How often should you get your car serviced?

Unlike your annual MOT, getting your car serviced isn’t a legal requirement. But while many drivers don’t consider car servicing a priority, it provides many important safety and financial benefits that you’ll be glad of in the long run.

Getting your car serviced highlights early warning signs that could lead to huge problems if they’re not fixed. This can save you a lot of money and extend the lifespan of your vehicle while keeping you and your passengers safe.

If your car is new, you probably won’t need to get it serviced for the first three years. After that, most mechanics and manufacturers recommend getting your car serviced either once a year or after 12,000 miles, whichever happens first.

What is a car service?

A service is essentially a health check for your vehicle that monitors general wear and tear. Your mechanic will perform a wide variety of checks and replace certain worn parts and fluids. This ensures your car remains roadworthy and lets you avoid any unpleasant (and often expensive) surprises. Petrol, diesel, electric and hybrid cars all require servicing to keep them in top condition.

Some modern cars feature a self-diagnostic system that tells you when a service is due. And if you have any lit warning lights on your dashboard, it’s important to get your car serviced even if you haven’t reached 12 months or 12,000 miles.

What are the different types of car service?

There are several different types of car service available depending on your car’s model, mileage and age, as well as your driving habits. Below, you’ll find out what happens when a car is serviced, when you should get it done, how much it might cost, and how long it should take.

Regular maintenance

In between services, you can look after your car by regularly checking your tyre pressure and engine oil levels, and keeping your fluids topped up. Depending on your level of knowledge, you might also be able to replace your engine oil and filters yourself.

Interim service

After a full service, your mechanic might recommend an interim service after six months or 6,000 miles. This is a precautionary check to monitor issues that might be presenting, but don’t require fixing at the time.

During an interim service, your mechanic will check your brakes, lights, steering, suspension, tyres and fluid levels. They might also change your engine oil and replace your oil filter, as well as inspect your drive belt.

An interim service can cost £80-£200, with an average cost of £119. It takes around 1.5 hours to complete.

Full service

This is the standard service you should get after 12 months or 12,000 miles. It includes all the checks of an interim service, as well as: inspecting your alternator hose, vacuum hose and parking brake shoes; replacing your air cleaner and fuel filter, and removing and rotating your wheels.

A full service can cost £133-£300, with an average cost of £151. It takes around three hours to complete.

Major service

A major service is a comprehensive vehicle health check that goes into much more detail than a full service. It’s recommended every 24 months or 24,000 miles, and leaves your car in the best possible condition. As well as all the checks of a full service, it includes: replacing your brake fluid, spark plugs, and odour and allergy filters; inspecting your transmission oil level; and a battery test.

A major service can cost £250-£400, with an average cost of £284. It takes around four hours to complete.

Manufacturer service

As the name implies, a manufacturer service follows a manufacturer-recommended schedule that’s been designed to suit your specific vehicle. It can only be performed by a mechanic who’s qualified to work on your make of vehicle, and all replacements are made with genuine parts rather than third-party.

The specifics of a manufacturer service are different for each vehicle. Check your car’s manual to see how often a manufacturer service should be performed and what it might include.

Book your car service at Ablefit

Whether you need an interim, full, major or manufacturer service, the mechanics at Ablefit Tyres & Exhausts Ltd are here to help. Our fast and affordable servicing packages ensure you catch potential problems early, keeping your car on the road and saving you plenty of time and money.

Contact us today to book your car service, and keep your vehicle in top condition.