Getting your car’s annual service done takes time, effort - and of course, money. But this task is critical to keep your car safe and roadworthy. Learn about typical car servicing prices (as well as combined MOT/service costs) and what you can expect as part of the deal.
Just like us humans, cars need regular checkups to ensure they’re working as they should be. In this article we’ll answer common questions like - How much does a car service cost? - and - What does a car service involve?
Most of us rely on professionals to ensure our cars are working well. Home servicing - the less common do-it-yourself route - may not be the best idea because you’re less likely to spot problems that a reputable garage would.
Also, official garage stamps in the log book might help you sell the car when the time comes.
Finding a reputable garage
It’s important to hire a reputable mechanic/garage who will carry out all necessary work (and not just the commercially beneficial jobs). Such an establishment should also tell you about any less common issues which might need another specialist mechanic (or dealership) to fix.
And of course, you want a garage who charges reasonable prices, and doesn’t replace parts that are still fit for purpose. While this is uncommon, it does happen.
Ask other motorists about good mechanics in your area; personal recommendations are among the most useful. You can also check Google Reviews and similar online resources.
Collection and drop-off services
Juggling the annual service alongside family and work commitments can be a challenge. One time-and-effort-saving solution is to find a mechanic who offers a collection and drop-off service. All you have to do is find alternative transport for the day(s) in question (more on this next).
Such a service can help reduce the stress of getting a service - unless of course the mechanic comes back with a long list of costly repairs and replacements!
NB: The garage’s trade insurance should cover these pick-up/drop-off journeys.
Do they offer a courtesy car?
Nothing says “fish out of water” quite like a motorist who has to take the bus while their car is being serviced. However, you may not need to use public transport if your garage offers a courtesy car.
Dealerships and well-established independent garages commonly do offer courtesy cars. However, double check that their insurance covers you to drive their vehicle.
The cost of car servicing sometimes includes a courtesy car. And it’s not always high-end garages and dealerships that offer free courtesy cars (indeed, some charge a fee).
What does a car service involve?
Most car manuals recommend getting a full service once every 12 months, or every 12,000 miles - whichever comes sooner. However, if you often drive long distances, you may decide to get an interim service once every 6,000 miles/6 months. And once every two years it's prudent to get a major service.
The price you pay for a car service usually includes:
- Basic inspection
- Oil and filter change
- Fluid level checks and top ups
Parts and labour costs
However, if your car needs new parts like brake pads or belts, these would be chargeable - as would the associated labour. Indeed, such a job could easily add £100 – £200 to the final bill. However, as mentioned, costs vary between makes and model - sometimes by a large degree.
Additionally, if you have to replace a major part like a catalytic converter or a clutch assembly, the final bill could increase 10 or 20-fold (compared to base car servicing prices).
Is it a legal requirement to have an annual car service?
No, it's not a legal requirement to have an annual full car service, but you are required by law to ensure your vehicle is safe and roadworthy at all times. As such, a full car service is an effective way of ensuring you meet these obligations.
Gov.uk states: “You can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get 3 penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition.”
How much does a car service cost?
Car services: prices in the UK (rough guide)
How much you pay for your car’s service depends on various factors. The make and model, for example, can make a big difference to the cost: The bill for getting a top-of-the-range Maserati serviced is likely to be many multiples of getting a Vauxhall Corsa checked over.
Location, too, can have a big impact on cost. Car services prices in London, for instance, are likely to be noticeably more than somewhere further north like Manchester or Glasgow, or to the west like Plymouth or Cardiff.
The following table provides rough averages and is intended only as a general guide. As you can see, reliable costs for luxury/sports car services are challenging to find, but you can rest assured they will be considerable.
Car Model | Interim Service (£) | Full Service (£) | Major Service (£) |
Compact/Economy Cars |
|
|
|
Vauxhall Corsa | 78 – 134 | 106 – 178 | 177 – 334 |
Renault Clio | From 129 | From 169 | From 289 |
Seat Ibiza | From 159.99 | From 219.99 | From 269.99 |
Mid-Range/Premium Cars |
|
|
|
BMW 3 Series | 152.44 | 209.04 | Insufficient data/variable costs |
Audi A4 | 147.01 | 205.43 | Insufficient data/variable costs |
Tesla Model 3 | 115 | 199.83 | Insufficient data/variable costs |
Luxury/High-Performance Cars |
|
|
|
Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 153.19 | 217.29 | Insufficient data/variable costs |
Porsche 911 | Insufficient data/variable costs | Insufficient data/variable costs | Approximately 610 |
Rolls-Royce Phantom | Insufficient data/variable costs | Insufficient data/variable costs | Insufficient data/variable costs |
Why does a full car service cost more than an interim check up?
In short, a full service costs extra because it's more in depth than - and takes longer than - an interim check up.
While an interim car service might only look at the oil and fluid levels, plus brakes, tyres and lights, a full car service cost will include the examination of other components like the exhaust system, a deeper inspection of the brake system, and filter replacements - among other tasks.
MOT and service cost: Why it’s often cheaper
It’s not uncommon to get your MOT and service done at the same time. This is because any issues picked up by the MOT process can be addressed during the servicing. It’s also a lot more convenient and efficient to get these two tasks done together.
But perhaps the biggest reason to do both is the cost: Many garages - both national and local - offer deals when you book both your MOT and servicing with them.
They do this because it’s more efficient to get these tasks done together, but moreover, they almost invariably get given the task of replacing parts (if required) - which increases their revenue from the visit, often way beyond the base MOT and service cost.
Exactly how much you might save by buying an MOT/service bundle once again depends on factors like make, model, and location. However, some providers offer MOTs from as little as £25 - when booked with a full service.
Conclusion
It’s critical that your car remains roadworthy throughout the year. An annual service, augmented by interim and major services when required, will help you achieve this.
While the cost of a car service depends largely on the make and model of your car, as well as your location, you may be able to save money by booking an MOT and full car service at the same time.
