What does a car service include?

A full car service usually checks the brakes, suspension, exhaust, steering, oil, fluids and lights. Your mechanic might also change the engine oil and filters, and up to 70 other different components. For example the wheel alignment and suspension. But the level of detail depends on whether you get a full or interim service.

What is a car service?

A car service is basically a health check for your car. It investigates the car's condition including your engine fluid levels, your wheel alignment and general wear and tear to name a few.

Your mechanic should check lots of different components, and the main aim is to make sure the car is running correctly. Any minor issues should be fixed - like making adjustments and replacing parts - during the service. It depends on the garage but they may give you a call to let you know what if anything needs doing.

What are the different types of car service?

You can get either an interim, full or major service. Here's the differences between each:

• Interim: You might get this every six months or 6,000 miles. It's slightly less detailed than a full or major service and just covers your car's core vitals, like fluid checks and tyre checks. You should get an oil and filter change too
• Full: You'd usually get this every 12 months or 12,000 miles. It includes everything from the interim service, but also includes spark plugs, heating and cooling systems as well as air filters
• Major: You'd get a major service every two years or 24,000 miles. It covers everything from the interim and full service. The main difference is that it's much more detailed. It takes about four hours to complete a major service. During the service you should have your brake fluid replaced and coolant levels. As well as your air filters and spark plugs.

What does a car service include?

It depends on what type of service you have and the garage you go to, but here's a rough outline of what a service includes:

General checks

• Lights and electrics
• Battery
• Windscreen and wipers
• Horn

Engine

• Coolant and antifreeze
• Air filter
• Oil and oil filter
• Spark plugs
• Drive belts
• Timing belt

Braking system

• Brake pads, fluids and discs
• Handbrake

Steering and suspension

• Power steering fluid
• Steering system
• Shock absorbers and suspension

Wheels and tyres

• Tyre pressure and tread depth
• Wheel alignment and balancing
• Wheel bearings

Exhaust and emissions

• Exhaust system
• Emissions testing

Fluid levels

• Brake fluid
• Power steering fluid
• Transmission fluid (if you've got this in your car)
• Windscreen washer fluid

Interior

• Seat belts
• Air conditioning
• Dashboard warning lights

Exterior

• Doors and locks
• Bodywork
• Mirrors

Road test

• Your mechanic might take your car out for a spin to check everything is working correctly.

Tip: Make sure you ring your garage before you book your service to see what's covered.

How much is a car service?

Here's a rough idea of how much a car service could cost, this can vary depending on your car where you live and if your car needs any parts replacing:

*Prices taken from Who can fix my car? 7 January 2025

**Price taken from Lookers.co.uk, 7 January 2025

Our tip: Use our Garages tool to find the cheapest place to service your car near you.

Are there benefits of servicing your car?

Yes, there are lots of benefits to servicing your car. The main one is saving you money. A service might seem pricey, but getting your car serviced regularly means you can pick up and fix problems that might get serious (and expensive).

Regular servicing can help improve fuel efficiency and better handling. You might find your engine runs more smoothly too.

No one wants an unexpected car breakdown. Regular servicing means that you reduce the chances of your car breaking down at the side of the road.

How often should you service your car?

Again it depends on what type of service you have. Some cars tell you when they need a service. Otherwise it's usually around 12,000 miles or every 12 months. Whichever comes first.

What’s the difference between an MOT and a car service?

An MOT is a legal requirement, much like getting car insurance is. On the other hand, getting your car serviced isn't. Your MOT is a mandatory check that ensures your car is legally safe to drive on the road. You can check whether your car has a valid MOT with our MOT checker tool.

You might be asking, so why do I need a service if I'm having an MOT? The answer is, you don't have to. But it's a good idea because a service is more detailed and comprehensive investigation of your car. It can highlight issues before they become serious, improve running costs and even increase your car's life.

On the other hand, you need to ensure you pass your MOT, as it makes sure your car meets the legal minimum safety standard to be on the road.

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