Whatever age your car is, regular servicing is the only way to make sure it stays in tip-top condition. We look at the costs and benefits. Whether your car is petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric powered, it’s going to need a service.

What is car servicing?
Car servicing is a process of checking and maintaining the condition of your car’s various parts and systems. It is usually done by a qualified mechanic who follows the manufacturer’s recommendations for your car model. Car servicing can help you prevent breakdowns, improve your car’s performance and fuel efficiency, and increase its resale value.
Car servicing is different from an MOT, which is a legal requirement to test your car’s safety and environmental impact. According to the RAC, a car service is more thorough and covers aspects that an MOT does not, such as the oil level, coolant level, tyre pressure and condition, and car light bulbs.
How often should I get my car serviced?
The frequency of car service depends on various factors, such as your car model, fuel type, engine, annual mileage and manufacturer’s recommendations. Most manufacturers suggest a full car service once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first, according to the AA. However, if you drive more than 2,000 miles a month, you may want to consider an interim service every 6 months to check for wear and tear. You can also do some basic checks yourself, such as the oil level, coolant level, tyre pressure and condition, and car light bulbs.
It is important to service your car regularly to ensure its safety, performance, fuel efficiency and resale value. It can be so easy to forget to take your vehicle and have your car serviced, but it’s something so important and a great idea to maintain a full service history record.
Why is it important to service my car, and how much will it cost?
Servicing your car is important for several reasons, such as:
It can help to identify and prevent potential problems before they become serious or costly.
It can improve your car’s safety, performance, fuel efficiency and resale value.
It can extend the life of your car and its components.
The cost of servicing your car depends on various factors, from the make, model, size and age of your car to the type and quality of service you choose. According to the AA, the average cost of a full car service in the UK is around £170 for a small car, £210 for a medium car and £395 for a large car. However, these are only ballpark figures and the actual price may vary depending on your specific circumstances. You can get a more accurate quote by contacting your local garage or mechanic and asking them what’s included in their service.

What types of vehicle services are there?
There are different types of car service, depending on how often you drive and how much you want to spend. The most common types are:
Interim service: This is a basic service that is recommended every 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first. It includes around 35 checks and adjustments, such as changing the oil filter, topping up the fluids, and inspecting the brakes, tyres, and lights, says the RAC.
Full service: This is a more comprehensive service that is recommended every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. It includes around 50 checks and adjustments, such as replacing the air filter, spark plugs, and fuel filter, checking the wheel alignment and suspension, and testing the battery and alternator.
Major service: This is the most extensive service that is recommended every 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. It includes everything in a full service, says the RAC, plus additional checks and replacements, such as changing the brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid, replacing the cabin filter, and cleaning the fuel system.
Is a car service a legal requirement?
You’ll be pleased to know that a car service is not a legal requirement in the UK. However, it is highly recommended to get your car serviced regularly to ensure its safety, performance, fuel efficiency and resale value, says the AA. A car service is different from an MOT, which is a legal requirement to test your car’s safety and environmental impact.
You can’t drive your car without a valid MOT. According to the AA, a car service is more thorough and covers aspects that an MOT does not, such as the oil level, coolant level, tyre pressure and condition, and car light bulbs. There are different types of car service, depending on how often you drive and how much you want to spend. You can find more details about car servicing in the links provided.
Do you need to service your car every year?
Should you have your car serviced annually? According to WhatCar? most manufacturers recommend having a full car service once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. But this depends on your car and how you drive it. It’s best to check the service intervals in your car’s handbook, because they vary depending on the model, fuel type and engine, says WhatCar?. Having your car serviced regularly will extend its life and help it to retain more of its value, as well as ensuring it is safe and reliable to drive, so it’s a win win!

Do I need to stick to my car’s service schedule?
If you want to keep your car in good condition and avoid potential problems, then it’s a good idea to stick to your car’s service schedule. A car service is a routine check-up that looks at various parts of your car and is key for maintaining your car’s health, almost like a regular health check-up.
The service schedule for your car depends on the manufacturer’s recommendations, which you can find in your car’s handbook. Some cars also have a service indicator that will remind you when your service is due based on the time and mileage since your last service, which is really handy too. You’ll tend to find that you’ll either have a service every 10,000 – 20,000 miles or every 12 months, an annual service, whichever comes first.