What Service Does Your Car Need?

If you're wondering what type of car servicing your car needs, it's probably time to get something booked in.

While an MOT is mandatory, car servicing isn’t a legal requirement in the UK. Which means many drivers overlook it until a warning light flashes or something feels off.

But regular servicing plays a huge part in keeping your vehicle reliable, safe, and performing at its best.

Skipping a car service might not get you a fine, but it could lead to some costly repairs down the line.

What Are the Different Types of Car Service?

Not all services are the same.

Garages usually offer three levels of service:

• Interim
• Full
• Major

Each one more comprehensive than the last.

The right one for you will depend on how long it’s been since your last service, your car’s age, and how many miles you typically cover in a year.

Interim Service. Every 6 Months or 6,000 Miles

Best for: an interim service is great for high-mileage drivers. Or if you are wanting to keep on top of maintenance between your annual service.

At its heart, the interim service is a basic check-up that is aimed at spotting any wear and tear early on.

It's a great option if you use your car on a daily basis for commuting. Or, for anyone who’s already clocked up a lot of miles since they last took their car to the garage.

An interim service includes:

• Engine oil and filter change – for keeping your engine clean and running smoothly.
• Brake inspection – which helps to ensure that the pads and discs are still safe.
• Tyre condition – which is important for good grip, low fuel economy and your road safety.
• Suspension and steering checks – to make sure any looseness or damage is caught early.
• Windscreen wiper and washer fluid top-up - So you’re not caught short in the rain.
• Lights and horn functionality – important for visibility and safety compliance.

An interim car service won’t cover everything, but it helps prevent minor issues from developing into major ones.

Full Service - Every 12 Months or 12,000 Miles

Best for: this is an important part of most cars’ annual maintenance routine. Especially if it’s been a while since you have had any checks carried out.

The full service as a comprehensive annual health check.

It’s more thorough than the interim service and looks at more components. Making it the most popular option amongst motorists for routine maintenance.

What’s typically included:

• Everything from an interim service
• Air filter replacement - Helps your engine breathe properly and improves fuel efficiency.
• Coolant/antifreeze and brake fluid top-ups - Keeps the cooling and braking systems operating correctly.
• Battery testing - Ensures your battery is charging and holding power.
• Exhaust system check - Identifies leaks or corrosion.
• Full inspection of belts, hoses, and seals - Prevents fluid leaks and potential engine damage.

It is a good idea to get a full service after you have just bought a used car with no clear service history. It can be important in creating a solid benchmark for future care of your new vehicle.

Major Service – Every 24 Months or 24,000 Miles

Best for: the major service can be a good option for older cars, vehicles without service records, or those approaching higher mileage milestones.

As the name suggests, a major service is the extensive service option. It often includes parts and fluid replacements that aren’t required every year.

A major service gives your car a thorough once-over and helps extend its lifespan.

What’s typically included:

• All full service checks
• Brake fluid replacement – Essential for safe and responsive braking.
• Cabin/pollen filter change – Keeps the air inside your car clean and allergen-free.
• Spark plug replacement (petrol engines) – Improves ignition efficiency and fuel economy.
• Transmission oil check and top-up (where applicable)
• Comprehensive system diagnostics – Uses computer scans to check for hidden faults.
• Steering and suspension system inspection – Particularly useful for older or heavily used vehicles.

It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s the best way to keep an ageing car running reliably.

How Can I Tell When My Car Needs Servicing?

Not all cars have a helpful little service light, and even when they do, they’re not always accurate. Here are some other signs that your car could be due for a check-up:

• Dashboard warning lights – If the engine, oil, or brake warning light appears, don’t ignore it.
• Odd noises – Grinding brakes, whining belts or knocking from the engine bay are red flags.
• Reduced performance – If your car feels sluggish or fuel economy has dipped.
• Smoke or strange smells – Especially from the exhaust or under the bonnet.
• Shaky steering or braking – This could indicate worn components or alignment issues.

If in doubt, it's always better to get it looked at than to wait for a breakdown.

Why Regular Servicing Is Worth It

Servicing might feel like just another expense – especially when your car feels fine – but it pays off in the long term:

• Improved safety – Identifies worn parts before they become dangerous.
• Better performance – A smoother, quieter drive and fewer breakdowns.
• Increased fuel efficiency – Clean oil and filters help your engine work less hard.
• Stronger resale value – A full service history adds value and trust for future buyers.
• Lower repair bills – Prevents small issues from turning into expensive faults.

Skipping services might save you money today, but it often leads to a bigger bill tomorrow.

Choose the right car service

If it’s been a while since your last check-up, a full or major service is usually the best bet. Once you’ve got a proper servicing rhythm going, you can alternate between interim and full services based on how much driving you do.

Regular servicing is about making sure you get the most from your vehicle, whether it’s petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric.