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Most manufacturers recommend servicing every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Some modern vehicles use variable service intervals that adapt based on driving style and conditions — your dashboard service light or owner's manual will tell you when it's due.
If you do a lot of short trips, stop-start city driving, or tow heavy loads, more frequent servicing helps protect the engine and drivetrain from accelerated wear.
Every 6 months / 6,000 miles
Typical cost: £80 – £150
Every 12 months / 12,000 miles
Typical cost: £150 – £300+
Prices vary by make, model, and location. Luxury and performance vehicles tend to cost more due to specialist parts and longer labour times. Comparing quotes is the easiest way to avoid overpaying.
| Service | MOT | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Preventative maintenance | Legal safety & emissions inspection |
| Required by law? | No (but recommended) | Yes — vehicles over 3 years old |
| Frequency | Every 6–12 months | Every 12 months |
| What it covers | Oil, filters, fluids, wear items | Brakes, lights, emissions, structure |
| Typical cost | £80 – £300+ | Up to £54.85 |
Many garages offer combined service and MOT packages at a discount. If both are due around the same time, booking them together can save money and means you only need one trip to the garage. Check your vehicle's MOT history to see when the next test is due.
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Most manufacturers recommend every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Some modern cars use variable intervals based on driving conditions — check your owner's manual.
An interim service covers the essentials — oil change, fluid top-ups, and a basic safety check. A full service adds air filter, fuel filter (diesel), spark plugs (petrol), and a more thorough inspection of brakes, suspension, exhaust, and steering.
An interim service typically costs £80–£150. A full service ranges from £150–£300+, depending on the vehicle and location. Comparing quotes is the best way to find a competitive price.
No. Under the Block Exemption Regulation, any VAT-registered garage can service your car without affecting the manufacturer warranty, as long as they use parts of matching quality and follow the service schedule.
No. An MOT is a legal safety inspection required for cars over 3 years old. A service is preventative maintenance — oil, filters, and fluid changes to keep the car running well. You need both.
Skipping services leads to accelerated engine wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and higher repair bills. It can also void your warranty and reduce the car's resale value.
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