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How often do I need to service my car?
- PW Auto Repairs
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
Does My Car Need A Service Every Year?
Generally, manufacturers recommend that a car should be serviced every 12,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes first.
That said, there are many variations on what manufacturers recommend should be done during a service based on the intervals.
Cars will often have built-in features which advise when you service is due based on mileage or time elapsed since the last service was registered.
Some cars simply have a service book (usually kept with the manual) which should be stamped and dated by a garage each time it is serviced detailing what has been done. Most modern vehicles now have an online digital service book - check your garage has manufacturer access to update yours.
Driving Style Makes a Difference - Short journeys, lots of stop-start driving, or regular towing can all increase wear. If this sounds like you, you may need more frequent servicing than the average driver.
Is A Car Service Really Necessary?
Absolutely. Without regular servicing and maintenance, your car is going to run poorly and things will start to go wrong. The real question is - can you do without your car if it breakdown due to poor maintenance?
It’s not just about oil changes – Service inspections can includes checks on brakes, tyres, suspension, filters, fluids, and more. Ignoring this can mean small problems go unnoticed until they become expensive repairs.
"It's always better to prevent vital components from letting you down when you need them most."
Deterioration of parts is often gradual, meaning regular servicing is even more important on high mileage vehicles.
Your service schedule protects your warranty – For newer vehicles, sticking to the recommended intervals is often a condition of maintaining the manufacturer’s warranty. The same goes for third-party extended warranties you may have received if you bought the car from a used-car dealership. In the event of a claim, they often require you to prove servicing is up to date.
Maintain value – If you’re selling your car privately the second hand market can be competitive, with buyers expecting more for their money. A car with evidence of regular servicing – or even better a full service history - is likely to attract more potential buyers and a higher selling price.
Save cost - Regular servicing can save money on fuel. Refreshed oil and regularly changed air filters allow the engine to run smoothly and are more fuel efficient.
Not servicing your car increases your chances of suffering a breakdown - which could be costly and inconvenient if you subsequently become reliant on expensive hire cars or public transport while your vehicle is being fixed.
What Type Of Service Should I Choose For My Car?
We believe a car's service should be tailored to what the manufacturer recommends, taking the vehicle's prior service history and individual filters and tasks into account.
Full Service vs Interim Service - What Is The Difference? - Why Garages Use These Terms:
1. Customer Familiarity
Most drivers have heard of "interim" and "full" services — using these terms provides a common language. Even without strict standardisation, the names help customers understand the difference between a basic check-up and a more comprehensive inspection.
2. Tiered Maintenance Options
Not every car needs the same level of service every time. Tiered options allow garages to recommend services based on mileage, time, and usage.
3. Flexibility for the Garage
Because there’s no strict standard, garages can tailor their service packages based on what’s appropriate for their typical customers, local conditions, or common vehicle types.
4. Marketing Simplicity
It’s easier to advertise and explain fixed packages than custom estimates for each car. It also makes price comparisons simpler for customers browsing online or calling around.
Tip for Customers: Always ask what’s included in the interim or full service before booking. Reputable garages will give you a checklist or explanation, so you know exactly what work is being done.
Do Electric Vehicles (EVs) Still Need Regular Servicing?
Even though electric vehicles (EVs) have fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel cars — no oil changes, timing belts, or exhausts — they still require regular servicing to stay safe and efficient. Key areas like brake wear (especially due to regenerative braking systems), suspension components, battery health, cabin filters, tyres, and steering all need checking. Software updates and system diagnostics are also an important part of EV maintenance. Skipping services can lead to reduced performance, missed safety issues, and may even affect your battery warranty — so routine servicing remains essential, just in a slightly different way.
How Long Does A Car Service Take?
Servicing can range from as little as an hour to a few hours or more depending on what is being done. We'd recommend that you allow for your car to be dropped off at the garage and left for the day unless the garage specifies otherwise,
Some garages offer quick services in set time slots, but they'll likely need to book you back in for another day if they identify other urgent work.
Do I Need A Service If My Car Has Passed It's MOT?
🔍 MOT vs. Car Service: What’s the Difference?
1. MOT (Ministry of Transport Test)
Legal requirement every year for cars over 3 years old.
Ensures your vehicle meets the minimum safety and environmental standards.
Covers things like:
Brakes
Lights
Tyres
Emissions
Seatbelts
Pass/fail test – you either get a certificate or a list of issues that must be fixed.
An MOT doesn’t check the condition of parts that aren’t legally required — like the engine oil, filters, or coolant levels.
2. Car Service
Not a legal requirement, but highly recommended by manufacturers.
Focuses on keeping your car running smoothly and efficiently.
Involves replacing parts and fluids depending on the interval, such as:
Engine oil & filter
Air and cabin filters
Fuel Filter or Spark Plugs
Brake fluid (at intervals)
Coolant
Includes preventative checks that can save you money in the long run.
A service keeps your car healthy. An MOT only checks it’s roadworthy on the day.
Do I Need A Service Before My MOT?
It's not essential, but if your car has had a service and thorough check over, its more likely to pass it's MOT than if you took it without giving it at least a basic check of brakes, lights, tyres etc.
For some, a benefit of having your service done at the same time as your MOT is that you can reduce the time your car is off the road and get everything done in one go. Conversely, some people prefer to have their MOT and service done at different times to ensure that the vehicle has a couple of good checkovers a year.
Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore On A Car
Even if your service isn’t due yet, you should book in if you notice:
Dashboard warning lights
Strange noises (especially when braking or steering)
Decreased fuel economy
Rough idling or sluggish acceleration
Servicing Saves You Money Long-Term
Spotting issues early helps avoid breakdowns and costly repairs
A well-maintained vehicle runs more efficiently, saving fuel
A full service history helps maintain your car’s resale value
Do I Need A Service Book For My Car?
If your car came with a service book - look after it. If you're ever going to sell your car in the future, anyone looking around for even the cheapest run-arounds will ask for the service history and documents, invoices or receipts relating to vehicle maintenance.
If your car has a digital service book - make sure the garage can update the record for you (not all garages are registered with the manufacturers to do this).
Where Should I Service My Car?
Your local independent garage! Look for garages with positive feedback, qualifications and accreditations highlighting their professionalism.
Where can I get my new car serviced without affecting the warranty?
If you’ve bought your car from a main dealer you’re not obliged to return there to get the car serviced, as long as the service meets the manufacturer’s schedule and uses genuine or manufacturer approved parts.
Many dealerships offer service packages but they're often not as comprehensive as an independent garage service and will generally cost you a lot more. You have to weigh up the cost of having a main dealer service stamp on your service book over finding a garage which you can trust to be there for all eventualities.
Make sure the garage can update the digital service record so that you can prove regular maintenance for warranty or when you come to sell the vehicle.
Final Tip
If you’re unsure when your last service was or what your car needs, just give us a call – we’ll check for you and offer clear advice with no obligation.
Why Choose Us?
Qualified technicians
Transparent pricing
Easy online booking
We update your service records and reset your service light
Courtesy cars and collection/delivery (subject to availability)
Want to book a Service with us?
That's great! You can simply book online with us https://www.pwautorepairsnewark.co.uk/book-online
If you're not sure what your car needs - we'll be happy to advise you, just call us on 01636 550852. Alternatively, you can email info@pwautorepairsnewark.co.uk
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