How much does a car service cost?
A typical interim service costs around £70 to £120, a full service around £150 to £250, and a major service more. Prices vary by garage, engine and location. A service is not a legal requirement, but it helps prevent bigger repair bills later.
Unlike an MOT, a service has no set price. What you pay depends on the type of service, your car and the garage. The good news is that typical costs fall into fairly clear ranges, so you can tell a fair quote from an expensive one.
How much does a car service cost?
| Service type | Typical cost | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Interim service | £70 to £120 | Every 6 months or 6,000 miles |
| Full service | £150 to £250 | Every 12 months or 12,000 miles |
| Major service | £250 and up | Every 2 years or 24,000 miles |
These are typical ranges rather than fixed prices. Main dealers usually charge more than independent garages for equivalent work, though a dealer service can make sense while a car is under warranty.
What changes the price?
- Engine and oil: a larger engine holds more oil, and synthetic or specialist oil costs more than standard.
- Fuel type: diesels can cost more to service, partly due to filters.
- Location and garage: labour rates vary by area and between independents and dealers.
- Extra work: anything found during the service, such as brake pads or a cambelt, is charged on top.
What is included in each service?
An interim service covers the essentials: an oil and filter change and safety checks on brakes, tyres and lights. A full service adds a more thorough inspection and extra items, and a major service adds bigger-ticket parts such as spark plugs or a fuel filter. For a full breakdown, read what is included in a full service.
How to keep a service bill fair
- Ask exactly what is included before you book, so you compare like for like.
- Get any extra work quoted in writing, with the reason it is needed.
- Compare a few local garages rather than accepting the first quote.
- Follow your car’s handbook schedule so you do not pay for a service more often than needed.
Do I need a service and an MOT?
They are different jobs. An MOT is a legal test, a service is maintenance. If you are unsure which you need, our guide on the difference between an MOT and a service explains it. When you are ready, you can compare local garages for a service in minutes.
Key takeaways
- Interim service: roughly £70 to £120, usually every 6 months or 6,000 miles.
- Full service: roughly £150 to £250, usually once a year or every 12,000 miles.
- Major service: more again, as it includes extra items such as spark plugs or fuel filters.
- Engine size, oil type, location and garage all change the price.
- Servicing is not a legal requirement, but skipping it can lead to larger bills.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a full car service cost?
A full service typically costs around £150 to £250 in the UK, depending on the garage, your engine and where you live. Independent garages are usually cheaper than main dealers for the same work, so comparing a few local garages is the best way to get a fair price.
What is the difference between an interim and full service?
An interim service is a lighter check, usually every 6 months or 6,000 miles, focused on oil and safety basics. A full service is more thorough and is usually done once a year or every 12,000 miles, covering more components and fluids.
Is a car service a legal requirement?
No. Unlike an MOT, a service is not legally required. It is preventative maintenance that keeps your car reliable, can protect its manufacturer warranty, and helps hold its resale value.
What makes a service more expensive?
A larger engine, specialist or synthetic oil, a diesel particulate filter, and premium or main-dealer labour rates all push the price up. A major service costs more than a full one because it adds items like spark plugs or a fuel filter.
Can I have a service and MOT together?
Yes. Many drivers book them together to save a trip, and some garages offer a combined price. See our guide on the difference between an MOT and a service.