What Is A Car Servicing Plan?

Owning a used car can be a joy, until it’s time for a service. If you’ve felt dread at a dashboard service light, you’re not alone. Many drivers delay or skip servicing due to cost or hassle, and some, especially younger drivers, feel anxious about it due to lack of know-how. A car servicing plan could be the solution, helping you budget for car care and avoid stress while keeping your vehicle in great shape. These plans are already used by millions of UK drivers

What is a car servicing plan?

It’s essentially a pre-paid maintenance program for your car. Rather than paying a big bill each time, you pay monthly and the plan covers your routine scheduled services. Think of it like a subscription for your car’s check-ups, when a service is due, the service cost is already covered by your plan.

Most plans include the standard servicing items: oil and filter changes and inspections. In a basic plan, only the routine service parts and labour are covered, whereas a more comprehensive plan might include additional items or services. However, wear-and-tear parts like tyres and brake pads are usually not included unless specified. The main idea is that you will not be caught out by routine service costs. Your plan takes care of them. It’s not a warranty for unexpected repairs, but a budgeting tool to spread out and lock in

Why consider a servicing plan for your used car?

For used car owners, a servicing plan offers peace of mind and predictable costs. You avoid hefty one-off garage bills and may even save money overall through package discounts and inflation-proof pricing. Plus, having a plan means you’re less likely to put off necessary servicing. Many drivers admit to skipping maintenance when money is tight or if they think the car is “running fine”, but delaying service can lead to bigger problems. With a plan, those services are pre-paid, so you’ll take the car in on time and keep it healthy, which helps prevent breakdowns.

Another big benefit is protecting your car’s resale value. Vehicles with a full service history fetch higher prices and sell faster. In fact, 73% of second-hand car buyers say a full service history influenced their purchase decision. By sticking to a servicing plan, you ensure all scheduled maintenance is done and documented, so when you sell the car, you can show it’s been well cared for.

Finally, a plan also reduces hassle, a quarter of drivers say getting their car serviced is a hassle. Car upkeep becomes easier. You’ll get reminders when service is due, and some plans include perks like a courtesy car or vehicle pickup and drop-off. Modern service providers even use tech like smart apps to send maintenance alerts and streamline bookings. All this means less stress for you, instead of viewing car servicing as a dreaded chore.

Types of car servicing plans

• Manufacturer (Dealer) Plans: Offered by your car’s manufacturer or main dealer.
  • Pros: your car is serviced by brand-trained technicians using genuine parts, and you maintain a full dealer service history (which can impress future buyers). There may be perks like free MOTs or roadside assistance bundled in.
  • Cons: these plans usually cost more, and you must use the official dealerships. It’s less convenient if you live far from a dealer. Most people shift to independents after the warranty period.
    
    
• Independent (Third-Party) Plans: Offered by independent garages or specialist companies. 
  • Pros: typically cheaper and can be used at many garages nationwide, giving you more flexibility. They usually cover any make or model. You can often pick a local garage you trust. 
  • Cons: quality can vary, so you’ll want to pick a reputable provider. Ensure the garage uses approved parts and follows the proper service schedule (this keeps any remaining warranty intact). These plans might not include the extras that some manufacturer plans do, but a good independent garage will still take care of your car diligently.
    
    

Inclusive vs Limited Plans: Some plans only cover the basic annual service, while more inclusive ones cover extra items or services (like an MOT or fluid changes). Always compare what each plan includes so you know which offers better value for your needs.

How to choose the right plan

Think about how you use your car and how long you’ll keep it. If you drive high mileage, make sure the plan covers servicing as frequently as needed. Also, check age limits, some plans are only for cars below a certain age. If you might sell the car soon, choose a plan you can cancel or transfer to a new owner. If you’ll keep it long-term, a multi-year plan could lock in better value.

Look at what’s included (and what is not). A good plan covers the key parts and labour for all scheduled services your car will need, with few exclusions. Note, if any big maintenance jobs aren’t covered, and see if extras like the annual MOT are included. Lastly, ensure the service locations are convenient, and check the provider’s reputation (read reviews for third-party plans) so you know your car will be in good hands.

Dealer vs third-party: pros and cons

In short, dealer plans give brand-approved service with genuine parts, but they cost more and tie you to the dealer network. Third-party plans are cheaper and more flexible, but you must ensure the provider and garage are reputable. Many drivers use dealer servicing when a car is newer, then switch to independent plans as the car gets older.

 

Keeping your used car properly serviced doesn’t have to be a hassle. A car servicing plan can make maintenance straightforward and affordable, helping you avoid surprise bills, maintain your car’s value, and drive with peace of mind. Ready to give your car some TLC without the stress? Head to Service Select’s Quick Quote tool now to see what a servicing plan might cost for your vehicle – to start enjoying hassle-free maintenance.

Final Thoughts 

Budgeting for car servicing plan is an essential part of being a car owner. It is the best way to protect your investment and ensure your car gets the care it needs. Planning ahead helps you manage costs and understand where your money is going. 

A service plan is a smart way of protecting your car without breaking the bank. This lets you get ahead on servicing for years to come, so you can factor it into your budget and be prepared. 

Want to take the hassle out of routine car servicing with a vehicle service plan? Get a free quote form us today. 

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