Car service checklist: what is included and what to expect

Interim service: what is covered

An interim service is a 6-monthly top-up recommended between full services. Typical cost: £60 to £120.

• ✓Engine oil and oil filter change
• ✓Fluid top-ups: brake fluid, coolant, screenwash, power steering
• ✓Tyre pressure check and inspection for wear/damage
• ✓Brake check (visual inspection of pads and discs)
• ✓Battery condition check
• ✓Lights check: headlights, indicators, brake lights, fog lights
• ✓Wiper blade condition check
• ✓Horn and hazard lights test
• ✓Visual check for leaks under the vehicle

Full service: what is covered

A full service is the annual deep check. It includes everything in an interim service, plus the items below. Typical cost: £150 to £300.

Everything in the interim service, plus:

• ✓Air filter replacement
• ✓Cabin (pollen) filter replacement
• ✓Spark plug inspection or replacement (petrol engines)
• ✓Drive belt inspection (cambelt/timing belt check by eye; not replacement)
• ✓Suspension and steering check
• ✓Exhaust system inspection
• ✓Cooling system and thermostat check
• ✓Fuel system inspection
• ✓Transmission fluid check (automatic gearboxes)
• ✓Full OBD diagnostic scan for fault codes

Exact items vary by vehicle make, model, and the garage's service schedule. Always ask for a written itemised quote before agreeing.

What a service does NOT include

• MOT test (booked and priced separately, see our MOT cost guide)
• Cambelt/timing belt replacement (a major scheduled item quoted separately)
• Brake pads and discs (quoted separately if worn beyond limits)
• Tyres (a separate supply and fitment job)
• Bodywork, paint, or interior repairs

UK car service prices by garage type

Approximate UK market prices. Always get a written quote specific to your vehicle.

How to compare service quotes fairly

1. 1. Ask for an itemised quote, not just a headline price. Confirm which oil grade and filter brand the garage uses.
2. 2. Check whether labour and parts are included, or quoted separately.
3. 3. Make sure the quote covers your specific vehicle make and engine size: a diesel and a petrol version of the same car can differ by £40 or more.
4. 4. Ask if they follow the manufacturer's service schedule (important for warranty cars).
5. 5. Compare quotes from at least two or three garages. AutoFixFair makes this easy: post your car and service type once and receive competing prices.

Common questions about car servicing

What is the difference between a full service and an interim service?

An interim service is a mid-year top-up: oil, oil filter, fluids, lights, and basic safety checks. A full service is more comprehensive: it includes everything in an interim plus air filter, cabin filter, spark plugs (petrol), suspension, steering, exhaust, and a diagnostic scan. Most manufacturers recommend an interim service every 6,000 miles or 6 months, and a full service every 12,000 miles or 12 months.

How much does a car service cost in the UK?

An interim service typically costs £60 to £120. A full service typically costs £150 to £300. Mobile mechanics are often 10 to 25 percent cheaper than workshop garages for the same service. Prices vary by car make, age, and location. The only way to know the real price for your car is to get quotes from local garages.

Does a car service include an MOT?

No. A service and an MOT are separate things. A service maintains your car's mechanical condition and is at the garage's discretion. An MOT is a legal roadworthiness test governed by DVSA standards. Many garages bundle them together for convenience, but they are priced and booked separately.

Is a car service a legal requirement?

No. Servicing is not a legal requirement, but it is a condition of most new-car warranty contracts (you must follow the manufacturer's schedule to keep the warranty valid) and it is the best way to catch problems before they become expensive failures. An MOT is the only legally required periodic vehicle check.

What happens if I skip a service?

Skipping an interim service risks engine wear from degraded oil, fluid levels dropping below safe operating range, and undetected safety issues like worn brake pads. Skipping multiple services accelerates component failure and can void a manufacturer or extended warranty.

Should I use a franchised dealer or an independent garage for my service?

For cars under warranty, you can use any VAT-registered garage (under the Block Exemption Regulation) without invalidating the warranty, as long as they use manufacturer-approved parts and keep records. Independent garages are typically 30 to 50 percent cheaper than franchised dealers for the same service schedule.