Getting your car serviced
What does car servicing mean?
Think of servicing a car like taking it in for a check-up. Just like your annual medical, a car service is a chance for a mechanic to look over your pride and joy, assess its condition, spot signs of wear and tear, and identify any potential issues before you end up breaking down on the M60 in the rain!
While car servicing isn’t compulsory, booking in for a service regularly can help it run as efficiently and safely as possible. It could also help to improve fuel efficiency, improve the car’s handling on the road, and save you money on future repairs.
When do I need car servicing?
There’s no hard and fast rule for when you should book a service for your car, but its manual is a good place to start. Every model is different, and your manual should tell you what the manufacturer recommends as a servicing car schedule. This could be based on how far you’ve driven or how long it’s been since your last service.
Drivers can often disagree. Some choose to take their car for a service every 10,000 or 20,000 miles while others opt to have an interim service every six months, a full service every year, and a major service every two years.
If you own a more modern used car then it might answer this question for you by having a service indicator light that flashes when it’s due.
I have a car on PCP or HP car finance: does my car need to be serviced?
No matter whether you’ve chosen HP or PCP finance, if you plan to own your car outright then it’s likely you’ll want to sell it one day. Regular services can help used cars retain their value as they show that the car has been well cared for and any repairs or issues quickly addressed.
If you have a PCP car finance agreement and choose to return the car at the end of the loan term, then you will also have to keep up with your servicing schedule to avoid penalties. In fact, your loan agreement will likely specify exactly how many times the car must be serviced while you have it.
What checks does a car service include?
There’s no set list of things that are always included in a car service. The checks carried out will typically depend on the type of service you book and the garage you go to.
However, almost all car services will cover visual and manual checks that include your:
- Brakes
- Steering
- Gearbox
- Lights
- Bodywork
- Exhaust
- Engine Oil
- Oil Filter
- Coolant Levels
- Suspension
- Battery
Should I have a full, major, or interim service?
Most garages in the UK offer three types of services:
Interim Service
Think of an interim service like a quick check up rather than a full medical. It’s usually popular with drivers who cover a lot of miles and can be carried out either every six months or 6,000 miles. Interim services can be used to spot any potentially serious issues that could lead to car repair in the future and takes about 90 minutes to complete.
Checks might include:
- Lights
- Brakes
- Tyres
- Steering
- Suspension
- Fluids
- Oil change
- Oil filter replacement
- Drive belt inspection
Full Service
Going further than an interim, a full service will include all the checks listed above alongside some added extras. This is the standard service that most drivers will book once a year or every 12,000 miles. A full service can take up to three hours to complete.
Additional checks might include:
- Alternator
- Vacuum hose
- Radiator
- Coolant
- Fuel filter
- Air filter
Major Service
Now it’s time for the full works! A major service is as heavy duty as it sounds, typically takes up to four hours to complete, and should take place once every two years or every 24,000 miles.
It will likely cover all the services listed above as well as:
- Brake fluid replacement
- Spark plug replacement
- Battery test
Can I service my car at any garage?
Yes! There are thousands of garages offering MOT and servicing across the UK. You can decide whether to choose a franchise dealership, nationwide chain, or independent garage.
There are pros and cons to the different types of garages. Manufacturers’ dealerships can charge more than independent garages as they typically have higher overheads and staff commission to pay. But they might also have a better understanding of the faults a certain make or model might develop.
If you’d prefer to visit an independent garage, ask for recommendations from friends and family. A well-respected garage should be open about their pricing, happy to explain any issues they find, and carry out the work on time and as agreed.
Can I service my own car?
There are several basic car maintenance routines and repairs that you can make at home but it’s not a good idea to service your own car unless you’re a trained mechanic or someone who is very confident under the bonnet.
It’s all too easy for something to go wrong if you don’t have the knowledge or use the right tools when repairing your car. You should also keep in mind that your finance provider won’t be able to accept work carried out on your own car if you’re leasing or have a PCP deal – you’ll need to use an approved garage.
If you want to keep your car in good shape between services, there are a few steps you can take:
- Top up your oil
- Monitor your tyre pressure and inflate if necessary
- Replace fluids like screen wash, engine coolant, and brake fluid
- Replace your spark plugs if your car is struggling to start or vibrating a lot
- Replace the air filter
What tools will I need to service my own car?
If you can service your own car, you’ll need a lot of equipment at your disposal.
Here are just a few of the tools you should have handy:
- Set of spanners and screwdrivers
- Socket set (including a spark plug removal socket)
- Car jack and axle stands
- Funnel
- Nitrile gloves
- Oil filter remover
- Oil drain tray or bucket
- Torque wrench
How much does servicing cost?
Servicing costs in the UK can vary depending on the garage you choose and where you’re based in the country. Chains tend to offer a set price while independent garage prices can be quite different.
Even so, you can expect an interim service to range from £75 to £125 and a full service to cost between £125 and £150. And remember, that’s just the servicing costs, any repairs, replacements, or new parts will be charged on top.
How long does a car service take?
Depending on the type of service, the garage you visit, and the number of cars they have booked in, a full service can take up to three hours. Interim services usually clock in at around 90 minutes while a major service might take more than four hours to complete.
You might be able to wait at the garage while your service is completed or leave the car there and pick it up once the work has been done.
Why is service history important?
There are many reasons why regular car services are important, especially when the time comes to sell your car.
Make sure your ask the garage to update your service history with a stamp and keep the document safe. A complete service history can help improve the resale value of your car as it’s proof that you’ve spend time and money maintaining your car.
If you’re buying a used car, ask to see its service history before finalising the purchase. A missing or incomplete history might mean that the car has had issues in the past or hasn’t been cared for well.
Should you combine your MOT and service?
There are a few advantages to combining your MOT and servicing. The first is that it saves hassle; you can get everything done on the same day and in the same place, so you only need to book one appointment.
It can also serve as a good reminder if you’re not sure when your service is due as your MOT will need to be completed every year.
Finally, you might be able to save money as some garages offer a discount when you choose them for both your car service and MOT.
Why do I need an MOT and servicing?
MOTs and services check different things and are needed for different reasons.
Under UK law, all cars that are three years old or more must pass an MOT test annually. An MOT is a vehicle safety check that follows strict guidelines set out by the DVSA. It’s an inspection only – no repairs are included – and must be carried out by an accredited MOT tester.
In contrast, a car service is a health check for your vehicle that’s designed to keep it running in the best possible condition. Keeping your car well-maintained might also help it last longer. But car servicing isn’t a legal requirement like an MOT.
What do I need to bring to my MOT and service?
Once you’ve booked in for your MOT and service, you should take some time to prepare your car. It’s important that you remove any items that might get in the way of any repairs and the MOT inspection. That includes things like the Satnav fixed to your windscreen and any child seats.
Next, is to make sure your locking wheel nut key is left somewhere easily accessible – like your passenger seat – so that the mechanic can take off your wheels to check your brakes.
Finally, get your vehicle logbook ready so that it can be stamped once your service is complete.
How much does an MOT cost?
Unlike servicing, MOT costs are standardised and there is a maximum price of £54.85 for a car and £29.65 for a motorbike.
If you’re booking a full service and MOT from the same garage, they may offer you a discount on this price but be prepared for both to set you back between £200-300.
You may also have to pay extra for any repairs completed and oils and fluids topped up during the service.
What are my rights to repair if my used car goes wrong?
Your right to a repair depends on where you bought your used car. If you purchased it from a private seller then, unfortunately, your options are limited. You’re only covered if the car isn’t as it was described; if it breaks down two days after you buy it then you’ll be responsible for covering the repairs.
When you buy a used car from a dealership, they must adhere to the Consumer Rights Act 2015. That means that if you find a fault within the first six months of owning the car then it’s presumed it existed when you bought the car and so the dealer must repair or replace it.
If the car can’t be fixed, you can claim a refund or a price reduction if you still want to keep it.