Car Service Cost in the UK: What Affects the Price
Written by Petro Olekhnovych, mobile mechanic in Aylesham, Kent
There is no single car service cost in the UK, because the price depends on the type of service, your car’s make and model, its engine size, its age and the parts it needs. Labour time and where you have the work done also make a big difference. Below we explain each factor, so you can understand a quote and compare like with like.
Interim, full or manufacturer service
The biggest factor is what kind of service you book, because each one includes a different amount of work.
- Interim service. The AA describes this as the lighter service. It covers checks such as brakes, engine oil and oil filter, tyre pressures, lights, battery, seatbelts, exhaust, steering and suspension.
- Full service. The AA says this includes the interim checks plus extras, such as an air filter replacement.
- Manufacturer service. The RAC describes this as the standard checks plus anything recommended in your car’s manual for that specific model. Some of these services include bigger items that only come round at certain mileages.
More checks and more parts mean more time, so a full service costs more than an interim one. Our car service checklist goes through what each level should cover.
Your car: make, model, engine and age
The RAC says the final cost of a service varies by location, model, engine size, vehicle age and parts required. Here is why each one matters.
Engine size and oil. Kwik Fit points out that different engines need different types and amounts of oil. A bigger engine or a specialist oil adds to the bill. Our guide to which engine oil your car needs explains why the specification matters.
Petrol or diesel. Kwik Fit notes that filters are sized for the engine and differ between petrol and diesel cars.
Make and model. The RAC says manufacturer recommendations are specific to each model. It also says luxury and high-end models may need more expensive parts.
Age and mileage. According to the RAC, older cars may need extra work, and prices can vary with age and mileage.
Electronics. Kwik Fit says checking newer systems, such as automatic headlights and start-stop, takes longer than on older cars.
Need a service or brakes doing?
Servicing, pads, discs and fluids done on your driveway across East Kent.
WhatsApp for a free quote Call 07563 350335
Labour £30 to £50 per hour depending on the job. Send your reg number and we will reply with a price before any work starts.
Labour time and where you go
Kwik Fit says the difference in price is largely affected by how long a service takes. That is why labour rates matter as much as parts.
The RAC notes that dealerships are often thought to be more expensive, while independent garages may charge less. If your car is still under warranty, you can usually use an independent as long as the work follows the schedule. Read our guide on independent servicing and your warranty first.
Extra work found during the service
A service is a set of checks. Sometimes those checks find something that needs doing, such as worn brake pads or a leaking water pump. That work is quoted separately and is not part of the service price.
A good mechanic should tell you what was found, show you if possible, and agree a price before doing anything extra. If brakes or cooling problems are found, do not put them off. Both are safety issues.
Some big jobs only come round at certain intervals. A cambelt is a good example, and it can add a lot to the cost of that particular visit. See our guide to timing belt replacement in Kent.
How often you need a service
How often you service also affects what you spend over a year. The AA says manufacturers usually recommend a service every 12,000 miles, and at the very minimum once a year. For high-mileage drivers covering more than about 2,000 miles a month, it suggests an interim service every 6 months.
Your car may be different, so always check your handbook or service book. Skipping services to save money can cost more later if wear goes unnoticed.
Remember that an MOT is not a service. GOV.UK says the MOT does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox.
How we can help
We are a mobile mechanic based in Aylesham, and we come to your home or workplace. We cover Canterbury, Dover, Deal, Sandwich, Folkestone and villages across east Kent. See all the areas we cover.
We do interim and full servicing, oil and filter changes, air, cabin and fuel filters, and pre-MOT checks. Our labour is £30-£50 per hour depending on the job and its difficulty. Parts are extra.
Send us your car’s make, model, engine and mileage on WhatsApp. We will tell you what service it is due and agree the price with you before any work starts.
Frequently asked questions
Why do two garages quote different prices for the same service?
They may include different checks and parts, or charge different labour rates. Ask each one for a list of what is included.
Is an interim service cheaper than a full service?
Yes, usually, because it has fewer checks and fewer parts replaced. It does not replace the full service your schedule asks for.
Does a diesel cost more to service than a petrol car?
It can. Filters differ between petrol and diesel engines, and the oil needed may differ too. It depends on the car.
Is the MOT the same as a service?
No. The MOT checks the car meets legal road safety and environmental standards. It does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox.
Need help? Send a WhatsApp to 07563 350335 with your car’s make and model and we’ll come to you.
Need a service or brakes doing?
Message us on WhatsApp with your reg and postcode for a price before any work starts.
WhatsApp for a free quote Call 07563 350335
Labour £30 to £50 per hour depending on the job. Send your reg number and we will reply with a price before any work starts.
