Regular vehicle servicing is an essential part of keeping your motor in good running condition. The car service cost in the UK can vary depending on several factors. Including the type of service, the make and model of your car, and your location. Spotting faults and problems before they escalate out of control. Can save you money and stress, so it makes sense, right? Nobody needs to be hit with an astronomical repair bill if they can avoid it; regular servicing is the key to affordable and safe motoring. Also, a well-documented service history will help you keep track of your car’s mechanical health. This will be a huge advantage when you sell your car. In this article, we’re going to talk about the types of car services. The car service cost in the UK, and how long each one takes.

What are the typical car service checks?

The vehicle service checks are designed to spot deterioration and identify potential problems before they happen. To give a driver the best chances of trouble-free motoring. Your service plan will feature a wide range of checks that include:

• Oil, oil filter and air filter
• Fluid levels, including: 
• Anti-freeze
• Brake fluid
• Power steering fluid
• Transmission oil
• Battery testing
• Spark plugs
• Timing and auxiliary drive belts
• Suspension
• Brake pipes/brake hoses/fuel lines
• Brake pads/brake discs
• Wheels and tyres
• Clutch and clutch components

The level of vehicle service plan you opt for will determine how many checks are carried out, and how many components and consumables are replaced.

Your car service and MOT

Given your car can’t legally be driven without an MOT—which is the Government’s way of making sure all of our vehicles are roadworthy—it’s a good opportunity to kill those 2 birds with one sensible stone. Your vehicle service will likely cover all the same items your MOT test does—certainly, the full and major services will. Carrying out the same jobs both areas include, should save you time and money getting them sorted in one go.

How often should you service your car?

The frequency at which you service your car will often be determined by how much you use it. High-mileage drivers should have their cars serviced much more regularly than low-mileage drivers. Obviously, with extensive use, your car is much more likely to suffer wear and tear than one that spends a lot of its life sitting on the drive or in the garage. Based on your mileage, you should get an idea of the regularity of your service schedule and which service plan is appropriate.

How much does a car service cost in the UK?

Depending on the make and model of the car and the level of service you need, typical car service cost in UK is:

• Interim services should cost around £100–120
• Full service should come with a £150 price tag or somewhere similar
• And a major service nearer the £200 mark

Which vehicle service plan do you need?

An interim service is designed for high-mileage drivers as a top-up service, recommended after 6 months of motoring, covering distances of around 2,000 miles each month. All drivers should arrange a complete service for their car every year.

It’s estimated that, on average, we drive around 12,000 miles over 12 months. With that amount of use, your car will be ready for its regular refills and replacements of consumable parts and fluids. How long does a full service take? Well, all the work should be taken care of in around 3 hours.

A major service leaves no stone unturned. This is the most thorough set of checks, changes, replacements, and recharges your car could need. It’s recommended that this level of care and attention be administered after 24,000 miles of use, or once every 2 years.

What is an interim car service?

Your interim vehicle service will feature a variety of simple checks to keep you roadworthy and your motor healthy. 

What is a complete car service?

A full vehicle service plan covers 71 maintenance checks. We’ll also drain and replace your engine oil, oil filter, and air filter. Wherever we find any suspicious or possible problematic issues, we’ll advise you on the best way to address them and the work recommended to get you back to 100%.

What is a major car service?

The major vehicle service covers all the same checks as the full version, but in much more detail and with additional replacements of wearable parts and consumables. These will include air, cabin, and fuel filters, spark plugs, brake fluid, and coolant wherever required.

So, if you’re ready to show your car the love and attention it deserves, or if you just want to make sure it’s running properly and will sail through its MOT, give us a call today.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to car servicing:

What is car servicing?

Car servicing refers to the regular maintenance and inspection of a vehicle to ensure its optimal performance, reliability, and safety. It involves a series of checks, replacements, and adjustments as recommended by the car manufacturer.

How often should I service my car?

The frequency of car servicing depends on factors such as the vehicle’s make, model, age, and mileage. Typically, it is recommended to have a full service performed annually or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, it’s best to refer to your car’s owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s specific recommendations.

What is included in a car service?

A car service generally includes several inspections, checks, and maintenance tasks. This can involve checking the engine oil and filter, inspecting the brakes, suspension, and steering components, examining the tires, replacing the air filter, topping up fluids, and conducting various safety checks.

Can I service my car myself?

While some basic maintenance tasks can be done by car owners, such as checking the tire pressure or topping up fluids, a full car service is best left to trained professionals. They have the expertise, tools, and knowledge to perform thorough inspections and identify potential issues that might go unnoticed otherwise.

Read more: Land rover maintenance, what should you ask?

How much does a car service cost in the UK?

The cost of a car service can vary depending on several factors, including the type of service, the make and model of your car, and your location. A basic oil and filter change service may start around $50 to $100, while a comprehensive full service can range from $150 to $500 or more.

Why is regular car servicing important?

Regular car servicing is crucial for maintaining the performance, reliability, and longevity of your vehicle. It helps identify and address potential problems early, preventing costly breakdowns or major repairs in the future. Moreover, servicing your car regularly can contribute to better fuel efficiency and safety on the road.

Is car servicing different from an MOT test?

Yes, car servicing is different from an MOT (Ministry of Transport) test. While a car service focuses on maintenance and inspections to ensure the overall health of the vehicle, an MOT test is a legal requirement in many countries. It assesses the roadworthiness and safety of a vehicle, checking various components such as brakes, lights, exhaust emissions, and more.

Can I service my car at any garage?

Yes, you can choose to service your car at any reputable garage, not necessarily the dealership where you purchased it. However, it’s advisable to select a garage that has qualified technicians, experience with your car’s make and model, and a good reputation for quality service.

Read more: Tips That Help In Car Dent Repairs

How long does a car service usually take?

The duration of a car service can vary depending on the type of service, the garage’s workload, and any additional repairs or maintenance required. Generally, a basic service can take around 1-2 hours, while a full service may take several hours or even a full day.

What should I do if my car service uncovers additional repairs?

If your car service reveals additional repairs or maintenance requirements, the service provider should provide you with a detailed explanation of the issues, their urgency, and the associated costs. You can then decide whether to proceed with the repairs immediately or plan for them at a later time based on your budget and the severity of the problems.

Remember that these answers are general guidelines, and it’s always best to consult with a professional mechanic or refer to your car’s owner’s manual for specific recommendations related to your vehicle.