A car service schedule is easier to budget for when motorists know which level their vehicle needs and what the quoted price covers. Costs vary by vehicle and garage, and the required work can change once a technician inspects the car.
The Motor Ombudsman provides information to help consumers understand servicing costs, compare quotations and find garages accredited to its Service and Repair Code. The figures quoted in this article are designed to provide a guide of what a vehicle service may cost.
What is a car service?
A car service is a scheduled vehicle check recommended by the manufacturer to ensure that it is maintained in a roadworthy and safe condition. Depending on the service level and vehicle, the work may include changing the engine oil and filter, checking fluids and inspecting the brakes, tyres, steering, suspension and lights.
The scope of work included in a service can vary (i.e. depending on the type of interval), so you should always ask the repairer (i.e. a Motor Ombudsman-accredited independent garage or franchise dealer workshop) for an itemised list of what the price includes.
How much does a car service cost?
UK bookings made through BookMyGarage between January 2024 and December 2025 produced the following average car service costs across all makes of vehicle and engine size:
| Service Type | Average Cost |
| Minor Service | £191 |
| Full Service | £235 |
| Major Service | £315 |
These service levels cover different amounts of work. A full service usually includes a wider range of checks and maintenance than a minor service and is often carried out annually.
A major service is more extensive and may include additional checks and replacement items at a longer interval. As package names and contents can vary between repairers, motorists should confirm exactly what is included in the schedule and cost before booking.
An individual quotation depends on the vehicle’s specification, location and chosen franchised dealer or independent garage. The quoted servicing price generally covers the work listed in the package. If the inspection identifies worn components, faults or further repairs, the repairer should explain the additional work and cost before obtaining the motorist’s authorisation. Some businesses may also provide photographs or a video to show what has been identified.
The amount payable may be lower or already covered if the vehicle has a service plan. When a car is bought new, the manufacturer or retailer may also include complimentary or discounted servicing for a set period or mileage. The terms should explain which services are included, where they can be carried out and whether the motorist will need to pay anything further.
What affects the cost of a car service?
Several parts of the booking can influence the final price:
- Service level: A major / full service involves more checks and replacement items than a minor / interim service;
- Vehicle specification: The make, model, engine size, age and powertrain (i.e. petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric) can affect the labour, parts and fluids required;
- Garage and location: Labour rates can differ between businesses and regions across the UK, as well as between franchised dealers and independent garages;
- Additional work: Worn components or faults identified during the service may increase the bill if further work beyond a service is authorised; and
- Having a service plan in place: This can protect against annual inflationary rises of the cost of a service over a set number of years.
Before booking a service, motorists can ask whether the price is a quotation or an estimate, whether it includes VAT, as well as which parts, fluids and checks are covered. Additional work and costs should be explained and authorised before it is carried out by a repairer.
Before agreeing to the service, ask the business to confirm the work included, the expected price and how it will obtain authorisation if further maintenance or repairs are identified. Keeping the quotation, invoice and service record also provides a clear account of what was agreed and completed.
How often should you service your car?
Service intervals are set by the vehicle manufacturer and may be based on time, mileage or whichever limit comes first. Some vehicles also display a dashboard message when a service is due. The correct schedule depends on the vehicle, with interim, full and major services covering different checks and maintenance tasks.
Regular servicing can help keep a car in good working order and identify wear or developing faults that could affect its safety or reliability. An MOT remains a separate legal roadworthiness check, and motorists are responsible for keeping their vehicle roadworthy throughout the year.
Following the manufacturer’s servicing schedule may also be a condition of being able to make a claim on a vehicle warranty.
If a claim is made, the warranty provider may ask for service records showing that the required maintenance was completed. Missing a service or failing to follow the specified requirements could affect a related claim, depending on the warranty terms and the nature of the fault.
Is it cheaper to service your car at a dealership or independent garage?
A Which? survey of 63,334 car owners found that a service cost an average of £361 at a franchised dealer, compared with £260 at a local independent garage. These figures cover all cars included in the survey, and the price for an individual vehicle will depend on the model, service required, location and work included.
A franchised dealer may offer manufacturer-specific equipment, brand-trained technicians and fixed-price servicing. An independent garage may charge less, although motorists should compare quotations carefully and check that they cover the same work, parts and fluids.
Motorists can choose an authorised dealer or an independent garage. When a vehicle is under warranty, servicing should follow the manufacturer’s schedule and requirements, with detailed records retained in case they are needed for a claim. A service plan may also specify which businesses can carry out the work.
How can I find a reputable garage for my car service?
The Motor Ombudsman’s Business Finder can help you locate nearby vehicle repairers and garages accredited to the Service and Repair Code.