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Car Servicing FAQ

What is a car service?

A vehicle service is a series of car maintenance checks and tests at a certain mileage interval, or a predetermined length of time, to check that your car is functioning efficiently.

Look at it as a scheduled "health check" that inspects fluids, filters, tyres, brakes, lights, steering, suspension and more to help keep your car safe and fuel-efficient. It's different from an MOT, which is a legally required road-worthiness test.

Why should I service my car?

Regularly servicing your car is vitally important, as it can be the difference between your car running smoothly and at peak fuel efficiency, or being hit with an expensive, unexpected repair bill. Car servicing is necessary to check fluid levels, tyre pressure, and any other expected wear and tear.

How often should I service my car?

As a rule of thumb, car manufacturers recommend that drivers should service their car every 12 months or every 12,000 miles - whichever comes first - depending on what type of service you require. You will also receive a stamp or signature in your service book to show that the vehicle has been properly maintained.

What is the difference between the different types of service?

A Full Car Service is a series of comprehensive tests on both the inside and outside of the car. As well as oil changes, it includes an extensive investigation of what is going on under the bonnet.

A Major Car Service contains all the checks of the Full Car Service, but also includes replacements for your pollen filter and spark plugs (where applicable). We recommend a Major Car Service at least every two years, however many vehicles will need a full service more frequently.

A lighter variation of a Full Car Service is known as an Interim service. It contains many of the checks carried out during a Full Service, but does not include most of the check points under the bonnet and on the underside of the car (i.e. Auxiliary drive belt, battery level and air filter checks).

What does a Full Service include?

A Full Car Service checklist includes:

• Engine oil, oil filter and air filter
• Top-ups for anti-freeze, brake fluid, power steering fluid
• Battery fluid, transfer box oil and manual transmission oil
• Timing belt replacement interval check
• Suspension check
• Cooling system check
• Auxiliary drive belt check
• Battery level check
• Spark plug condition check (petrol only)
• Brake pipe check
• Fuel line check
• Tyre check
• Brake discs check
• Clutch check
• Road test
• Car upholstery check
• Service book stamp

Do I have to go to a garage to have my car serviced? Can I get a mobile car service?

You can choose whichever is more convenient for you.

Mobile mechanic: For most routine services, a vetted ClickMechanic technician can come to your home or workplace with all the tools and parts. You hand over the keys, they work in a safe parking space, and you get the service book stamped on the spot.

Free collection & delivery to a garage: The mechanic will collect the car, take it to their local garage and return it when finished. The transport, provided the vehicle is drivable, is included in the quote, so there’s no hassle.

Either way the booking, payment, and approval of any extra work all happen online, so you never have to juggle wasting time in garage waiting rooms with work or family commitments!

How much does a car service cost?

Service prices depend on the level you choose, your car’s make and model and the parts it needs, as well as your location. On average, current UK average pricing provides a good guide: an Interim (six-month) service typically starts around £100, a Full (annual) service averages £120–£210, and a Major (typically biennial) service is usually £210 plus for larger cars. Premium models or additional parts such as long-life spark plugs can push the figure higher. When you enter your registration and postcode, ClickMechanic shows a fixed price before you book, no hidden extras, and you can bundle an MOT for only £19!

How long does a car service take?

You can expect about one hour or so for an Interim service or a Full service, and up to two hours for a Major service that includes extra checks and fluid changes. A mobile mechanic's time setting up and packing up may add around ten minutes, and if you choose the collection-and-delivery option you simply allow extra time while the car is in transit rather than waiting at the garage.

Should I have an MOT and service done at the same time?

While it is not mandatory to do so, it is a good idea to have both an MOT and service carried out at the same time. A service is often annual, so coupling it with an MOT will allow you to keep track as to when your car's service is due. Additionally, there is the benefit of highlighting any repairs that may be flagged in an MOT, reducing the amount of time that your vehicle is off the road. ClickMechanic also offers a discounted MOT when booked in with a service too - at £19 only!