A car service is a health check for your car. Here’s what the main types cover, what they cost and how they differ from an MOT.
Key takeaways:
- You’ll usually choose between an interim, full or major service.
- An interim service covers the essentials: an oil and oil filter change, plus basic safety checks.
- A full service goes deeper. It adds air filter replacement and cooling system checks.
- A major service is the most thorough check. It usually costs more and takes longer.
- A service and an MOT do different jobs. A service maintains your car. An MOT checks if it met the legal minimum standard on the day of the test.
What is a car service?
Think of it as a health check for your car. Your mechanic looks at things like your engine, fluid levels, brakes and general wear and tear. The aim is to make sure everything’s running as it should.
Your garage may offer to fix minor issues, like making adjustments or replacing parts. That can cost extra, so ask for a quote first. Some garages will call to let you know what needs doing.
What are the different types of car service?
You can get an interim, full or major service. Not sure which one you need? Here’s what each covers:
| Service type | Who it’s for | When to get it | What's included |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Interim service
|
High-mileage drivers who want a quick maintenance check between full services
|
Recommended every 6 months or 6,000 miles
|
-Oil change and oil filter check-Basic brake and tyre checks
-Light and battery checks |
|
Full service
|
Drivers who are due to get their yearly car service
|
Recommended every 12 months or 13,000 miles
|
-Everything covered in an interim service
-Air filter replacement, -Cooling system checks |
|
Major service
|
Drivers wanting a more thorough vehicle check or wanting to replace long-life parts
|
Recommended every 24 months or 24,000 miles
|
-Everything covered in a full service,
-Brake fluid, cabin filter and spark plug replacement -Detailed mechanical checks |
Intervals vary by manufacturer. Check your car’s handbook or service book for the schedule that applies to you.
What does a car service include?
It depends on what type of service you have and the garage you go to, but here's a rough outline of what a service includes:
1. General checks
- Lights and electrics
- Battery
- Windscreen and wipers
- Horn
2. Engine
- Coolant and antifreeze
- Air filter
- Oil and oil filter
- Spark plugs
- Drive belts
- Timing belt
3. Braking system
- Brake pads, fluids and discs
- Handbrake
4. Steering and suspension
- Power steering fluid
- Steering system
- Shock absorbers and suspension
5. Wheels and tyres
- Tyre pressure and tread depth
- Wheel bearings
- Wheel alignment and balancing (sometimes an extra)
6. Exhaust and emissions
- Exhaust system
7. Fluid levels
- Brake fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Transmission fluid (if you've got this in your car)
- Windscreen washer fluid
8. Interior
- Seat belts
- Air conditioning (sometimes an extra)
- Dashboard warning lights
9. Exterior
- Doors and locks
- Bodywork
- Mirrors
10. Road test
- Your mechanic might take your car out for a spin to check everything is working correctly.
Tip: Ring your garage before you book your service to see what's covered.
How much is a car service?
Prices vary depending on your car, where you live and whether it needs any parts. Here’s a rough guide:
| Type of service | Price* |
|---|---|
|
Interim service
|
£185–£255
|
|
Full service
|
£240–£395
|
|
Major service
|
£280–£450
|
*Prices from Checkatrade, 2026. They’re a guide only and may not include parts or extra work
Our tip: Use our Garages tool to compare prices from garages near you.
Are there benefits to servicing your car?
Yes. Regular servicing can help you spot problems early, before they turn into bigger (and pricier) ones. A service might feel like a big bill, but it could save you money in the long run.
It may also help your engine run smoothly and keep fuel use and handling in good shape.
Nobody wants an unexpected car breakdown. Regular servicing can lower the chance of being stuck at the side of the road.
How often should you service your car?
It depends on your car. Some tell you when a service is due. Otherwise, it’s usually every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Check your handbook or service book for the schedule that applies to you. This matters most if your car is still under warranty.
What’s the difference between an MOT and a car service?
An MOT is a legal requirement, much like car insurance. A service isn’t. An MOT checks your car meets the legal minimum safety and environmental standards on the day of the test. You can check if your car has a valid MOT with our MOT checker tool.
So do you need a service if you’re having an MOT? You don’t have to, but it’s a good idea. A service is more detailed than an MOT. It can flag issues early, help keep running costs down and may help your car last longer.
Find out what an MOT checks and how to give your car the best shot at passing.
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