What Does a Car Service Involve?

Getting your car serviced isn't the most glamorous or exciting part of vehicle ownership, but it is one of the most important. Regular car servicing keeps your vehicle running safely and protects you from unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.

What does a car service involve? Well, a typical car service includes routine checks to make sure your car is in good working order, plus things like fluid changes and fixes or replacements where needed. However, the precise nature of your car's service depends on a variety of factors, ranging from your car's type to its condition and mileage.

Here, we'll go through what you can expect from various types of car service, plus how often you should book a car service, and why regular servicing is vital for maintaining your car's performance, safety, and long-term value.

What is a car service?

A car service is a routine check to make sure that your vehicle is in good working order. A qualified mechanic or technician will inspect your car and carry out maintenance tasks like replacing fluids and parts to keep the engine, brakes, tyres, and key systems working properly.

A good car service focuses on preventative care. It helps identify wear and tear before problems get out of hand, and makes sure that your car stays reliable and economical to run.

Regular servicing also provides a valuable record of your car's maintenance history. This is something that potential buyers will want to see should you sell your car in the future.

What does a car service include?

The specifics of your car service depend on the type of service you opt for. In the UK, most garages offer three levels of service: interim, full, and major. Each level builds on the last, covering more components and taking longer to complete.

Interim car service

An interim service is useful for high-mileage drivers who want regular check-ups to keep their car on the road. It usually includes:

Oil and oil filter change
Checks on lights, brakes, tyres, steering, and suspension
Top-ups of fluids like brake, coolant, and screenwash
Inspection of the battery and charging system
Examination of the exhaust system and underbody for leaks or corrosion

Full car service

It's a good idea to get a full service every 12 months or 12000 miles. Full services are designed to pick up issues before they develop into major problems, and keep cars well-maintained and running efficiently. A full service includes everything in an interim service, plus a more comprehensive inspection.

Typical full-service tasks include:

Replacement of the air filter and possibly the fuel filter
Checks on the cooling system, radiator, and hoses
Inspection of the clutch operation and gearbox fluid
Assessment of the drive belt and auxiliary systems
Examination of wheel alignment and tyre tread depth

Major car service

A major service is the most comprehensive option, covering all areas of a full service plus several important replacements and deep inspections.

A major service often includes:

Replacement of spark plugs (for petrol engines) or glow plugs (for diesel engines)
Change of brake fluid and transmission oil
Cabin filter replacement
Detailed checks of suspension, braking systems, and wheel bearings
Comprehensive diagnostic scan using electronic equipment

Is a car service different from an MOT

An MOT test is a legal requirement for most vehicles over three years old. A typical MOT focuses on safety and environmental compliance. It checks whether your car meets the minimum standards for roadworthiness, paying particular attention to areas like lights, brakes, seatbelts, and emissions. A car can pass an MOT but still have worn parts or fluids that need replacing.

Car servicing is not a legal requirement, but it is highly recommended. A car service goes beyond the standard MOT checks and pays closer attention to mechanical and performance-related issues. Where an MOT makes sure that your car is safe to drive, a service keeps it running smoothly and efficiently.

Why is a car service important

There are three major reasons why getting your car serviced regularly is crucial:

Increased running costs

A well-maintained car runs much more efficiently. It uses less fuel and produces fewer emissions. On the other hand, poorly maintained vehicles may have higher running costs. Skipping your car service might seem like a good way to save money, but it could end up costing you more at the pump in the long term.

Potential safety risks

Neglecting maintenance is dangerous. Worn brake pads, low fluid levels, damaged tyres and so on might not be obvious, but can contribute to mechanical failures, breakdowns, or even serious accidents.

A service spots and fixes safety hazards early, ensuring that your car is safe to drive in all conditions and giving you peace of mind.

Impact on resale value

A full service history is very useful when selling or trading in your car. Buyers and dealers see a car's service history as evidence that you've been looking after the vehicle.

How often should you get a service?

There is no one-size-fits-all rule for timing services. The best schedule depends on your car’s age, mileage, and manufacturer guidelines, and your driving habits. Here are some things to consider when working out your servicing schedule:

Mileage

As a rule of thumb, most cars can benefit from a full service every 6,000 to 12,000 miles. However, if you commute long distances or use your car for work, it's probably a good idea to get interim services between annual checks.

Manufacturer recommendations

Your vehicle's handbook will have guidelines for servicing. Car manufacturers give recommended service intervals based on things like your car's engine types and components. By following these recommendations you can keep your warranty valid and give your car longer life expectancy.

Driving style and conditions

Short urban trips, frequent stop-start driving, and exposure to harsh conditions can all cause more wear on your car’s components than steady motorway driving. If you regularly drive in heavy traffic or on rough roads, you might need more frequent services.

How much does a car service cost

The cost of a car service varies widely depending on the type of service you go for, the make of your car, and your location. As a general guide:

Interim service: around £110 to £210
Full service: around £170 to £300
Major service: around £250 to £500

Expensive vehicles or vehicles with specialist parts can cost more than smaller or older cars. You will also find that prices differ from garage to garage.

How to save money on car servicing

Regular servicing is ultimately a money-saving investment in your car’s health. That being said, if you're on a tight budget, there are a few sensible ways to reduce costs without sacrificing safety:

Service plans

Many garages and dealerships offer service plans that let you spread the cost of maintenance. Service plans often include discounted labour, priority booking, and reminders for upcoming services.

Service plans are a great way to make sure that you never miss a service and keep the costs of those services manageable.

Shop around

Service prices can vary a lot between garages and dealerships, so it's a good idea to compare quotes. Just be sure to cross-reference service quotes with reviews to ensure that you're hiring a reputable service provider.

It's also a good idea to ask for a clear breakdown of what's included in the service price, as without that clarity you might end up paying hidden costs.

Combine MOT and service

Booking your MOT and service together can save time and money. Many garages offer discounts when you combine the two. What's more, getting your legal and mechanical checks done at the same time means that your car isn't out of action for too long.

Final thoughts

Regular car servicing is one of the simplest ways to protect your investment, maintain safety, and improve your car's fuel efficiency. Neglecting car servicing can lead to expensive repairs and a less reliable vehicle over time.

Here is a quick checklist to help you stay on top of your car’s servicing needs:

Check your car’s handbook for service intervals
Keep a comprehensive car service history
Book interim or full services depending on your mileage
Combine MOT and servicing for safety and convenience
Always use reputable garages or technicians

Following these steps can keep your car running smoothly and avoid unexpected breakdowns or repair bills.

FAQs

How long does a service take?

An interim service typically takes around one to two hours, while a full service can take three to four hours depending on the condition of your vehicle. A major service may take up to a full day, depending on complexity.

Can I do my own service at home?

You can do some basic maintenance tasks, such as checking tyre pressure or topping up fluids, at home. However, professional servicing uses specialist tools, equipment, and diagnostic systems, so are best carried out by professionals with the right resources to hand. What's more, attempting complex servicing tasks yourself could void your warranty.

What happens if I skip a service?

Skipping a service is a bad idea that can result in poor vehicle performance, increased fuel consumption, and higher repair costs later on. Fluids and filters degrade over time, so it's important to get them regularly checked and replaced.