Regular servicing can support a vehicle’s reliability, keep it in good working order, and help identify developing faults. As servicing requirements vary according to the manufacturer, model, age and mileage, motorists should follow the schedule specified for their vehicle.
Keeping to the manufacturer’s recommended servicing intervals is also often a condition for being able to claim on a vehicle warranty in the event of a fault, and can also contribute to a vehicle’s resale value, so it is important that intervals are kept to, and are not missed.
The Motor Ombudsman provides information for consumers and accredited automotive businesses about vehicle servicing, repairs and the standards expected under the Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair.
How often should you service your car?
Many vehicles have a service interval based on time, mileage or whichever limit is reached first. This may be every 12 months or after a specified number of miles, although the interval varies between vehicles.
For example, a motorist who reaches the mileage limit within eight months may therefore need to arrange a service before a full year has passed.
Some newer vehicles use flexible servicing schedules and display a dashboard notification when maintenance is due. This is suitable for those who regularly drive long distances, or at a constant speed (e.g. on the motorway) with not many people or luggage in the vehicle.
The owner’s manual, service book or digital service record should explain the schedule that applies.
Some franchise dealer workshops and repairers may also carry out a visual health check alongside the service, and provide reports or videos of any faults that have been identified and require attention, alongside the relevant costs of repairs needed.
How much can you save by servicing your car?
Consistent servicing can help reduce longer-term motoring costs.
Regit estimates that UK drivers can save an average of £1,200 over five years by servicing their vehicle regularly, compared with dealing with faults only when they arise.
How can I spread the cost of routine car maintenance?
Service plans are sometimes available through dealerships, vehicle manufacturers or third-party providers. These allow the cost of scheduled maintenance to be spread over an agreed period i.e a set number of years, although you should check which services, parts and additional charges are included.
Some of the key benefits of taking out a service plan are being able to:
- Pay in agreed monthly installments instead of an annual lump sum; and to
- Lock in parts and labour prices that may rise over time with inflation.
What is included, and what are the different types of car service?
The names used for annual service intervals can vary between garages and manufacturers.
Before booking, you can request a written quotation that explains the level of service, the checks included and any items likely to cost extra. You should also confirm that further work will require authorisation before it begins.
Full or major service
A full or major service involves a broader examination of the vehicle than an interim service. A major service may include further checks and replacement items required at longer intervals, depending on the vehicle’s age, mileage and manufacturer schedule.
The terms used by vehicle repairers (e.g. garages) are not always consistent, so motorists should compare the work included rather than relying on the name of the service alone.
Interim or minor service
An interim or minor service is generally intended for vehicles between a full or major service. It may be appropriate for high-mileage drivers, or cars used frequently for short journeys, towing or other demanding driving conditions.
The checks are usually more limited than those completed during a full service, concentrating on engine oil, fluid levels and components that may affect safe and reliable operation.
What does a full / major car service include?
The work included in a full service can vary according to the vehicle, its age and the service provider. A typical full service could cover:
Fluids, filters and engine components
- Engine oil and oil filter replacement;
- Coolant, brake fluid and screenwash checks;
- Air filter inspection or replacement;
- Checks for visible leaks; and
- Drive belt and auxiliary component inspections.
Brakes, tyres and steering
- Brake pads, discs and fluid checks;
- Tyre condition, tread depth and pressure checks;
- Steering and suspension inspections; and
- Wheel and bearing checks.
Lights, electrics and safety equipment
- Exterior and dashboard warning light checks;
- Battery condition checks;
- Windscreen, mirrors, washers and wipers;
- Seat belts and horn; and
- Exhaust condition and emissions-related components.
Additional items, including spark plugs, fuel filters, timing belts or replacement coolant, may be required under the manufacturer’s service schedule.
Electric vehicles have fewer serviceable mechanical items compared to petrol and diesel models, although their brakes, tyres, steering, suspension, cooling systems and electrical components still require attention as part of regular electric vehicle servicing.
What does an interim / minor car service include?
An interim service generally focuses on the checks and maintenance needed between full services. It may include:
- Engine oil and oil filter replacement;
- Tyre pressure, tread and condition checks;
- Brake inspections;
- Fluid-level checks and top-ups;
- Lights, wipers and screenwash;
- Steering and suspension checks; and
- Checks for visible leaks or damage.
The garage should explain whether top-ups, replacement parts and disposal charges are included in the quoted price.
Where can you find a vehicle’s service history?
A service history is a crucial record for a vehicle, as it shows how it has been maintained in accordance with the servicing schedule recommended by vehicle manufacturers.
Depending on the age of the car, vehicle servicing records may be in the form of dealer or garage stamps in a physical book, or available online as a digital-only record for newer vehicles.
It is important that both types are kept up to date, to have an accurate service history at all times for the purposes of current and future ownership.
Does skipping a service matter?
“Motor Ombudsman research showed nearly seven in ten businesses forecasting that fewer consumers will be both unable to afford routine maintenance, such as servicing.”
Missing a service may allow wear, low fluid levels or developing faults to remain undetected, and these could turn into a potentially more serious and costly issue. It can also leave gaps in the vehicle’s service history, which prospective buyers may consider when assessing its condition and resale value.
Manufacturer and extended warranty terms often require the vehicle to be serviced according to the recommended time or mileage intervals.
A warranty claim could be affected if those requirements have not been followed, particularly where missed maintenance contributed to the fault. If your warranty claim has been rejected, you can read our guide on what to do if your car warranty claim is rejected. Keeping invoices and an updated service record can help demonstrate that the required work was completed.
Should you get your car serviced at the same time as the MOT?
There is no hard and fast rule about this, and for convenience, many motorists get their MOT and service done at the same time once their car reaches three years of age.
However, ‘uncoupling’ or visiting a garage at different points during the year allows the safety of your vehicle to be inspected twice rather than on a sole occasion in the year.
Rebecca Pullan, Managing Director at The Motor Ombudsman-accredited Carmaster Garage in Harrogate, says:
“As a general rule, it is good practice to bring your car to a garage for routine checks at least twice a year. Many drivers like to schedule their MOT and annual service for the same time, as they’re just making one trip to the garage. However, ‘uncoupling’ these visits means vehicle owners are much more likely to catch small issues before they become serious problems. This can therefore help avoid incurring unwanted expense in the long run.”
Source: The Motor Ombudsman urges vehicle owners to book their MOT in advance
How do you find a reputable garage for your car service?
If your vehicle is due for a service, The Motor Ombudsman’s Business Finder can help you find a reputable business that’s signed up to The Motor Ombudsman’s Service and Repair Code.
This means that it has committed to providing clear pricing, completing work as agreed and following a straightforward complaints process if an issue cannot be resolved directly.
For more tips on keeping your vehicle in good condition between services, read our guide to general vehicle maintenance tips.
