance, and performance optimization. We combine expert workmanship with friendly, small-shop service, making every visit straightforward and stress-free. If you want a shop that treats your Land Rover with the attention it deserves—and doesn’t treat you like a walking parts catalog—this is it. Book a service and let your Rover feel like a Rover again.

Routine Maintenance & More

Common Basic Services

Basic Service
(Approx. 5,000 – 7,500 Miles or 6 Months)

This is the most frequent and fundamental service, often referred to as an “A” Service or Minor Service. It’s essential for keeping your engine healthy.

  • Engine oil and filter change

  • Tire rotation and pressure check

  • Fluid level inspection (coolant, washer fluid, brake fluid)

  • Multi-point inspection (brakes, battery, belts, and hoses)

Intermediate Service
(Approx. 15,000 Miles or 1 Year)

This is the first significant service interval for many models. It includes all the items from the basic service and adds crucial filter replacements to protect your engine and in-cabin air quality.

  • All items from the Basic Service

  • Replace cabin air filter

  • Replace engine air filter

  • Comprehensive inspection of the brake system, exhaust system, and suspension components.

Common Major Services

Major Service I
(Approx. 30,000 Miles or 2 Years)

This is a “major” service that addresses key systems that wear down over time. It’s a critical preventative maintenance checkpoint.

  • All items from the 15,000-Mile Service

  • Replace brake fluid (essential for braking performance and safety)

  • Inspect driveshaft and fuel lines

  • Inspect steering system, power steering hoses, and suspension

  • Inspect brake lines and hoses

Major Service II

(Approx. 60,000 Miles or 4 Years)

This service is another major milestone that repeats the 30,000-mile service checks and often adds other significant component replacements.

  • All items from the 30,000-Mile Service

  • Spark plug replacement (on most gasoline models)

  • Inspect drive belts for wear and tear

  • Possible transmission fluid and filter change (this varies heavily by model, so check your manual)

 

Newer Model Service
(Approx. 16,000 – 21,000 Miles or 1-2 Years)

This is a critical “top service” to be aware of, as it represents a different maintenance philosophy on newer Land Rovers (like the Defender and some Discovery models).

Important: These models often combine many tasks into their very first service, which then repeats. This first 16k or 21k-mile service is often a “major” service by default.

  • Engine oil and filter change

  • Replace brake fluid

  • Replace cabin air filter

  • Replace engine air filter

  • Comprehensive vehicle inspection

Because of these variations, I highly recommend checking your specific model’s service schedule.