The three common types of service
| Service | Typical interval | What’s usually included |
|---|---|---|
| Interim | Every 6 months or 6,000 miles | Oil and oil filter change, basic safety checks. Good for high-mileage drivers |
| Full | Every 12 months or 12,000 miles | Everything in an interim, plus air filter, more detailed checks of brakes, suspension, steering and more |
| Major | Every 24 months or 24,000 miles | Everything in a full service, plus items such as spark plugs, fuel filter, brake fluid and pollen filter, depending on the car |
Fixed vs variable service schedules
Many modern cars use one of two systems:
Fixed: a service at set times and mileages, for example every 12 months or 10,000 miles.
Variable (often called “long-life”): the car monitors how it’s driven and tells you when a service is due. For gentle, long-distance driving, this can stretch to two years. Short trips and town driving bring it forward.
Don't ignore the service light
Things that don't follow the yearly service
Some jobs have their own schedule:
Timing belt (cambelt): often every 4–10 years or a set mileage, depending on the engine. Expensive if missed.
Brake fluid: commonly every 2 years.
Coolant and gearbox oil: less often, varies by car.
Check the handbook or the manufacturer’s schedule for your exact model.
What about electric cars?
EVs have far fewer moving parts: no oil, spark plugs or clutch. They usually need servicing less often, but they still need it: brakes, tyres, suspension, cabin filter, coolant for the battery, and checks on the high-voltage system. Brakes on EVs can corrode from lack of use, so regular checks matter.
What service history means when buying used
A regular, complete history is a good sign the car was cared for, and it adds value.
Gaps don’t always mean trouble, but ask why. Look for invoices from independent garages.
Services far apart (for example, 25,000 miles between services on a fixed-schedule car) can mean wear that shows up later.
Mileage at each service should match the MOT history. If it doesn’t, ask questions.