If you own a vehicle, it’s vital to know how often to service your car to keep it safe and reliable. Regular maintenance prevents problems and keeps your car performing well. This guide explains how often you should service your car and why it matters, with key facts and tips for UK drivers.
Fast facts
- Service frequency: Most cars need a full service once a year (about every 12 months or 12,000 miles) high mileage drivers should get an interim service every 6 months (6,000 miles).
- Many skip servicing: One in 10 UK drivers (about 1.3 million) have skipped their car’s last scheduled service, meaning up to 2 million vehicles are overdue for servicing.
- Safety risk: Defective vehicles caused over 1,700 road casualties in 2021.
- Electric cars: Electric vehicles often need servicing less frequently (some only every 18,000 miles or 2 years).
Resale value: A full service history makes a difference; 73% of UK used-car buyers insist on a car with complete service records.
Why regular servicing matters
Regular servicing is essential for safety. It ensures key components like brakes and tyres are working properly. If these parts are neglected, they can fail, and in 2021 poor vehicle maintenance was a factor in over 1,700 injuries on UK roads. Many of those incidents were due to worn brakes or bald tyres, problems that are entirely preventable with timely servicing.
Routine maintenance also improves reliability and saves money in the long run. A well-serviced car is less likely to break down unexpectedly. For example, changing the oil and filter on schedule keeps the engine lubricated and efficient, which maintains good fuel economy and prevents premature wear. Spending a little on servicing now can save you from very costly repairs later.
How often should you service your car?
As a general rule, you should service your car about once a year or every 12,000 miles (whichever comes first). This typically means an annual full service to replace vital items like engine oil and filters, and to inspect important systems. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule.
If you drive often or in harsh conditions, more frequent servicing may be needed. High-mileage drivers might benefit from an interim service every 6 months (around 6,000 miles). An interim service is a basic check-up (often including an oil change) to keep things running smoothly between full services. Similarly, many short, stop-start trips put extra strain on the car, so more frequent maintenance may be justified. Even rarely used cars should get an annual service. Fluids degrade over time, and parts can seize up if a car sits too long.
Remember: an MOT is not the same as a service. The MOT is a yearly roadworthiness test required by law, but it only ensures minimum safety standards. Passing an MOT doesn’t guarantee that all parts of your car are healthy. A service is more comprehensive and preventative. To keep your car in top shape and avoid MOT failures, you need to stick to the service schedule even if the vehicle has a valid MOT.
Electric and hybrid cars: do they need servicing?
Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids need servicing too, generally less often. With no engine oil or spark plugs to change, EVs can go longer between garage visits – for example, the Renault Zoe only needs a service about every 18,000 miles or two years. However, “less frequent” doesn’t mean “no maintenance”. EVs still need periodic checks of brakes, tyres, fluid levels and other components. Hybrid cars also have petrol engines that require regular oil and filter changes on the usual schedule.
The good news is that EV upkeep often costs less overall – one study found service and repair costs for electric cars can be up to 23% lower compared to similar petrol models. Still, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s service intervals for your EV or hybrid to keep it safe and to preserve the battery warranty.
The cost of skipping service
Skipping scheduled services might save money now, but it often leads to bigger problems. Minor issues can go unnoticed and turn into major failures. For example, a timing belt that is not replaced on time could snap and wreck the engine. These disasters are far more expensive than a routine service.
Many drivers admit to delaying maintenance due to cost. In one survey, 33% of those who skipped servicing said they “can’t afford it”, and 25% assumed it wasn’t needed because the car seemed fine. However, skipping maintenance is a false economy. Driving on badly worn tyres or faulty brakes raises the risk of accidents, and an avoidable breakdown or blown engine will end up costing much more than regular servicing.
There are other consequences too. If your vehicle is under a manufacturer warranty or an extended car warranty, missing a scheduled service may void your coverage. That means you’ll have to pay for repairs yourself. And when you sell the car, a patchy service record will hurt its value. Nearly 3 in 4 used-car buyers in Britain say they look for a complete service history when shopping, so skipping services can lower your resale price.
Making maintenance convenient
Staying on top of servicing does not have to be hard. One smart option is a vehicle service plan, essentially a prepaid maintenance package. Service Select offers multi-year plans that spread the cost over monthly payments, so you won’t face a big one-off garage bill and you’re less likely to skip a service since it’s already paid for. Such plans can also save you money by locking in prices and offering discounts compared to pay-as-you-go servicing, with many plans also send service reminders.
Want to take the hassle out of routine car servicing with a vehicle service plan? Get a free quote from us today.