Ensuring you regularly service your car is the best way to keep it in the best working condition, and can help you avoid costly damage to your vehicle. In this car service cost guide lets look at  average prices for car servicing across the UK.

Whether a standard service, or you think your car might have an issue, a local car garage will  check things over for you. The cost of your service may vary according to the make and model, so it’s always worth getting a few quotes before you book your car in for the service.

Preferably you need to have your car serviced each year. If you use your car more and rack up the mileage then you will probably want to have a service at least twice a year – more miles means more wear and tear.

Car service type        Average cost

Full service - small car        £175

Full service - medium car        £235

Full service - large car        £280

Interim service        £140

Major service        £27

How much should a full car service cost?

The average car service cost varies depending on the size of your car engine. Generally, the larger the car the more the service will cost. For a small car you’re looking at a full car service cost of around £175-£225. For a medium car that price is about £235-£270, and for a large car you’ll pay in the region of £280-£360 for the full car service.

Factors affecting the average car servicing price

There are a number of factors that could affect the price you pay for your car service, including:

Make / model of car

Car Size

Age of car

Mileage

Any repairs or work that needs to be done

Type and quality of any parts that need changing

Where you live

Speak to a local garage or find a local car service specialist to get accurate quotes. Or use the book my mot and servie booking platform to get instant access to your local garage pricing. And you can compare exactly what is included in the price for their different car service options.

Car service cost

What’s included in a car service?

When talking about car services there are a number of different options you may have, depending on the garage or mechanic you go to. Costs below are for a small car, for larger cars the service prices will rise. The three main levels of car service are:

Basic car service cost

A basic service is usually recommended every 6,000 miles or every 6 months. It usually includes an oil and filter change an inspection of the main parts of your car, including brake pads and discs, tyres and other areas that might show signs of wear.\ 

Average costs for a basic service: £140

If you’re just looking for an oil filter change, that is usually slightly cheaper than the basic service. The average cost for an oil and filter change is around £100.

Full (or mid range) car service cost

A full car service is recommended every year, or every 12,000 miles which ever comes first. This service looks at everything a basic service may cover but the checks will go into more detail and include additional work, such as air filter replacement and brake checks.

Average cost for a full service: £235

Major car service costs

A major service is the most thorough car service you can get. This is recommended every 24,000 miles or every 24 months. This involves a complete check of the vehicle andl extends to covering plugs, brake fluid, suspension, and filters. A major car service will highlight any work that needs to be done to give your motor a clean bill of health.

Average cost for a major car service: £280-£350

How often should I be servicing my car?

For the average driver, it’s recommended that you book your car in for a service at least once every year. For drivers who cover a lot of miles it’s worth having a car service every 6 months. If unsure, speak to one of our garage partners on Book my MOT and service.com.

Costs of not having a car service can be dramatic.

The main benefits of having your car serviced is that you avoid smaller problems becoming major problems for your car. By keeping your vehicle in good working order you can minimise the amount you spend on it. Otherwise you could be handing out a lot more money down the line.

Here are some of the costs for major repairs that could come as a result of poor maintenance and not having regular car service.

Replacing the radiator – £470

Replacing the water pump – £260

An engine replacement – £2,650

Replacing the cylinder head gasket – £550

These costs are way higher than a car service. Keep track of when you have your vehicle  serviced and keep an eye on the mileage – then book a car service when thats due.

Useful car service checklist log

Keep a log when you have your car serviced so you know when next due.

Track the mileage so you know if you need to have a car service earlier than usual.

Speak to our garages on book my mot and service to obtain accurate quotes.

Ask what is included in each level service, details may vary between garages.

Expect to pay more for a car service for big engined vehicles.

Shop around on book my mot and service for fair and competitive car service costs.