Every vehicle needs to be serviced regularly, at least every 5,000 to 6,000 miles. This makes sure vehicles are in good shape and roadworthy condition at all times. Thereby improving the safety of everyone on the road.
But just how much does it cost to get a full car service? Most people should be prepared to be charged £150 to £400, though this will depend on a few factors, starting from the area where you live, the car make, age, and more.
That’s why this article was put together; to show clearly everything you need to know about car servicing costs.
What is the average cost of a full car service in the UK?
The average cost of a full car service is £280 but this depends on a lot of factors including the car’s make, age, and condition. If the vehicle had been involved in accidents in the past where it sustained lots of damages, the charge will be much higher than for say a car that has never been involved in an accident.
The size of your car also contributes to the servicing costs. In most cases, these costs will apply based on the vehicle size:
- Small-sized car: £170-£210
- Medium-sized car: £210-£300
- Large car: £400+
What is the average car service cost by make?
We have compiled a list showing the average car service costs to expect for several popular vehicle brands.
| Car Make | Average Service Cost |
| Audi | £400 to £700 |
| BMW | £450 to £800 |
| Citroen | £300 to £550 |
| Fiat | £300 to £500 |
| Land Rover | £450 to £800 |
| Mercedes-Benz | £450 to £800 |
| Peugeot | £300 to £550 |
| Renault | £300 to £550 |
| Toyota | £300 to £500 |
| Volkswagen | £300 to £600 |
READ ALSO: How Big Is My Petrol Tank? Here’s The Best Way To Find Out
How much is an interim car service?
An interim car service is the most basic type of service carried out every six months or 6,000 miles. It typically focuses on minor changes aimed at improving everyday driving.
This type of service typically includes:
- Brakes
- Tyres
- Steering
- Suspension
- Fluid levels
Since it’s just a basic check, it mostly costs around a third to half the price cheaper than a full service. This means you can get an interim car service for as low as £120 to £170. This price also depends on the service provider and the same factors mentioned above.
How much is a full car service?
A full service is a more comprehensive service. It is a complete check of the whole vehicle carried out annually or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. It covers everything an interim car service would provide, including extra checks, parts changes, and replacements.
During this service, the mechanic checks all vital parts of the car, including the following:
- Engine, for oil change/filter replacement
- Lights, tyres, exhaust, brakes, and steering
- Engine, to ensure it is tuned for optimal performance
- Hydraulic fluid and coolant levels
- Cooling system – radiators, pumps, and hoses.
- Suspension
- Steering alignment
- Batteries, etc.
For a full car service, you can expect to spend between £170 to £400. This also varies according to provider and location in the country.
How much is a major car service?
On average, you can get a major service from £210 to £415. It will naturally cost more than a full service because it is the highest service one can get. This type of service is recommended every 24 months or 24,000 miles.
It basically covers everything in a full service, only on a much more comprehensive scale. Due to the greater amount of wear and tear that a vehicle would have after 24 months compared to 12 months, it would need a more detailed service, with more parts and consumables needing to be replaced, refilled, or topped up.
What affects the cost of a service?
The cost of getting your car serviced depends on a few factors, such as:
- Service package
- Age and mileage
- Car make and model
- Labour costs
- Location
- Additional services
Service package
The service package chosen would determine how much you will be charged. There are three main packages to choose from – interim, full, and major car service and they each come with their individual price range.
If you are more budget conscious, an interim service package should work for you, but on the long run, you may have significant savings if you go with a full check once a year.
Age and condition of the car
A car that is older or in bad shape will most likely need more replacement and repairs during the service thus the total cost will be high.
Car make and model
Generally, what matters most when it comes to the services’ price is the car’s make and model in question. Cars listed in the luxury and high-performance category tend to attract high servicing costs due to the incorporation of specialized parts and skills. However, economy cars tend to have relatively cheaper spare parts and lower fees for mechanics’ services.
Labour costs
Where you take your car for servicing can make a big difference in cost. IGenerally, independent garages are cheaper than franchised dealerships since they are not big names. However, dealerships might offer brand-specific expertise and use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, which can be more expensive.
Location
Geographical location plays a role in service costs. Urban areas, especially cities like London, tend to have higher labor rates than rural areas. The cost of living and local demand for services also influence pricing.
Additional services
If the service uncovers additional issues that need fixing, this can increase the cost. While a service includes routine checks and maintenance, any additional repairs or part replacements will add to the total bill.
Why should I have my car serviced?
Although it’s not a legal requirement like the MOT, servicing your car improves safety, and this should be your number one priority as a driver.
Some reasons why you should have your car serviced are:
Better handling
With proper maintenance and servicing, your vehicle runs as smoothly as possible. This not only saves a lot of cash you would have used to repair the car but also increases on the fuel efficiency of the car and gives you better control on the way you drive.
Improved market value
Servicing your vehicle also boosts its trade value. If your intention is to trade in the car after some time, then it is useful to maintain it well; it fetches better market price. With such service records, the clients will surely be convinced to go for the good prices in your favour.
Extended lifespan
If you’re not thinking about selling your car, carrying out proper maintenance and servicing can extend the life of the vehicle significantly by keeping all components in good working order.
Cost savings
Regular services are also important because they can detect petty problems that, if not repaired, correspond immediately to the big losses that will be caused. Apart from saving money in this area, a well-maintained car runs more efficiently, saving you money on fuel.
Avoid road accidents
A properly serviced and maintained car can significantly improve your safety and the safety of your passengers. Don’t take any risks, and keep your vehicle properly serviced.
Can You Check a Vehicle’s Service History?
Yes, you can check the service history of any vehicle. This is very important, especially for used car buyers looking for the best available option in the market. By looking at just how well a vehicle has been maintained and serviced, they can make informed choices and pick the best cars.
So, how do you check a vehicle’s service history? The first place to look is the service history booklet. The dealership or auto repair shop where the vehicle was serviced can provide this document, and a private seller (or previous owner) can also provide a copy.
Is service history the same as MOT history?
No, the service history is not the same as MOT history. Both the MOT history and service history provide insights into the condition of a vehicle and its health over the years, but they are not the same.
MOT test records show the passes, fails, and advisory notes on why a car failed a particular test. Service records, on the other hand, show how much work has been put into the vehicle to keep it safe.
They show detailed records of all maintenance and repair work performed on a vehicle. This includes regular servicing tasks like oil changes, brake checks, and more extensive repairs.
Need to view MOT records? Our instant MOT history check tool can do this in seconds. Simply fill out the form on this page to see MOT records and find out if your vehicle meets legal safety and environmental standards. View the sample report here
Conclusion
Regular car servicing is very important if you want to keep your vehicle in good shape and roadworthy condition. This, in turn, enhances safety for everyone on the road.
On average, the cost of a full car service in the UK ranges from £150 to £400, depending on factors like your car’s make, age, size, and location. Make sure to keep your car reliable, safe, and efficient. This will ultimately save you money and provide peace of mind on the road.
