Keeping your car running smoothly is important, but many drivers aren’t sure when to service their car. If you’re wondering about the right timing for car services, you’re asking the right question. Let’s break it down simply.
The Basic Answer
Most car makers tell you to service your car once a year or every 12,000 miles – whichever comes first. This standard rule of 12 months or 12,000 miles works for most drivers, but your specific car might be different.
The exact timing depends on:
- Your car’s make and model
- How much do you drive
- What type of driving do you do
- Your car’s age
- Whether you have a hybrid car or an electric vehicle
Types of Car Servicing Explained
There are three main types of car servicing you can choose from:
Interim Car Service (Every 6 months or 6,000 miles). This quick check focuses on the basics. Your mechanic will change your engine oil, check your tyres, brakes, and lights. It’s perfect if you drive lots of miles or want extra peace of mind between full car services.
Full Car Service (Every 12 months or 12,000 miles) This is the most common service that includes changing your engine oil and oil and filter, plus checking all important parts. When you’re booking a full service at our car servicing centre, our experienced mechanics perform complete inspections of your vehicle’s safety systems.
Major Service (Every 24 months or 24,000 miles) This thorough check covers parts that don’t need changing as often, like spark plugs, air filters, and fuel filter replacements.
Special Services for Modern Cars
Electric Car Services Electric vehicles need different care. They don’t need engine oil changes, but they still need brake checks, tyre inspections, and battery health checks. Electric car services focus on the unique systems that keep your EV running smoothly.
Hybrid Car Servicing Hybrid cars need both traditional car care and electric vehicle checks. This means checking both the petrol engine and electric motor systems during each service.
Why You Should Service Your Car Regularly
Car services aren’t just about following rules – they’re about keeping you safe and saving money. Here’s why regular visits to a service centre matter:
Safety First: Your brakes, steering, and other safety systems need regular checks. A proper service can spot dangerous problems before they cause accidents.
Save Money: Small problems caught early cost much less to fix than major breakdowns. Regular oil and filter changes, for example, prevent expensive engine damage that could cost thousands.
Keep Your Warranty Valid. Most car makers require regular servicing to keep your warranty active. Miss your service schedules, and you might lose your coverage.
Better Fuel Economy: A well-maintained car uses less fuel, saving you money at the petrol station.
**Protect Your Service History. A complete service history shows future buyers that your car has been properly looked after, keeping its value higher.
What Do Car Services Include?
When you book your car service with us, here’s what our service will include:
- Engine oil and oil and filter changes
- Checking all fluid levels (brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid)
- Tyre inspection and pressure checks
- Brake system testing
- Battery and electrical system checks
- Belt and hose inspections
- Light and indicator testing
- Fuel filter checks (when needed)
For complete details about what each type of servicing includes, visit our car servicing page.
Servicing Prices and Value
Servicing prices vary depending on what your car needs, but think of it as insurance against bigger problems. We offer a range of car services to fit different budgets and needs at our service centre in East Ham.
The cost depends on:
- The type of servicing you choose
- Your car’s make and model
- What repairs or replacements are needed
- Whether you drive a standard, hybrid car, or electric vehicle
When to Book Your Car Service
Don’t wait for problems to appear. Book your car service when:
- It’s been 12 months since your last service
- You’ve driven 12,000 miles since your last service
- Your car’s dashboard shows a service warning
- You notice any unusual sounds, smells, or performance issues
Modern cars often tell you when car services are due through dashboard messages. Don’t ignore these warnings – they’re designed to protect your engine and keep you safe.
Your Service Centre in East Ham
At First Auto Centre, we understand that choosing the right car servicing centre matters. Our team has over 20 years of experience helping local drivers keep their cars in perfect condition.
We offer a range of car services, including:
- Interim car service for regular maintenance
- Full car service for comprehensive checks
- Electric car services for modern EVs
- Hybrid car specialist care
- All types of car servicing your vehicle needs
When you service your car with us, you can check our detailed car servicing options to find the right service for your needs.
The Bottom Line
Regular car services aren’t just recommended – they’re essential for safe, reliable driving. Following proper service schedules means your car will last longer and cost less to run.
Service your car every 12 months or 12,000 miles as a general rule, but always check your handbook for your car’s specific service schedules. Whether you need engine oil changes, oil and filter replacements, or full car service inspections, staying on top of maintenance pays off.
According to The Highway Code, regular vehicle maintenance is crucial for road safety, with proper checks needed for lights, brakes, steering, and exhaust systems.
Don’t put off your next service – book your car service today and keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come.
