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How Much Is a Full Car Service in the UK (2025 Costs Explained)
Regular servicing keeps your car reliable, safe, and fuel-efficient. But with prices rising in 2025, UK drivers are asking one key question — how much is a full car service?
This guide breaks down the average costs for interim, full, and major services, explains what each includes, and offers money-saving tips. Whether you drive a city hatchback, SUV, or performance car, knowing what to expect helps avoid surprises at the garage.
While getting your car serviced, ensure your number plates are legal and intact — order replacements anytime through our Plate Builder.
What Is a Car Service?
A car service is a routine inspection and maintenance check carried out by qualified mechanics to keep your vehicle roadworthy. Unlike an MOT (which is a legal test), servicing is preventive maintenance that keeps your car in top condition and avoids future repairs.
There are typically three types of car services:
| Type | Recommended Interval | Typical Cost (2025 avg.) | Includes |
| Interim Service | Every 6 months / 6,000 miles | £90–£150 | Basic checks – oil, filters, lights, fluids, tyres |
| Full Service | Every 12 months / 12,000 miles | £160–£280 | Comprehensive 50+ point inspection |
| Major Service | Every 24 months / 24,000 miles | £300–£600 | Full checks + spark plugs, brake fluid, air filters, belts |
How Much Is a Full Car Service in 2025?
The average cost of a full car service in the UK is between £180 and £260, depending on:
- Car make and model – Premium and imported vehicles cost more (e.g., BMW, Audi, Mercedes).
- Garage type – Franchised dealerships are typically 25–40% more expensive than local independents.
- Location – London and the South East generally have higher labour rates.
- Engine type – Diesel and hybrid cars require more filters and diagnostic time.
- Age of vehicle – Older cars often need more replacements and labour hours.
What’s Included in a Full Service?
A Full Service covers 50–70 checks and replacements to ensure your vehicle’s reliability and efficiency.
Typical inclusions:
- Engine oil and oil filter change
- Air and cabin filter replacement
- Brake inspection and fluid top-up
- Steering, suspension, and shock absorber checks
- Tyre pressure and tread depth inspection
- Lights, battery, and horn tests
- Coolant and antifreeze top-up
- Exhaust, belts, and clutch inspection
Ways to Save on Car Servicing
- Compare quotes — Use sites like WhoCanFixMyCar or ClickMechanic to compare nearby garages.
- Bundle MOT & Service — Combining both can save 15–25%.
- Use independent garages — Certified independents offer the same quality at lower rates.
- Stick to the schedule — Regular servicing prevents costly breakdowns later.
- Provide your own oil/filters — If allowed, can save £20–£40.
- Check dealer promotions — Many brands offer capped-price servicing on older models.
Full vs Major Service – What’s the Difference?
| Aspect | Full Service | Major Service |
| Frequency | Every 12 months | Every 24 months |
| Checks | 50–70 | 70–90 |
| Cost | £160–£280 | £300–£600 |
| Key extras | Oil, filters, brakes | Spark plugs, brake fluid, timing belt |
| Best for | Annual maintenance | Long-term reliability and warranty compliance |
A major service adds deeper component checks like timing belt, fuel filters, transmission fluid, and spark plug replacement, which ensure long-term performance.
Service Cost Examples by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle Type | Average 2025 Full Service Cost | Notes |
| Small city car (e.g., Ford Fiesta, Corsa) | £150–£200 | Minimal parts & quick labour |
| SUV / crossover (e.g., Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai) | £200–£280 | Higher oil capacity & filter costs |
| Premium saloon (e.g., BMW 3 Series, Audi A4) | £250–£400 | Specialist parts & diagnostic charges |
| Electric vehicle | £100–£180 | Fewer moving parts; no oil, but battery checks required |
What to Do After a Service
- Review your service book and ensure all checks are stamped and dated.
- Ask for a printout of diagnostics or replaced parts.
- Keep your number plates clean — a small detail that ensures your car stays legal and MOT-ready.
- Plan your next service using the date reminder in your service log.
Need new legal plates before your next MOT? Order instantly with our Easy Number Plates Builder.
How often should I service my car?
Every 12 months or 12,000 miles for most vehicles. Check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations.
Is a full service the same as an MOT?
No. An MOT checks if your car meets safety and emissions standards, while a service maintains performance and reliability.
How long does a full car service take?
Typically 1.5–3 hours, depending on garage workload and the vehicle’s age.
Can I drive without servicing my car?
Yes, but skipping regular servicing increases the risk of breakdowns and can void your warranty.
Do electric cars need servicing?
Yes, but costs are lower — typically £100–£180 for system checks, battery health, and software updates.
A full car service in 2025 typically costs £180–£260 in the UK, but can vary based on model, garage, and region. Staying consistent with servicing keeps your car efficient, safe, and valuable for resale.
Quick Recap:
- Interim: every 6 months (£90–£150)
- Full: every 12 months (£180–£260)
- Major: every 24 months (£300–£600)
- Always check quotes & combine MOT + service for best value.
Before your next service, ensure your number plates are MOT-legal. Build yours instantly with our Plate Builder.
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