How Often Should I Get My Car Serviced?
Ellie Dyer-Brown, 2 months ago
5 min read
- Maintenance
- Car ownership
- Servicing
WhoCanFixMyCar takes a closer look at what's involved in a car service and how often you should get one.
Regular servicing can be expensive, but its benefits can't be overstated. It will reassure you that your vehicle is safe to drive and extend the life of its components, preventing costly repair bills. Additionally, regular servicing will improve the resale value of your car.
Find out how often you need to book a service in this guide.
Content Guide
How often should I service my car?
What is included in a car service?
How often should I service my car?
Most manufacturers recommend that your car should have a full service annually or every 12,000 miles – whichever comes around the quickest.
What types of car services are available?
Full service
As previously mentioned, a full service is recommended annually by your vehicle manufacturer. It comprises of around 67 checks and provides a comprehensive look at your car's parts and systems. Many drivers choose to undertake a full service before or in conjunction with their MOT to improve their chances of passing.
Interim service
Vehicle manufacturers also recommend an interim service every six months or 6,000 miles. This type of service consists of around 50 checks. It is not as thorough as a full service and is less expensive. However, it does give you a decent overview of your car's condition and safety.
Check out this guide for a comprehensive look at the differences between a full and interim service.
Major service
Finally, a major service is designed to be undertaken every 24 months or 24,000 miles. It consists of all the same checks and component replacements as a full service with a few extra ones, such as replacing the brake hydraulic fluid.
What is included in a car service?
Typically, a garage will check the following when servicing your car:
Anti-freeze coolant
Power steering fluid
Lights
Tyre tread and pressure
Fuel filters
Air Filter / Cabin Filter
Wheel bearings
The benefits of regular servicing
Vehicle lifespan - servicing makes your car last longer.
Safety - regular maintenance makes your car safer.
Avoid breakdowns - servicing can catch problems early before they cause a breakdown.
Lower repair costs - catching a problem early means it is often cheaper to fix.
Save fuel - replacing your filters at the correct intervals can save fuel.
Resale value - having a full service history will boost the value of your car if you try to sell it.
What to bring to a service
There are three main things to think about when taking your car for a service.
Clear your car of clutter. The technician should be able to easily access your spare tyre (usually kept under a panel under the boot), and all areas of your car should be clear.
Locate your alloy wheel keys or locking nuts. These are used to remove the wheel, which is necessary for checking the suspension and steering.
Bring your service book. You should always take your service book so the technician can see what has been done to the car during previous services and can give it a stamp once the work is finished.
Where can I get my car serviced?
WhoCanFixMyCar's garage network contains thousands of trusted mechanics who can carry out a service on your car.
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Written by Ellie
Ellie is WhoCanFixMyCar’s Content Writer. She has a BA in English literature from Durham University, a master’s degree in creative writing, and three years of experience writing in the automotive industry. She currently drives a Suzuki Swift.