Skipping a service can cost you thousands. Here's exactly when to book yours — and what gets checked each time.
Why servicing matters more than you think
A car service isn't just about changing the oil. It's a comprehensive health check that catches small problems before they become expensive ones. A snapped cambelt, for example, can destroy an engine entirely — a £300 replacement at the right interval prevents a £3,000+ repair bill.
How often should you service your car?
Most modern cars have either fixed or variable service intervals. Fixed interval cars need servicing every 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first). Variable interval cars use oil quality sensors to determine when a service is needed — typically every 18–24 months or up to 18,000 miles.
Always follow your manufacturer's recommended schedule, which you'll find in the service book or owner's manual.
Pro tip: If you do a lot of short journeys, consider servicing more frequently than the manufacturer recommends — short trips are harder on oil than motorway miles.
Interim vs full vs major service
Services come in three levels. An interim service (every 6 months or 6,000 miles) covers the basics: oil, filter, and a visual check. A full service (annually) is more comprehensive, covering brakes, tyres, fluids, and all filters. A major service (every 2–3 years) adds spark plugs, cambelt inspection, and deeper checks.
- Interim: oil change, oil filter, visual safety check
- Full: all of the above + air filter, fuel filter, brake check, all fluids
- Major: all of the above + spark plugs, cambelt check, transmission fluid
The cambelt: the most important interval of all
If your car has a cambelt (also called a timing belt), replacing it at the manufacturer's recommended interval is critical. Most manufacturers recommend replacement every 5 years or 60,000–80,000 miles. If it snaps, the engine is usually destroyed beyond economic repair.
Note: many modern cars use a timing chain instead of a belt. Chains are designed to last the life of the engine, though they can stretch if oil changes are neglected.
Keeping your service history
A full service history significantly increases a car's resale value. Keep all receipts and stamps in the service book. If you use an independent garage rather than a main dealer, make sure they stamp the book and provide a detailed invoice — this is just as valid as a dealer stamp for most buyers.