How often should you service your car?

Regular servicing keeps your car safe, reliable, and efficient, while preventing costly breakdowns and protecting its value. Here’s how often you should service your car to avoid missed maintenance and unnecessary costs.

Regular car servicing helps keep your vehicle running smoothly, safely, and reliably. It gives your car a thorough check-up, with key systems inspected, fluids topped up or changed, and worn parts spotted before they turn into bigger problems.

Over time, normal wear and tear can affect performance and lead to costly issues if left unchecked. Staying on top of servicing helps prevent breakdowns and keeps your car in good condition for longer.

This handy guide explains how often you should service your car, what factors influence service intervals, and the key signs that it’s time for a check-up.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

What is a car service?

A car service is a routine check carried out by a mechanic to make sure your car is running safely and efficiently. It usually includes inspecting, changing or topping up things such as oil and fluids, checking brakes, filters and tyres, and ensuring key mechanical and electronic systems are working properly.

A service isn’t a legal requirement, but it’s recommended by manufacturers to help prevent problems and keep your car in good condition. It can also help identify issues early before they become more expensive to fix.

Remember that a car service is different from an MOT, which is a legal annual test to check that your vehicle meets minimum safety and environmental standards. An MOT is a snapshot of your car’s condition, while a service is a more detailed health check aimed at maintenance and prevention.

How often should you service your car?

Most cars should be serviced once a year or every 12,000 miles (whichever comes first). However, you should always check your vehicle’s handbook, as manufacturer recommendations can vary and should take priority to maintain warranty coverage.

New cars often have specific service schedules set by the manufacturer, which you should follow to keep the car running efficiently and the warranty valid.

Depending on mileage, age, and driving conditions, there are different types of service that may be carried out between or instead of annual services:

Interim service: Every 6 months or 6,000 miles (whichever comes first)

This is a basic service designed for higher-mileage or heavily used vehicles. It typically includes an oil and filter change and a visual inspection of key components to catch early signs of wear or issues.

Full service: Every 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first)

A full service is more comprehensive and includes oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, and a detailed inspection of essential mechanical and safety systems. It may also include replacement of coolant, brake fluid and spark plugs, depending on their condition.

Manufacturer service: As specified in your vehicle handbook

Some vehicles require servicing at specific intervals set by the manufacturer, often at a dealership, to ensure they are maintained to exact specifications. Examples of brands that provide this service include Toyota, Lexus, Hyundai, Land Rover, Jaguar, Suzuki, and Dacia.

What are the benefits of servicing a car?

Regular servicing helps keep your car safe, reliable, and cost-effective to run. Here are nine key benefits:

1. Regular checks help identify and fix issues before they become serious problems on the road.
2. Routine maintenance helps prevent expensive repairs and keeps the engine (or powertrain) running efficiently.
3. A full service history shows the car has been well looked after, which can increase its value.
4. Servicing helps spot hidden faults early, reducing the chance of unexpected breakdowns.
5. Looking after key parts and fluids helps extend the overall lifespan of your car.
6. Regular servicing is often required to keep your manufacturer warranty valid.
7. A well-maintained petrol or diesel car uses less fuel, while an electric car benefits from improved energy efficiency and range.
8. For electric cars, servicing helps check battery condition and ensure it is performing efficiently over time.
9. Software updates and system checks help keep electric vehicles running smoothly and efficiently.

How to check when your car was last serviced

If you want to find out when your car was last serviced, here are a few ways you can check.

• Check the service book or digital service record that came with the car. This usually shows the date, mileage, and details of the last service.
• Look through any paperwork, invoices, or receipts from previous work, which often include service dates.
• Contact the garage or dealership that last serviced the car. They may be able to look up records using the registration number or VIN.
• If the car was serviced by a main dealer, contact the manufacturer, as they may hold a digital service history.

In most cases, the service book or dealer records will give you the answer quickly.

Car servicing FAQs

How much does a car service cost?

Car service costs in the UK vary depending on the type of service, your vehicle, and the garage you choose. A full service typically costs around £150 to £400+, according to the RAC and Checkatrade, while interim or smaller services are usually less expensive.

Kwik Fit pricing shows a similar overall pattern, with interim services generally costing less than full services. Prices vary by vehicle size and engine type, with larger and more complex vehicles tending to cost more.

Electric vehicle servicing is often simpler and can be cheaper overall, with prices sometimes starting from around £200-£230 depending on the provider and service package. This is because EVs have fewer moving parts, meaning there is no need for oil changes, exhaust system checks, or spark plug replacements.

Overall, smaller cars tend to be cheaper to service, while larger vehicles and premium models sit at the higher end of the price range.

Do I need to service my car every year?

In most cases, yes. Many cars need servicing every 12 months or at a set mileage (often 10,000-20,000 miles). Some modern cars use flexible servicing systems that adjust based on driving conditions, but annual servicing is still common.

Do low-mileage cars still need servicing every year?

Yes, usually. Even if you don’t drive much, oil and fluids degrade over time and components can wear with age. Most manufacturers still recommend servicing every 12 months regardless of mileage.

What happens if I miss a car service?

Missing a service won’t break the law, but it can cause problems later. It may increase the risk of breakdowns, affect warranty claims in some cases, reduce resale value, and cause issues with lease or finance agreements.

When should a new car be serviced?

Most new cars need their first service after 12 months or at a manufacturer-specified mileage. Always check your handbook or service reminder system for exact timing.

What is a car service history?

A car service history is a record of all maintenance carried out on a vehicle. It shows when services were done, the mileage at the time, and what work was completed. A full service history can help maintain the car’s value.

What is a car service book?

A service book is where a car’s servicing details are recorded. Older cars may have a paper booklet, while many modern vehicles now use digital service records instead.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

Click here to follow us on WhatsApp, where you can keep up-to-date with all the latest news, reviews, advice guides and videos.