Car maintenance
Compare car check-up costs and learn how to maintain your vehicle.
- STEP 1Enter your car registration + locationLet us know your details so we can find you accurate quotes.
- STEP 2Compare prices from the best garagesYou're in the driving seat. Choose the right garage for you based on price, proximity and customer reviews.
- STEP 3Book your service online instantlyBook your chosen garage at a time that works for you.
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£41.27
average vehicle health check price
How do I know if my car needs maintenance?
It's important to get regular maintenance on your car to ensure it's functioning safely and efficiently. As a guideline, you should take your car for a service every 30,000 miles.
There are a few signs to look out for telling you if your car needs maintenance work. Smoke, difficulty accelerating or steering, and dashboard warning lights are obvious indicators that there's an issue with your vehicle. However, any unusual feelings, noises or smells also deserve to be explored at a garage to maintain your car and keep it healthy.
What regular check-ups should be done on a car?
Keeping your car well-maintained is key to a long-lasting and healthy vehicle. Here are a few car maintenance services that should be carried out regularly to keep your car in good condition.
Vehicle health check
The average cost of a vehicle health check booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £38.53. A vehicle health check is a visual check of your car's components, often carried out for free by a garage in addition to another service or repair. A technician will give you an idea of the health of your car and let you know if there's any work you should consider doing.
Can include- Visual inspection of all car components
- A red, amber, or green categorisation of each component
- A recommendation for any work needed
Car air conditioning regas
The average cost of an air con re-gas/recharge system booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is from £66.57.
A car air conditioning re-gas is needed if the system no longer blows cold air or can't defog the windows. An air conditioning re-gas involves replacing the refrigerants in the air-conditioning system.
Can include- Refrigerant removal
- Refrigerant replacement
- Replacement micro/pollen filter
Brake fluid change
The average cost of a brake fluid change booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £89.92. Brake fluid is microscopic and absorbs moisture over time. As the water content in your brake fluid increases, your braking ability can be negatively impacted which means your brake fluid should be changed. This is a complex job that should be carried out by a professional to ensure that the oxygen in the air doesn't contaminate the fluid.
Can include- Brake testing
- Brake fluid change
Car tyre puncture repair
The average cost of a tyre puncture repair booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £22.50. Tyre puncture repair is a relatively cheap and simple job but must be done quickly to avoid damage to the car wheels or a breakdown. Often, a puncture repair is a temporary fix before getting new car tyres fitted.
Can include- Wheel check
- Puncture analysis
- Puncture repair
Wheel alignment
The average cost of wheel alignment booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £38.83. Wheel alignment ensures the four wheels of your car are tracking in a straight line and with stability. If you find your car veers to the left or right whilst driving or your tyre treads are wearing unevenly, your vehicle may need wheel alignment.
Can include- Steering and suspension diagnosis
- Computer assessment
- Steering and suspension adjustments
Car diagnostic test
The average cost of a car diagnostic booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £51.66.
Car diagnostics testing involves plugging your vehicle into special software that can reveal issues with its engine, electrical system, transmission, braking, exhaust system, and more. A specialist will run tests on your vehicle to expose the cause of any problems you're having with your car.
Can include- Full diagnostic testing
- Recommended repairs
Dent removal
The average cost of dent removal booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £436.59. Car dents can be unattractive. Getting a car dent repair at a bodyshop can improve its resale value and make it look a lot more sightly. Repairs can range from the removal of minor scuffs to the replacement of car panels.
Can include- Damage assessment
- Paintless dent removal (PDR)
- Dent sucking
- Reverse hammer
- Filling
- Paint respray
- Panel replacement
Scratch repairs
The average cost of car body repair and scratch repairs booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £418.61. Getting a car dent repair at a bodyshop can improve its resale value and make it look a lot more sightly. SMART repairs (Small Medium Area Removal Technology) involve localised work on an area of your car body. In contrast, more significant repairs might require the removal and replacement of a car panel.
Can include- Paintless dent removal (PDR)
- SMART repairs
- Scratch removal
- Scuff removal
Oil change
The average cost of an oil change booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £80.40. If you're not sure what type of oil your car needs or how to do an oil change, a mechanic can take care of it within about 40 minutes.
Can include- Oil level check
- Oil top up or change
Paint repairs
The average cost of a paint repair booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £427.53. A paint repair comes under the category of bodywork. The cost of a paint repair will depend on the extent and size of the damage.
Can include- Scratch removal
- Respraying
- Panel replacement
Diesel particulate filter clean
The average cost of a diesel particulate filter clean booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £188.30. A diesel particulate filter (DPF) clean involves removing and restoring the filter component of diesel engines that captures soot. Over time, a DPF becomes blocked and needs to be cleaned or even replaced to ensure your car runs efficiently and correctly.
Can include- DPF chemical clean
- DPF replacement
Glow plugs
The average cost of a glow plug replacement when booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £212.85. Glow and plugs are fundamental parts of your engine's system and help ignite and start your car. Your glow plugs need changing every 100,000 miles to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly.
Can include- Visual inspection and diagnosis
- Glow plug change
Wheel bearing replacement
The average cost of an alloy wheel bearing replacement booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £257.63.
Over time, your wheel bearings can become worn. If you hear any unusual noises coming from your wheels, they're likely damaged. To keep your wheels moving smoothly and safely, you may need to get your wheel bearings replaced.
Can include- Wheel inspection and testing
- Bearing replacement on 1-4 wheels
Shock absorber replacement
The average cost of a shock absorber replacement booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £432.76. Shock absorbers are an essential part of your car's suspension system and may need replacing if your vehicle bounces or makes a noise when going over bumps.
Can include- Diagnostic
- Shock absorber replacement
Easy DIY car maintenance tips
There are a few easy and essential ways to maintain your car so that you can keep it in healthy condition. Maintaining your vehicle regularly helps you avoid more serious issues and extend the lifespan of your car.
How to change your car tyres
Learning how to change your car tyres is vital in an emergency and will help you keep costs down. On top of your replacement tyre, you'll need a car jack, wheel clocks, and an extendable bar to carry out the replacement.
How to change your car oil
Your car may need an oil change if the warning light appears on the dashboard. Our helpful guide explains how to change your oil from home. It's crucial to remember that you should take your old oil to a recycling centre and never pour it down the drain.
How to change your car battery
To change your car battery, you'll need to find out which type of battery your car needs from the manual. You'll also need a socket and extension bar and a pair of rubber gloves. Our helpful guide tells you how to change your car battery, but if you run into any difficulty, be sure to find a professional to help.
How to change your car spark plugs
It's recommended that you change your spark plugs every 12,000 miles. A professional mechanic can do this for you, or you can find out how to change your spark plugs yourself. It should take you around an hour. You'll need a ratchet, a magnetic spark plug socket, pliers, rubber gloves, a socket extension bar, a flathead screwdriver, a magnetic pickup tool, and some rags.
How to change your car air filter
Changing your car's air filter is a relatively simple job and should be done every 12,000 miles. You can change your car air filter yourself using a socket bar or spanner, screwdriver, and torx driver. You should never drive without an air filter, so if you run into any difficulty, make sure to contact a professional for help.
Common car problems and issues
Any unusual issue with your car that stops it from functioning correctly can be concerning. Fortunately, many common car problems can be easily fixed by a mobile mechanic or your local garage.
My car alarm keeps going off
A car alarm that won't stop going off is an issue you'll want to get solved as soon as possible. It could be because of low power with your car battery, a fault with the interior sensors, or issues with your door locks. A mechanic will be able to diagnose the problem and stop your car alarm from going off. Compare quotes and book online for a car alarm repair.
My car won't start
There are many reasons why your car might not start, the most common being a flat battery. A professional will be able to diagnose the issue and perform a repair so that you can get back on the road as soon as possible. Compare quotes and book online to repair a car that won't start.
My car is making a ticking or rattling noise
A ticking or rattling noise while driving can be unsettling, but it's a common car issue that can be resolved quickly. A rattling noise is usually caused by worn tappets responsible for lifting and closing your engine's valves. A mechanic can find the source of the noise and perform a repair. Compare quotes and book online to repair a ticking or rattling noise.
I put the wrong fuel in my car
Accidentally putting the wrong fuel in your car is frustrating. The fuel must be drained and removed by a professional as soon as possible to avoid causing any damage. It's crucial to call a mechanic and not start the engine. Find a mechanic and book online if you put the wrong fuel in your car.
My car has a loss of power
There are several reasons why your car may lose power while driving or accelerating. These include a clogged fuel filter, exhaust pipe, or air filter. It may also be caused by low compression. A professional can diagnose the issue and perform a repair so that you can get your car functioning at full power again. Compare quotes and book online to repair a loss of car power.
How do I know what is wrong with my car?
Whether your car won't start, makes an unusual noise, or isn't performing at its best, it's often difficult to figure out what's wrong with your car and find the source of the problem.
Book a car diagnostic near you and have a professional get to the bottom of any mechanical or electrical issues.
Typical car maintenance costs
While you can do some car maintenance yourself at home, there are some aspects of car maintenance that will need the help of a trusted mechanic. Here are some typical car maintenance costs when booked via WhoCanFixMyCar.
Car repair | Average price | Get quotes |
---|---|---|
Vehicle health check | £41.25 | Get quotes |
Air con re-gas | £63.00 | Get quotes |
Brake fluid change | £89.92 | Get quotes |
Car tyre puncture repair | £24.52 | Get quotes |
Wheel alignment | £38.83 | Get quotes |
Car diagnostic | £48.00 | Get quotes |
Dent removal | £432.23 | Get quotes |
Car body repair and scratch repair | £418.61 | Get quotes |
Oil change | £80.40 | Get quotes |
Paint repair | £427.53 | Get quotes |
Diesel particulate filter clean | £162.77 | Get quotes |
Electric car servicing | £258.71 | Get quotes |
Shock absorber repair | £204.75 | Get quotes |
Upholstery repair | £79.34 | Get quotes |
Frequently asked questions
There are a few car fixes and replacements you can do yourself without needing to visit a garage. Our handy car maintenance guide explains how to change your tyres, battery, spark plugs, oil, and air filters from home.
The most important regular maintenance is keeping on top of your annual MOT test and getting a full service every 12,000 miles. On top of that, there are a few regular car checks that can help you keep your vehicle in good condition, including checking your tyre pressure, engine oil, windscreen wash, tyre tread, lights, and fuel.
The most important maintenance on a car is the annual MOT test - a legal requirement that ensures your vehicle is road safe. Your everyday car maintenance should include checking your driver's view is clear; making sure the seatbelts work; keeping your fuel topped up; and testing your car lights before setting out on the road.
Driving over a pothole, especially at high speed, can damage your car's suspension system. You can compare and book a suspension repair if you think a hole in the road may have caused some problems to your shock absorbers or other components in the suspension system.
Vehicle dependability describes the likelihood of problems occurring with a car after three years. According to a 2020 survey, the most dependable car brand is Genesis, followed by Lexus, then Buick, then Porsche.
A vehicle that is not serviced regularly will have a shorter lifespan. Mechanical and electrical issues won't be picked up, and the car's condition will be harder to maintain, meaning it's more likely to fail its annual MOT.
Once you've hit the 100,000-mile mark, it's important to look into more in-depth car maintenance, including checks on the glow plugs, timing belt, and power steering. Compare and book a full service to make sure your car is still functioning efficiently after 100,000 miles.
Unlike an MOT test, servicing your car is not a legal requirement. However, it is important to keep your vehicle in good condition and extend its lifespan. Compare and book a full service to keep your car healthy.
There are a handful of major car problems that mean your car is not safe to drive. If your steering wheel is shaking, your engine splutters, your exhaust pipe produces black smoke, or your car pulls to one side whilst driving, find a local garage and have a professional perform a car diagnostic.
If the engine warning light appears on your dashboard, you should take your car to a local garage as soon as possible. Other signs of a bad engine include stalling, unusual noises, and loss of power. Compare and book an engine repair near you from highly-rated local mechanics.
If your car has an electrical fault, you may have issues with your lights, stereo system, door locks, or engine. Compare and book an electrical repair at a garage near you.
Electrical faults with cars are common and can affect many different components. You may need to book a car diagnostic to figure out which part of the electrical system is failing. The most common electrical faults involve the dashboard, locks, windows, stereo, lights, and engine.
Your car insurance will not usually cover routine maintenance, nor will it cover specific repairs to your vehicle. Check your insurance documents to find out what costs are covered with your car maintenance.
There are several car checks you should carry about before a long road trip. Before heading off, it's best to check your engine oil, tyre pressure, fuel levels, tyre tread, lights, and windscreen wash levels to make sure your car journey is safe and problem-free.
A summer car check involves some important maintenance of your vehicle carried out before holiday road trips to make sure you can enjoy your driving adventure without any car trouble.
Winter tyres improve your tyre grip and assist braking in wet or icy conditions. You can compare and book winter tyre fitting at a local garage near you.
Electric cars have many benefits, including when it comes to maintenance costs. They require less frequent maintenance than petrol or diesel cars. However, an individual repair may be more expensive because of the cost of parts and specialist knowledge.
If your exhaust pipe is producing more smoke than usual, your cambelt may need replacing. It's also recommended that you change your cambelt every 40,000-100,000 miles. Compare and book a cambelt change at a garage near you.
You will probably only be able to drive a few miles with a bad alternator because your car battery will drain very quickly. If you have a bad alternator, compare and book a repair with a mechanic as soon as possible.