Car Maintenance Schedule UK - When to Service Your Car
Complete guide to car maintenance schedules in the UK. Learn about service intervals, what is included in different service types, DIY maintenance basics, cost expectations, and whether to choose main dealer or independent garages.
Regular maintenance is the difference between a car that lasts 200,000 miles and one that fails at 80,000. Yet many owners neglect servicing to save money in the short term, only to face expensive repairs later.
This guide explains exactly when to service your car, what happens during different service types, which maintenance tasks you can do yourself, what costs to expect, and whether to use a main dealer or independent garage.
What this guide covers:
- Understanding service intervals
- What is included in each service type
- DIY maintenance you can do yourself
- Cost expectations by service type
- Main dealer vs independent garages
- Maintaining your service history
Understanding Service Intervals
Manufacturer Recommended Intervals
Every car has a manufacturer-recommended service schedule, typically:
Standard interval (most common):
- Every 12,000 miles OR every 12 months
- Whichever comes first
Long-life/variable servicing (some manufacturers):
- Up to 20,000 miles or 2 years
- Determined by on-board computer
- Based on driving conditions
Severe use/short trip servicing:
- Every 6,000 miles or 6 months
- For taxis, delivery vehicles, short journeys only
The "Whichever Comes First" Rule
This is crucial to understand. If your car needs servicing every 12,000 miles OR 12 months:
Scenario 1: You drive 15,000 miles per year
- Service due at 12,000 miles (before 12 months)
- Service again at 24,000 miles
Scenario 2: You drive 6,000 miles per year
- Service due at 12 months (before 12,000 miles)
- Service again at 24 months
Why time matters even with low mileage:
- Oil degrades over time even without use
- Moisture accumulates in oil
- Seals and gaskets dry out
- Brake fluid absorbs water
- Coolant loses effectiveness
Low-mileage cars still need annual servicing.
Where to Find Your Service Schedule
Check these sources:
- Owner's manual (service section)
- Service book (in glovebox)
- Manufacturer's website
- Dealer service department
- Dashboard service indicator (modern cars)
Service indicator lights: Most modern cars have service reminders:
- Spanner symbol
- "Service due" message
- Countdown to service
- Oil life percentage
Do not ignore these. They are based on your actual driving conditions.
Types of Car Service
Interim Service (Minor Service)
When needed: Every 6,000 miles or 6 months (for high-mileage drivers)
What is included:
- Engine oil change
- Oil filter replacement
- Visual safety check
- Fluid level checks and top-ups
- Tyre condition check
- Light function check
- Basic brake inspection
What is NOT included:
- Air filter
- Fuel filter
- Spark plugs
- Major component checks
Who needs it:
- High-mileage drivers (over 15,000 miles per year)
- Those who do a lot of short journeys
- Commercial/business drivers
Typical cost: 80 to 150 pounds
Full Service (Annual Service)
When needed: Every 12,000 miles or 12 months
What is included:
- Everything in interim service
- Air filter replacement
- Pollen/cabin filter replacement (usually)
- Comprehensive brake inspection
- Suspension check
- Steering check
- Exhaust inspection
- Battery test
- Coolant check/top-up
- More detailed inspection
What is NOT included:
- Spark plugs (unless due)
- Timing belt
- Major fluid changes (unless specified)
Who needs it:
- Most drivers
- Standard annual maintenance
- Maintains warranty and service history
Typical cost: 150 to 300 pounds
Major Service (Full Comprehensive Service)
When needed: Every 24,000 miles or 2 years (varies by manufacturer)
What is included:
- Everything in full service
- Spark plugs (petrol cars)
- Fuel filter
- Brake fluid change
- Gearbox oil check/change
- All fluid changes
- Comprehensive component inspection
- Road test
Who needs it:
- All cars at specified intervals
- Higher mileage vehicles
- Before major journeys
Typical cost: 250 to 500 pounds
Manufacturer Scheduled Services
Some manufacturers have specific schedules rather than interim/full:
Example: BMW Service Schedule
- Oil Service: Every 10,000-12,000 miles
- Inspection 1: 25,000 miles
- Inspection 2: 50,000 miles (more comprehensive)
Example: Toyota Service Schedule
- Intermediate: Every 10,000 miles
- Full: Every 20,000 miles
Check your specific manufacturer's requirements.
Key Service Items by Mileage
Every Service (12 months/12,000 miles)
Engine oil and filter
- Essential for engine lubrication
- Old oil loses viscosity and protection
- Dirty oil causes wear
- Never skip this
Fluid checks
- Coolant level and condition
- Brake fluid level
- Power steering fluid (if applicable)
- Windscreen washer fluid
Visual inspections
- Tyre condition and depth
- Brake wear indicators
- Light function
- Wiper condition
Every 2 Years/24,000 Miles
Air filter
- Dirty filter reduces efficiency
- Affects fuel economy
- Easy to replace
Cabin/pollen filter
- Affects air quality inside car
- Reduces air conditioning efficiency
- Causes musty smells if neglected
Brake fluid
- Absorbs moisture over time
- Wet fluid has lower boiling point
- Affects braking performance
- Should be replaced every 2 years regardless of mileage
Every 4 Years/48,000 Miles
Spark plugs (petrol engines)
- Worn plugs cause misfires
- Affects fuel economy
- Long-life plugs last 60,000+ miles
Coolant change
- Antifreeze degrades over time
- Loses corrosion protection
- Some coolants are lifetime fill
Major Mileage Milestones
60,000-80,000 miles: Timing belt (if applicable)
- Critical maintenance item
- Failure destroys engine
- Check manufacturer schedule
- Cost: 300 to 600 pounds (but saves thousands in engine damage)
Not all cars have timing belts. Some have timing chains (usually lifetime, but check).
80,000-100,000 miles
- Suspension components may need attention
- Brake discs likely need replacement
- Clutch assessment (manual cars)
- Water pump consideration
120,000+ miles
- Increased likelihood of component wear
- More frequent inspections recommended
- Budget for repairs alongside services
DIY Maintenance Basics
Some maintenance tasks are simple enough to do yourself, saving money and keeping you connected to your car.
Weekly Checks (5 Minutes)
FLOWER check:
F - Fuel Keep tank at least quarter full. Running very low can damage fuel pump and pick up sediment.
L - Lights Walk around car, check all lights work. Have someone press brakes while you check. Replace bulbs promptly.
O - Oil Check dipstick when engine is cold or 5 minutes after stopping. Level should be between min and max marks. Check every week until you know your car's oil consumption.
W - Water (Coolant) Check expansion tank when engine is cold. Level should be between min and max. Never open radiator cap when hot.
E - Electrics Check dashboard for warning lights with ignition on. Ensure wipers work, horn sounds, and windows operate.
R - Rubber (Tyres) Visual check for damage, bulges, cuts. Check pressures monthly (see below).
Monthly Checks (15 Minutes)
Tyre pressure
- Check when cold (before driving or after sitting several hours)
- Use accurate gauge
- Correct pressure shown on sticker inside driver's door
- Include spare tyre
- Underinflation: wastes fuel, causes uneven wear, affects handling
Tyre tread depth
- Legal minimum: 1.6mm across central three-quarters
- Recommended minimum: 2-3mm (for safety)
- Use 20p coin test: insert into tread grooves. If you see outer rim, tread is too low
- Check across full width
Windscreen washer fluid
- Top up with proper screen wash (not just water)
- Water freezes in winter, screen wash does not
- Keeps screen clean for visibility
Seasonal Checks
Before Winter
- Check antifreeze concentration (protect to -30C)
- Check battery condition (cold starts are demanding)
- Replace wiper blades if worn
- Check heater and demister work
- Consider winter tyres in severe conditions
Before Summer
- Check air conditioning works (run monthly to maintain)
- Check coolant level
- Clean air vents and replace cabin filter
DIY Tasks You Can Do
Easy (beginner):
- Checking and topping up fluids
- Changing wiper blades
- Replacing bulbs (most cars)
- Topping up windscreen wash
- Cleaning battery terminals
Moderate (some experience):
- Changing air filter
- Changing cabin filter
- Changing oil and filter (with equipment)
- Replacing fuses
- Changing spark plugs (accessible engines)
Leave to professionals:
- Brake work
- Suspension repairs
- Timing belt
- Engine repairs
- Electrical diagnostics
- Air conditioning regas
- Anything you are not confident doing
Golden rule: If in doubt, leave it to professionals. A poorly done DIY repair costs more to fix than having it done properly in the first place.
Service Cost Expectations
Typical Service Costs by Type
| Service Type | Independent | Main Dealer |
|---|---|---|
| Interim | 80-120 | 120-180 |
| Full | 150-250 | 250-400 |
| Major | 250-400 | 400-600 |
Prices vary by:
- Location (London more expensive)
- Car make (prestige brands cost more)
- Garage type
- Parts quality
What Affects Service Costs
Car make and model
- Standard brands (Ford, Vauxhall): Lower costs
- Premium brands (BMW, Audi): Higher costs
- Prestige brands (Porsche, Mercedes): Highest costs
- Reason: Parts prices and specialist knowledge
Genuine vs aftermarket parts
- Genuine OEM parts: More expensive, guaranteed fit
- Quality aftermarket (Bosch, NGK): Good value, reliable
- Budget aftermarket: Cheapest, variable quality
Labour rates
- Independent: 50 to 80 pounds per hour
- Main dealer: 100 to 150+ pounds per hour
- Regional variation: London highest
Common Additional Items
Be prepared for these common extras:
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Brake pads (front) | 80-150 |
| Brake pads (rear) | 70-120 |
| Brake discs (pair) | 100-200 |
| Wiper blades | 20-50 |
| Battery | 80-150 |
| Tyres (each) | 60-150 |
| Timing belt | 300-600 |
| Clutch | 400-800 |
Main Dealer vs Independent Garage
Main Dealer Advantages
Specialist expertise
- Factory-trained technicians
- Brand-specific diagnostic equipment
- Access to technical bulletins and updates
Genuine parts
- OEM parts guaranteed
- Correct specifications
- Manufacturer warranty on parts
Warranty considerations
- Required for some warranty claims
- Maintains official service record
- Stamps service book correctly
Resale value
- Full main dealer history commands premium
- Some buyers insist on dealer stamps
- Especially important for prestige cars
Main Dealer Disadvantages
Higher cost
- Labour rates 50-100% higher than independent
- Parts marked up more
- Often push additional services
Impersonal service
- Large operation, less personal relationship
- Different mechanic each time
- Less likely to explain issues in detail
Upselling
- Often recommend work not immediately necessary
- Push extended warranties and protection products
- Pressure to use dealer for everything
Independent Garage Advantages
Lower cost
- Labour rates significantly cheaper
- Can source parts at better prices
- Less markup on work
Personal service
- Same mechanic often
- Builds relationship with your car
- More likely to discuss options
Flexibility
- Often quicker appointments
- More willing to show you issues
- Can discuss priorities
Quality can equal dealer
- Many independents are ex-dealer trained
- Good independents know specific makes well
- Specialist independents often better than generalist dealers
Independent Garage Disadvantages
Variable quality
- Wide range from excellent to poor
- Need to find reputable one
- Less accountability
Warranty concerns
- Some manufacturers require dealer service
- Parts may not be genuine OEM
- Records may not be in manufacturer system
Equipment limitations
- May lack latest diagnostic tools
- Some brand-specific tasks difficult
- Complex modern cars challenging
Making the Right Choice
Use main dealer when:
- Car is under manufacturer warranty
- You want dealer-stamped service history
- Selling to dealer-history conscious buyer
- Complex brand-specific issues
- Recall or safety campaign work (free at dealer)
Use independent when:
- Car is out of warranty
- You want to save money
- You have found a reputable specialist
- Straightforward servicing
- Older or higher-mileage cars
Best approach for many:
- Dealer service during warranty period
- Switch to quality independent after warranty
- Choose independent specialist for your brand if available
Finding a Good Independent Garage
Check these:
- Online reviews (Google, Facebook, Trustpilot)
- Word of mouth recommendations
- Member of trade body (Good Garage Scheme, Motor Ombudsman)
- Clean, organised premises
- Willing to show you issues
- Clear pricing upfront
- Provides itemised invoices
Red flags:
- No reviews or poor reviews
- Reluctant to provide written quotes
- Dirty, disorganised premises
- Push work you did not ask for
- Cannot explain what they did
Maintaining Your Service History
Service history significantly affects your car's value and demonstrates care.
Why Service History Matters
Resale value
- Full service history: Commands 10-20% premium
- Partial history: Reduced value
- No history: Significant discount
Reliability indicator
- Shows car has been maintained
- Problems caught early
- Fluids changed correctly
Warranty protection
- May be required for warranty claims
- Proves correct maintenance
What Constitutes Service History
Complete service history includes:
- Stamped service book (all services logged)
- Invoices for each service
- Record of work done
- Dates and mileages
Digital service records (modern cars):
- Logged in manufacturer database
- Accessible online or through dealer
- Cannot be faked
- Increasingly common
Maintaining Your Records
Keep these for every service:
- Invoice with date and mileage
- List of work done
- Parts replaced
- Next service due date/mileage
Organise documents:
- Folder for car paperwork
- Chronological order
- Photograph and store digitally
- Back up to cloud storage
If using independent garage:
- Ensure they stamp service book
- Get detailed invoice
- Record parts used
- Note garage name and contact
Recovering Lost Service History
If service book is missing:
- Contact previous garages (they keep records)
- Request dealer history from manufacturer
- Gather all invoices and receipts
- Create a log from MOT mileage records
Digital services:
- CarSorted can verify service history for many modern cars
- Manufacturer portals show dealer records
- Some insurance companies have records
Check service history with CarSorted
Creating a Maintenance Calendar
Stay on top of maintenance with proper scheduling:
Annual Reminders
Set calendar reminders for:
- MOT due date (book 1 month early)
- Service due date (based on last service)
- Insurance renewal (3 weeks before)
- Tax renewal (if not Direct Debit)
Mileage-Based Tracking
Track mileage quarterly:
- Note mileage on 1st of each quarter
- Calculate monthly average
- Predict when service will be due
- Book ahead
Example:
- January 1st: 45,000 miles
- April 1st: 48,000 miles
- Average: 1,000 miles per month
- Last service: 42,000 miles (12,000-mile interval)
- Next service due: 54,000 miles (approximately October)
Seasonal Checklist
Spring:
- Post-winter check (salt damage, undercarriage)
- Air conditioning test
- Full clean inside and out
Autumn:
- Pre-winter check
- Battery test
- Antifreeze check
- Lights all working
Summary: Key Maintenance Points
-
Service on schedule. Time-based even for low mileage. Never skip.
-
Understand your car's requirements. Check manufacturer schedule for specific intervals.
-
Weekly checks prevent problems. FLOWER check takes 5 minutes and catches issues early.
-
Budget for services and extras. Set aside 30-50 pounds monthly for maintenance.
-
Choose garage wisely. Main dealer for warranty period, quality independent after.
-
Keep all records. Service history significantly affects value and proves care.
-
Never ignore warning lights. Small issues become expensive problems.
-
Timing belt is critical. Know your interval and never skip this service.
Regular maintenance costs money upfront but saves far more in avoided repairs, better fuel economy, higher resale value, and reliable transportation. Your car will thank you with years of trouble-free service.
Related Guides
- Complete UK Car Ownership Guide 2025
- Understanding MOT Requirements in the UK
- UK Car Insurance Guide - Types and How to Save Money