To keep a car running smoothly, you must bring it for regular servicing — usually after 5,000 to 6,000 miles of driving.   

Some services are quick and simple, while others are time and cost-intensive. There's a lot of variation in the price of a car service, so how do you know if you're getting good value for money? And what is the average cost of a full car service in the UK? What should a service include? What's the difference between a full service and an interim service?   

We'll answer all these questions and more from our expert in-house mechanic. Scroll down to get the complete lowdown.   

What is the average cost of a full car service in the UK?  

The average UK annual full-car service cost is £280. However, this will differ depending on your car’s make, age, and condition.  

The age of a car is a significant factor in the price, as older cars typically require more care. Newer cars usually have fewer problems, and the manufacturer's warranty limits costs in the first few years.  

Older cars are often out of warranty, and the added wear & tear from more years on the road means the cost of service and repairs goes up.

Worried about servicing costs? With Bumper, you could benefit from 0% interest car repair financing and pay for car repairs in instalments in easy-to-manage monthly payments.

Average car service cost by make 

To help you navigate the wide range of costs and price tags, we've analysed the top search engine results for British car services and calculated the average prices you should expect.

Average car service cost by service type 

There are also different types of services, depending on your car’s needs. Here’s a breakdown of the costs you need to know. 

These costs don’t take into account the make or age of the car. 

What is a car service and why is it important?   

A car service is a comprehensive maintenance check that ensures your vehicle is operating well and safe to drive.  

Unless you drive something worth less than the cost of a service - which is very unlikely with the recent secondhand market - then we think it's worth getting your car serviced.    

It saves you money in the long run by reducing the likelihood of major issues occurring and significantly increasing your car's resale value.  

What are the different types of car services?    

There are three different types of car service: interim, full, and major. Manufacturers set different intervals for each one based on the age or mileage of the vehicle.     

• An Interim service is usually recommended every six months or 6,000 miles     
• A Full service is usually recommended every 12 months or 12,000 miles     
• A Major service is usually recommended every 24 months or 24,000 miles    

Naturally, as the car gets older, things start to break down. A scheduled service is meant to address common issues before they become problems, so it is always worth getting regular services done.  

What affects the cost of a service?  

The main factors affecting car service costs include your car’s age, the mechanic’s time, and replacement parts. Here are some other factors that determine how much time and effort servicing will take:   

• Service package chosen — Full services cost more than minor checks  
• Age & mileage of car — Older and well-driven cars often require more thorough services  
• Car make & model — Luxury and high-performance cars require more expertise and expensive parts  
• Labour costs — The mechanic’s knowledge and time will also affect your overall fee  
• Additional services — If any issues arise during the service (e.g. additional repairs or replacements), you will have to pay more than if everything is working well  

If you're concerned about the cost of servicing, then Bumper might help with our 0% interest car repair finance options.  

How much should a car service cost - FAQs  

Still unsure how much your car service might cost? Here are some common questions about how much UK car service prices.  

Does engine size affect the cost of a service?   

Cars with an engine size smaller than two litres will usually be less expensive to service. High-performance cars with larger engines and more expensive components will cost more.    

Is servicing an electric car more expensive?   

Electric vehicles and some plug-in hybrids often need specialist servicing, which comes at a higher hourly rate.   

However, they have fewer fluids and moving parts. The service price usually depends on the type of service your hybrid or EV needs.   

What are the cheapest car brands to service?   

Popular cars like the Vauxhall Corsa and Kia Sportage will typically be in the lower price range for servicing since so many of them are on the road.    

Parts are cheap and readily available, and their more straightforward design means they’re generally faster and easier to fix.  

What cars cost the most to service?   

Luxury vehicles are more complicated and often have higher parts costs. Brands such as Range Rover, BMW, Mercedes, and Jaguar are known for high parts and labour costs.  

Are services covered by warranty?   

No. Generally, most warranties do not cover the cost of regular maintenance or servicing.  

If a car's warranty cover is still in place, the cost of a scheduled service will be capped by the policy.  

Of course, to sustain the warranty's validity, you must stick to the prescribed service schedule. Skipping or putting off a scheduled service to save money isn't an option. 

Is a full car service worth it?  

Yes. Servicing your car is always a good idea.  

Here are the top six reasons you should service your car:  

1. It helps to avoid expensive repair bills 
2. It prevents road accidents 
3. Helps you plan for future repairs 
4. Improves your car’s resale value 
5. It keeps you in accordance with the law 
6. It helps the planet as services keep cars eco-friendly 

How do you check a vehicle’s service history?  

A vehicle’s service history is an excellent way to tell how well a vehicle has been maintained. This can be extremely helpful when buying or selling a used car.  

The first place to check a car’s service history is in the service history booklet, which should have been completed after each service.  

If the owner doesn’t have a service history booklet, you can check with the dealership and request a copy. It is important to note that if the previous owner has completed a service elsewhere, the main dealer won’t have a record.  

Is it illegal to not service your car?  

Unlike an MOT test, you are not legally required to service your car. However, it is generally recommended that you take your car for a full service once every 12 months to maintain performance and safety.  

What is the average cost of a full car service in the UK - The takeaway  

Car services are vital for keeping your car healthy, reducing the likelihood of big problems, and keeping you safe while on the road. Hopefully, this blog has helped you learn about the average UK service costs and how much your car might cost.   

Worried about how you’ll pay your next car repair bill? Consider a car repair loan from Bumper. It’s easy, fast, and completely interest-free.   

Author - Joseph Law

Joseph has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.