How Often Should You Service Your Car?

Car servicing intervals can be confusing. Manufacturers say one thing, your mechanic might say another. Here's the truth about service intervals.

Most modern cars follow these intervals:

Petrol Cars: - Every 12 months OR 10,000 miles (whichever comes first) - Some newer models: 12 months or 12,000 miles

Diesel Cars: - Every 12 months OR 12,000-15,000 miles - Commercial vehicles: Often every 10,000 miles

Hybrids: - Usually 12 months or 10,000 miles - Some manufacturers specify longer intervals

Always check your service book - these are general guidelines. Your specific car might differ.

Even if you only do 3,000 miles a year, you still need an annual service because:

• ▸Engine oil degrades with time, not just mileage
• ▸Moisture builds up in fluids
• ▸Rubber components (belts, hoses) age regardless of use
• ▸Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time
• ▸Gives chance to spot developing problems

Some newer cars have "variable" servicing:

• ▸Computer monitors driving conditions
• ▸Calculates when service is due
• ▸Can range from 10,000 to 20,000 miles

My opinion on variable servicing: - Good in theory - Assumes optimal driving conditions - I still recommend annual check even if computer says service not due - Oil should be changed annually regardless

### Interim Service (£99-£149)

Recommended every 6 months or 6,000 miles if you do high mileage.

Includes: - Oil and filter change - Basic safety checks - Fluid level checks - Visual inspection

Best for: - High-mileage drivers - Taxis and delivery vehicles - Cars doing 15,000+ miles annually

### Full Service (£149-£249)

Recommended annually for most drivers.

Includes everything in interim service plus: - Air filter replacement - Cabin filter replacement - Full brake inspection - Suspension check - Comprehensive safety checks - 40+ point inspection

Best for: - Normal annual servicing - Most car owners - Manufacturers' service requirements

### Major Service (£199-£399)

Usually every 2-3 years or 20,000-40,000 miles.

Includes everything in full service plus: - Spark plug replacement (petrol cars) - Fuel filter replacement - Brake fluid change - Coolant change (if due) - Timing belt inspection

Best for: - Cars reaching major service mileage - Older vehicles needing more attention

You should service more often if you:

### Do Mostly Short Journeys

• ▸Engine doesn't warm up fully
• ▸More condensation in oil
• ▸Increased wear
• ▸**Recommendation:** Interim service every 6 months

### Drive in Dusty/Dirty Conditions

• ▸Faster air filter clogging
• ▸More dirt in engine
• ▸**Recommendation:** Air filter every 6-12 months

### Tow Trailers or Caravans

• ▸Extra strain on engine, gearbox, brakes
• ▸Higher operating temperatures
• ▸**Recommendation:** Follow "severe duty" schedule

### Do High Mileage

• ▸Reaching service intervals quickly
• ▸More opportunity for problems
• ▸**Recommendation:** Interim service every 6,000 miles plus annual full service

### Use Your Car for Business

• ▸Can't afford unexpected breakdowns
• ▸Downtime costs money
• ▸**Recommendation:** Stick rigidly to service schedule

After 18-24 months without service: - Significantly increased wear - Degraded oil causing damage - Potential failures

After 2-3 years: - Warranty void (if applicable) - Failed MOT likely - Major repairs needed - Severely reduced value

Long-term neglect: - Complete engine failure possible - Rust and corrosion - Dangerous brake failures - Car basically worthless

I've seen cars scrapped because of neglected servicing that would have cost £150/year to prevent.

MOT is NOT a service: - MOT only checks safety and emissions - Doesn't include oil change - Doesn't check most wear items - Only tests what's already broken/dangerous

Service is preventative: - Catches problems before they cause failures - Maintains car properly - Helps vehicle last longer - Better value than breakdown repairs

You need both - they're different things!

Absolutely! A full service history adds £500-£2,000 to resale value.

For buyers it shows: - Car has been looked after - Less risk of hidden problems - Worth paying more for

For sellers: - Easier to sell - Better price - More buyer confidence

Keep ALL service receipts - even for small jobs.

Main Dealer: - Required for warranty period - Use genuine parts - Specialists in your brand - More expensive (£200-£400)

Independent (like me): - Equally qualified mechanics - Quality parts (often same as dealer) - More personal service - Better value (£99-£249)

My advice: - Use dealer during warranty period - Switch to trusted independent after - Save 30-50% without compromising quality

### Basic Service (£99) - Engine oil & filter - Brake check - Tyre check - Lights check - Fluid top-ups

### Full Service (£149) - All basic service items - Air filter - Cabin filter - Full brake inspection - 40-point check - Service stamp

### Major Service (£249) - All full service items - Spark plugs - Fuel filter - Brake fluid change - Coolant change (if due)

All services include: - Digital service record - Advisory report - No surprise charges - Collection & return available

What you can do: - Check fluid levels - Check tyre pressures - Replace wiper blades - Top up screenwash

What you shouldn't: - Oil changes (disposal is tricky) - Brake work (safety critical) - Anything you're not confident about

Even if you're handy, an annual professional inspection is worth it for peace of mind.

For most drivers: - Full service annually - Interim service if high mileage - Major service every 2-3 years - Always before MOT - Keep all receipts

Regular servicing: - Prevents breakdowns - Maintains value - Keeps you safe - Saves money long-term

A £150 annual service prevents £1,000+ repairs. It's not an expense - it's an investment in your car's longevity.

Book your service before you need it, not when you're broken down!