Car service: how much does it cost and what's included?

18th Mar 2025

If you are looking to book a service for your car, you probably have a few questions – most notably ‘how much is this going to cost?’. This guide will give you all the information you need.

The cost of living crisis has made millions of car owners look at ways to reduce their spending. However, car maintenance is vitally important as it reduces the likelihood of a large bill to fix your car.

Saving money can be achieved in many ways for drivers, but it shouldn’t be to the detriment of owning a vehicle.

A service is the perfect way to stay on top of keeping your car in as good a condition as possible. Regular servicing can also save you money and avoid costly repairs.

Are you experiencing a car fault, warning, or mechanical problem on your road trip? Find a local mechanic with the RAC.

What is a car service?

Essentially, a car service is a check-up for your vehicle. Depending on a variety of factors, this can involve a wide range of checks, top-ups of fluids and small fixes around your car that ensure it is running smoothly and safely.

There are two types of car servicing, a full and interim service.

Unlike the MOT, a car service is not a legal requirement to have each year – but it is strongly advised.

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Why is a car service important?

Regular servicing will mean your car is running as efficiently as possible, saving you money in the long run – as well as providing better handling.

Regular car servicing also decreases the likelihood of your car breaking down either at home or at the roadside.

A full service history will also make it easier for you to sell your car for its full asking price, as it'll provide evidence that your vehicle has been meticulously cared for.

Regular vehicle servicing will almost certainly extend the life of your vehicle as well.

How much is a full car service?

If you are budgeting ahead of a car service then here is a breakdown of what you can expect to pay.

Full service for a small-sized car - £170-£210
Full service for a medium-sized car - £210-£300
Full service for a large car - £400+

Please note, these prices can vary depending on the make, model, age and size of your vehicle. The location of the garage and time of year can also influence the cost of a car service.

How much is an interim car service?

In the majority of cases, the cost for an interim service will be around a third to half the price of a full service.

Again, this can vary a lot depending on the make, model, age and size of your vehicle.

Average cost of a full service by car make

The cost of a full service can depend on the make and model of your vehicle. Factors such as parts, labour, and the complexity of the service all play a role in determining the price.

Below are average prices for a full service by make of car.

^{Average price quoted for in 2024}

Car make	Average price
Audi	£258
BMW	£268
Ford	£251
Land Rover	£295
Mercedes-Benz	£282
Nissan	£248
Peugeot	£257
Renault	£260
Vauxhall	£252
Volkswagen	£247

What is included in a car service?

Full service – This is the largest type of service available to most car owners. It w ill need to be carried out every 12 months or 12,000 miles – whichever comes first. The service will also include changes to engine oil, oil filters, and air filters. During a full service, a mechanic will analyse all the vital parts of the car, along with the safety and mechanical systems.

Interim service – This is a less comprehensive version of a service, and is carried out every six months or 6,000 miles – whichever comes first. This should not replace a full service. At the RAC, an interim service includes an engine and new oil filter being installed.

Other service – There are a few alternative car service options, however, they are less poplar and are normally for more specific vehicles or scenarios. A ‘manufacturer service’ is for a higher spec model that needs to have work carried out by a dealership or garage from the manufacture themselves. A ‘major service’ is a more extreme version of a full service, for a vehicle that hasn’t had one in a long time.