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Book a car service today

Find a trusted local garage – or we bring the garage to you with RAC Mobile Mechanics

Book a car service today

It’s easy to book a service online with the RAC. Find a trusted local garage – or we bring the garage to you with RAC Mobile Mechanics.

Trusted local garages

Honest pricing, quality work and exceptional customer service are guaranteed

We bring the garage to you

Book a service or repair with an RAC Mobile Mechanic

12-month warranty

Any repairs come with a 12-month warranty, for complete peace of mind1

What is a car service?

A car service is a routine heath check that assesses everything from your engine’s fluid levels to general wear and tear. It keeps your car running safely and efficiently. And it can save you money in the long run, by nipping in the bud any problems that could develop.

Find a car service near you today. You can also read more in our handy car service checklist.

Why do I need a car service?

Regular servicing helps maintain your car and keep it running smoothly. For example, having the oil and filters changed can stop dirt and dust from getting into your engine and potentially causing major problems. If you don’t service your car, you’re more likely to see its performance deteriorate over time.

Regular servicing can also save you money in the long run, by spotting minor issues before they become a bigger problem.

How often should I service my car?

Most manufacturers recommend having a full car service once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. But this depends on your car and how you drive it.

You can check your logbook to see when your car was last serviced. Some cars also have a system that lets you know when a service is due. Even if this appears before 12 months or every 12,000 miles, you shouldn’t ignore it.

Service type

Service interval

Regular maintenance

When your oil and filter need replacing

Interim service

Every 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first

Full service

Every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first

Manufacturer service

As per your manufacturer’s service schedule – check your manual

Is a car service the same as an MOT?

No, a car service is different to an MOT. An MOT is a mandatory test that makes sure your car meets legal requirements. A car service follows detailed guidelines from the manufacturer to keep your car in optimum condition. See below for more differences.

An MOT is an annual inspection that checks the safety and environmental impact of a vehicle. It’s a legal requirement for almost every vehicle on the UK’s roads. Read more in our MOT guide

A car service is designed to maintain the condition and performance of your car. It’s a more in-depth mechanical assessment than an MOT. But unlike an MOT, it’s not a legal requirement.

What’s included in a car service?

What’s included when you book a car service depends on which type you choose. All services include a visual check. For example, looking at the bodywork and wheels. They’ll also check things like your brakes and gearbox are working properly. If you have an electric or hybrid car, they’ll check your charging ports, cables and connections.

Full service

Interim service

Oil change

Should be done every 12 months or 12,000 miles

  • Engine oil change
  • Oil filter change
  • Air filter change

Should be done every 6 months or 6,000 miles

  • Engine oil change
  • Oil filter change

Whenever your oil and filter need replacing

  • Oil change


How long does a car service take?

A car service usually takes 2 to 3 hours, as long as they don’t find any major issues. This varies from model to model. For example, bigger, more complex cars take longer to service. A full service will also take longer than an interim service, as it’s more comprehensive.

Depending on the garage, they could service your car while your wait. Or they may ask you to drop off your car in the morning and collect it later.

Can’t make it to the garage? Book a mobile mechanic today.


What to bring to a car service

Alloy wheel keys or locking nuts

We need this to remove your wheels, so we can check your steering and suspension systems.

Close up of someone changing an alloy wheel

An empty boot

If you have a spare tyre, our technicians will need to check it. So make sure you remove any personal items from the boot.

Empty car boot

Your service book

We need to see when certain things were last replaced. For example, brake fluid and spark plugs. This information is in your service book.

Mechanic stood under a car