Servicing a car frequently is vital in order to keep it running efficiently, prevent costly repairs, and preserve the resale value – but how often should a vehicle actually be serviced? In this guide, we’ll be explaining the importance of a servicing schedule, what happens when a car is serviced, and the issues that can arise if it’s not done regularly.
How Often Should a Car be Serviced?
Most cars should be serviced every 10,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes first. If the vehicle regularly covers more than 2000 miles per month, then an interim service is also recommended every 6 months.
Some manufacturers will specify certain service intervals that should be followed to both maintain the warranty, and keep the car in good working order. Here is a table summarising some popular car models and their servicing schedules. You can find the service schedule for your car in the vehicle’s handbook.
| Vehicle | Service Intervals |
| Ford Focus (MK4) | 12 months / 10k miles |
| Nissan Qashqai (MK3) | 12 months / 12.5k miles |
| Volkswagen Golf (MK8) | 12 months / 9.3k miles |
| Audi A3 (MK4) | 12 months / 9.3k miles |
| Mercedes A-Class (MK4) | 12 months / 15.5k miles |
What does a Service Include?
The level of service required on a vehicle depends on a few things including:
- Age of the vehicle
- Mileage covered since the last service
- The specific model of car – some cars require different checks at different intervals
There are generally three types of service: interim, full and major. A full service is typically carried out annually or every 10,000 miles (whichever comes first), and an interim service is carried out on vehicles which cover more miles than this, and is recommended every 6 months/ 6000 miles.
An interim service will typically include the following:
- Engine oil and filter change
- Tyre pressure check
- Vehicle inspection e.g. tyres, brake pads, lights, windscreen wipers etc.
A full service will also include the following additional aspects:
- Air filter replacement
- Pollen filter replacement
- Fluid checks and replacements if needed e.g. windscreen washer, brake, power steering and clutch
- More thorough vehicle inspection compared to an interim service
A major service should be performed according to the manufacturer’s schedule (usually every 30,000-40,000 miles or every 3-4 years). It includes the following additional services:
- Replacing spark plugs
- Replacing brake fluid
- Replacing transmission fluid
Some specific maintenance may also be completed at the same time as a routine service. The exact frequency of these services can vary from vehicle to vehicle, and only need to be carried out when required, rather than as part of a routine:
- Brake pad replacement
- Brake disc replacement
- Air conditioning service
Benefits of Regular Servicing
There are a whole host of benefits that come with keeping your car regularly serviced including:
- Higher chance of passing an MOT – having a well-maintained car which is regularly inspected will reduce the chance of faults.
- Reduced repair costs – regularly inspecting the vehicle for issues means they’re more likely to be spotted sooner, which can reduce the repair costs for certain problems. Regular maintenance also reduces the chance of more significant repairs being necessary.
- Less chance of breaking down – keeping the car in good condition with regular servicing, will reduce the risk of having costly and inconvenient breakdowns.
- Improved resale value – One of the first questions you’ll get asked when selling a car is “what is the service history like?”. Missing a service, even just once, will have an impact on the amount you’re offered for the car, and how quickly it is likely to sell.
- Longer vehicle lifespan – regular servicing will keep the car in good condition so it can keep driving for longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my car only covers very few miles annually?
Even if the car is driven infrequently, it should still be serviced annually to preserve the condition and resale value. However, it may be sufficient to undergo an interim service instead of a full service, and these could be alternated each year. It’s important to still follow the manufacturer’s servicing schedule, and you can speak to your mechanic to decide on the level of service required for your vehicle.
What happens if I skip a service?
Skipping a car service can lead to reduced performance and fuel efficiency, increased risk of MOT failure, and potential damage to the engine. It will also reduce the resale value of the car, even if a single service is skipped or is carried out late. However, servicing is not a legal requirement so it is possible to skip a service, it’s just not recommended.
What are the signs my car needs a service?
There are a few signs to look out for which include dashboard warning lights, strange noises, reduced performance and lower fuel efficiency. However, it’s important not to wait for one of these signs. Instead you should keep up with the servicing schedule to prevent problems and keep the car in good working order.
What is the difference between an MOT and service?
An MOT is a legally required test that the vehicle must pass annually to certify that it can be driven on the UK roads. A vehicle service is optional, but highly recommended to keep the car in good condition and reduce the chance of breakdowns.
What do I need to bring to a car service?
There are a few things your mechanic will need to service your car:
- Locking wheel nuts (or alloy wheel keys).
- Your service book – so it can be stamped and recorded for future reference.
It’s also important to remove any clutter so that the car can be checked properly. This includes emptying the boot, so that the spare wheel/ puncture repair kit can be accessed.
How much does a service cost?
A service typically costs between £180 and £600 in the UK, with the average being around £300 for a standard service. The price can depend on the level of service, the model of vehicle, and where it is being carried out. For example, independent garages may be cheaper than main dealership service centres.
Book a Car Service in Worcester
Here at Recharged Automotive in Worcester, we have over 30 years of experience servicing vehicles so you can rest assured that your car is in good hands. Our highly-trained technicians can work on petrol, diesel and electric vehicles, and we pride ourselves on our commitment to providing excellent customer service.
Get in touch by calling 01905 458156 to discuss your vehicle’s next service.