Types of Car Service and Their Costs
Interim Service — £80–£130
Designed for high-mileage drivers or as a mid-year top-up between full services. Covers the essentials:
- Engine oil and filter change
- Fluid level checks and top-ups (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid)
- Tyre tread and pressure check
- Brake inspection
- Visual check of lights, wipers, and key safety items
Recommended every 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Full Service — £130–£220
The most common annual service. Includes everything in an interim service plus:
- Air filter and cabin filter replacement
- Spark plug inspection (replacement if due)
- Brake fluid test (replaced if contaminated)
- Battery test
- More comprehensive suspension, exhaust, and steering inspection
Recommended every 12 months or 12,000 miles.
Major Service — £200–£400+
A thorough service typically carried out every 2–3 years or 24,000–36,000 miles. Includes everything in a full service plus:
- Spark plug replacement
- Fuel filter replacement
- Timing belt inspection (replacement if due)
- Comprehensive vehicle health check
Costs depend heavily on the vehicle — larger engines, performance cars, and prestige brands cost more to service due to higher parts prices and longer labour times.
What Affects the Price?
Vehicle Make and Size
A full service on a Ford Fiesta will typically cost £120–£160 at an independent. The same service on a BMW 5 Series or Mercedes E-Class will cost £200–£350, reflecting higher parts costs and more complex systems.
Garage Type
Main dealers charge the most — often 40–70% more than an independent for identical work. They use manufacturer-approved parts and follow manufacturer schedules, which is valuable within the warranty period. Outside warranty, the cost premium is rarely justified.
Independent garages typically offer the best value for post-warranty servicing, using quality OEM-equivalent parts at competitive labour rates.
National chains (Kwik Fit, Halfords Autocentres) sit in between — competitive on price but variable in quality and customer service.
Additional Work
If the service reveals worn brake pads, a failing battery, or low tyre tread, the garage should call you before carrying out additional work. Always ask for a written itemised quote before authorising extras.
Average Full Service Costs by Car (UK, 2026)
- Ford Fiesta / Vauxhall Corsa: £120–£160
- VW Golf / Ford Focus: £130–£180
- BMW 3 Series: £180–£280
- Mercedes C-Class: £200–£320
- Range Rover Evoque: £250–£400
Is a Service the Same as an MOT?
No — they are completely different. A service is a maintenance procedure where worn items are replaced and fluids are changed. An MOT is a legal safety inspection that determines whether your car meets minimum road-legal standards. One does not substitute for the other. Many garages offer a combined MOT and service booking, which is cost-effective and convenient.