How often should I service my car?

Most manufacturers recommend every 12 months or 10,000-12,000 miles. Some allow longer intervals (up to 20,000 miles) with longlife oil. Check your handbook for exact intervals.

What is included in a full service?

A full service typically includes oil and filter change, air filter, spark plugs (petrol), brake fluid check, coolant check, full inspection of brakes/suspension/tyres, and a road test. It takes 2-3 hours.

Is dealer servicing worth the cost?

Dealer servicing maintains your warranty and service history, which helps resale value. Independent garages are typically 30-50% cheaper. After the warranty period, independent servicing is often good value.

Can I service my car myself to save money?

Basic tasks like oil changes, air filter replacement, and fluid top-ups are straightforward with basic tools. YouTube guides and Haynes manuals cover most common cars. However, DIY servicing may not be recognised for warranty purposes and some tasks require specialist equipment or diagnostics.

What is the difference between an interim and full service?

An interim service (minor service) covers oil, oil filter, and basic checks. A full service (major service) adds air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, brake fluid check, and more thorough inspections. Most cars alternate between minor and major services.

CarCalcs

Service Cost Calculator

Estimate car servicing costs based on service type and labour rates.

Service TypeService type

Labour Rate

Dealer: £100-150/hr, Independent: £50-90/hr

Labour Hours

Labour hours in hours

Parts Cost

Oil, filters, plugs, etc.

How We Calculate This

Multiplies the hourly labour rate by estimated hours, then adds parts costs. Typical hours: minor service 1hr, full service 2-3hrs, major service 3-5hrs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Actual figures may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle specifications, and other factors.