Regular car servicing helps keep your vehicle safe, reliable and running efficiently. But how often should you service your car?
As a general guide, many cars need servicing once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, the correct interval depends on your vehicle’s make, model, age, mileage and manufacturer’s recommendations.
How Often Should I Service My Car?
Most cars should be serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule. This is often around 12 months or 12,000 miles, but some vehicles have shorter or longer intervals.
The best place to check is your vehicle’s handbook or digital service record. If you’re unsure, a professional garage can check your service history and advise when your next service is due.
If you’re looking for car servicing in York, Gladstone Tyres & Autocare offers interim, full and major servicing for a wide range of vehicles.
Does Mileage Affect Car Servicing?
Yes. The more miles you drive, the sooner your vehicle may reach its recommended service interval.
Drivers who regularly make short journeys, drive in heavy traffic or frequently stop and start may also put additional strain on certain components.
Even if you don’t drive many miles, you should still follow the manufacturer’s time-based service schedule. Some maintenance items can deteriorate with age rather than mileage.
What Is an Interim Service?
An interim service is a maintenance check that is generally carried out between full services.
It may include:
- Engine oil and filter checks or replacement
- Brake checks
- Tyre inspections
- Fluid checks
- Lights and wipers
- General safety checks
The exact work depends on your vehicle and its manufacturer’s requirements.
What Is a Full Car Service?
A full service is more comprehensive and can include checks of:
- Engine oil and filters
- Brakes
- Tyres
- Steering and suspension
- Battery
- Cooling system
- Exhaust
- Lights
- Fluids
- Other manufacturer-specific components
The precise service requirements vary between vehicles.
You can find out more about full and major car servicing at Gladstone if your vehicle is due for maintenance in York.
Why Is Regular Servicing Important?
Regular servicing can help you:
- Identify potential problems early
- Maintain vehicle performance
- Reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns
- Keep important maintenance up to date
- Maintain a complete service history
A service is also different from an MOT. An MOT checks whether your vehicle meets specific legal safety and environmental standards, while a service focuses on maintenance and the overall condition of the vehicle.
You can read the official GOV.UK MOT test guidance for more information about what an MOT covers.
What Happens If You Miss a Service?
Missing a service doesn’t necessarily mean your car will immediately develop a fault, but delaying maintenance can allow problems to go unnoticed.
Oil, filters and other service items may become overdue, while worn components can continue to deteriorate.
If you’ve missed a service, check your vehicle’s service history and arrange an inspection rather than simply waiting until the next scheduled interval.
Signs Your Car May Need Attention
Don’t wait for your next service if you notice:
- Dashboard warning lights
- Unusual engine noises
- Reduced performance
- Difficulty starting
- Unusual vibrations
- Fluid leaks
- Changes in braking
- Unusual tyre wear
If a warning light has appeared or you’re experiencing an unexplained problem, car diagnostics can help identify the cause.
Do Electric and Hybrid Cars Need Servicing?
Yes. Electric and hybrid vehicles still require regular maintenance, although their servicing requirements differ from conventional petrol and diesel cars.
EVs still need checks of components such as tyres, brakes, suspension, steering, cooling systems and electrical systems.
Gladstone also provides EV and hybrid servicing in York.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a car be serviced in the UK?
Many cars require servicing every 12 months or 12,000 miles, but you should always follow your manufacturer’s recommended schedule.
Is car servicing a legal requirement?
Routine servicing is not a legal requirement. However, regular maintenance is important for keeping your vehicle safe and reliable.
Is an MOT the same as a service?
No. An MOT is a legal test, while a service is routine vehicle maintenance. Having an MOT does not replace the need for servicing.
Does a low-mileage car need servicing?
Yes. Even if you drive relatively few miles, you should follow the manufacturer’s time-based servicing schedule.
Book Your Car Service in York
Regular servicing can help you stay ahead of vehicle maintenance and spot potential problems before they become more serious.
If your car is due a service, Gladstone Tyres & Autocare provides car servicing in York for a wide range of vehicles.