How to get a good deal on car servicing

Finding the right service for your car

You may know that there are three main car services offered at UK garages – interim, full and major servicing. But do you know which of them you need to book and when?

In this article, we’ll explain when you need to book each of these services, why a balanced service schedule is important and how to get the best deal on your car service.

Even if your service isn't due yet, you can book ahead to get the service you want when you want it.

When do I need to book an interim, full or a major service?

Most manufacturers recommend a balanced service schedule that includes interim, full and major servicing at specific intervals depending on the distance you have driven.

How do I know which service to book?

As every driver has different driving habits, each car has specific servicing requirements. If you cover 25,000 miles a year, your car is naturally going to suffer more wear and tear than one that only covers 250 miles.

This makes it very difficult to have one service that fits all. Some cars need a basic service three times a year while others might only need to be serviced once every 3 to 4 years, if you base the need for a service on mileage alone.

That’s why each car service includes a different number of checks. While the number will vary depending on which garage you use, a major service will always be the most comprehensive, and an interim service the least.

On top of that, certain parts – like the air conditioning system and the clutch will only need to be checked once every two years as they are built to withstand a significant amount of wear and tear.

Ali Ingram-Seal, Saga Motor Product Manager, says: "If you’re concerned about the potential cost of a service, seek recommendations from friends and family and do some research online to make sure you’re going to a reputable garage with fair prices."

What is an interim service?

An interim service is the least comprehensive car servicing option and is designed to be carried out every 6 months, or every 5,000-6,000 miles. It is recommended for vehicles that are driven less than 12,000 miles per year and acts as a ‘stop-gap’ service, keeping the essential parts working smoothly.

When should I book my car in for a full service?

You should book a full service for your car once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first as it gives the best overall picture of how your car is performing.

This is the recommended interval by most car manufacturers and a full service should form the backbone of your service schedule.

What does a full service include?

A full service includes around double the number of checks as an interim service.

When should I book a major service?

A major service is typically recommended every two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first and is more comprehensive than a full service.

Why does my car need regular servicing?

You can see how these services fit together to form a complete car servicing schedule. What might not be so clear though, is why car servicing is so important?

Here are some of the benefits of booking a car service at regular intervals:

• It can help to prevent problems with your car.
• It can improve the performance of your car and make it more fuel efficient.
• It can increase your car’s resale value
• It can help to keep your car safe.

Without regular servicing, you can’t be sure that your car is in top condition. This can lead to expensive repair bills, stressful MOT failures and potential breakdowns.