How Often Should You Service Your Car or Van? A Complete UK Guide
Knowing how often to service your car or van helps keep it reliable, safe, and running efficiently.
Regular servicing reduces the risk of unexpected repairs, keeps maintenance costs predictable, and ensures your vehicle remains roadworthy.
This guide explains recommended service intervals in the UK, the difference between service types, and how real-world usage affects servicing frequency.
How Often Should You Service a Vehicle in the UK?
Most manufacturers recommend servicing a vehicle once a year or every 10,000–12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
However, the correct interval depends on several factors:
- Vehicle age
- Mileage covered
- Engine type (petrol, diesel, hybrid)
- How the vehicle is used
Cars and vans driven mainly on short journeys, in stop-start traffic, or under heavier loads often benefit from more frequent servicing.
For a broader overview of servicing, upkeep, and ownership responsibilities, visit our Vehicle Maintenance Guidance hub.
Interim Service vs Full Service — What’s the Difference?
Interim Service
An interim service is designed for vehicles that cover higher mileage or are used intensively.
It typically includes:
- Engine oil and filter change
- Brake inspection
- Tyre condition and pressures
- Essential fluid level checks
Interim services are commonly recommended every 6 months or 6,000 miles.
Full Service
A full service is more comprehensive and is the standard annual service for most vehicles.
It typically includes:
- Engine oil and filter replacement
- Air and cabin filters
- Brake system inspection
- Suspension and steering checks
- Battery health check
- Fluid replacement where required
For most cars and vans, a full service once a year is sufficient when combined with regular checks.
How Driving Habits Affect Servicing Frequency
Mileage alone does not tell the full story.
You may need more frequent servicing if you:
- Drive mainly short journeys
- Regularly tow or carry heavy loads
- Use a van for commercial or delivery work
- Drive in congested urban traffic
Long motorway journeys at steady speeds generally place less strain on engine components.
Is Servicing the Same as an MOT?
No — servicing and MOTs serve different purposes.
| MOT | Servicing |
|---|---|
| Legal requirement | Optional but strongly recommended |
| Checks roadworthiness | Prevents mechanical issues |
| Safety-focused | Performance & longevity-focused |
A vehicle can pass an MOT while still being overdue a service.
Do Vans Need Servicing More Often Than Cars?
In many cases, yes.
Vans often:
- Cover higher mileage
- Carry heavier loads
- Experience greater mechanical stress
As a result, van owners frequently follow shorter service intervals, particularly for oil changes and brake inspections.
Why Regular Servicing Matters
Keeping up with servicing helps to:
- Prevent costly mechanical failures
- Improve fuel efficiency
- Maintain reliability
- Keep maintenance records accurate
Want to see how servicing affects your vehicle today?
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Conclusion
There is no single servicing schedule that suits every vehicle.
Manufacturer guidelines provide a baseline, but real-world usage should guide how often your car or van is serviced.
Staying on top of routine maintenance helps protect both performance and long-term reliability.
