For most cars the answer is once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Some modern cars with longer-life oil can go further between services, and a car that does a lot of short trips or very high mileage may need one sooner.
The firm answer is in your owner's handbook or service book, so check there first. Here is how to make sense of it.
The usual rule
Twelve months or 12,000 miles is the interval most people work to, and it suits most petrol and diesel cars. The time limit matters as much as the mileage. Oil and brake fluid age even when the car sits on the drive.
If you do under 6,000 miles a year, you still need the annual service. If you do 20,000, the mileage will come round first.
When to service sooner
- Mostly short journeys, where the engine rarely warms up fully.
- Lots of stop-start driving in traffic.
- Towing, heavy loads or very dusty roads.
- More than about 6,000 miles in six months, where an interim service in between is sensible.
- A diesel with a DPF that mostly does town driving.
What your manufacturer says
Your manufacturer sets the schedule. Some cars show a service indicator and work out the interval from how you drive, and some allow up to two years or 18,000 miles or more. Whatever the car says is a better guide than a general rule.
If your car is under warranty, follow that schedule and have each service recorded. We service vehicles to the manufacturer's standards using OE quality parts, so your warranty stays protected. See our guide to servicing at an independent garage.
What happens if you skip one
Old oil stops protecting the engine as well, filters clog and small faults go unnoticed until they are big ones. You also lose service history, which is one of the first things a buyer asks about.
The cost of a service is almost always less than the cost of what a missed one leads to.
Not sure which one you need?
Tell us the make, model and registration when you book online, and we will work out the right service for your car. Our guide to interim, full and major services explains the difference.
Quick answers
Is a yearly service really necessary?
For most cars, yes. The oil and fluids age with time as well as miles, so a low-mileage car still needs its annual service.
How do I know when my car is due a service?
Check the service book or handbook. Many cars also show a reminder on the dashboard.
Can I service my car late?
A few weeks makes little difference, but the further you go past the interval, the more wear you are accepting. For a car under warranty, stick to the schedule.
Do you service all makes and models?
Yes. Our technicians work on all makes and models, including hybrids and electric vehicles.