Running cost – Servicing
Servicing is the planned maintenance a car needs to stay reliable, safe and under warranty. Every manufacturer publishes a service schedule setting out what should be done and when – typically once a year or at a set mileage (often every 10,000 to 20,000 miles), whichever comes first. A servicing cost estimate is based on those manufacturer schedules: by adding up the scheduled work due over your ownership period, you can calculate roughly how much servicing a particular vehicle will cost you.
What a service includes
An interim or minor service usually covers an oil and filter change plus safety inspections. A full service adds items such as air filters, pollen filters and more detailed checks, while major services bring bigger-ticket scheduled items: brake fluid changes (commonly every two years), spark plugs, gearbox oil and – on many engines – the cambelt, which can cost several hundred pounds but prevents catastrophic engine damage if done on time. Costs vary widely by make: superminis are cheap to service, while premium and performance cars cost significantly more per visit.
Main dealer or independent garage?
You do not have to use a franchised main dealer to keep a manufacturer warranty valid, provided the work follows the manufacturer’s schedule and uses parts of appropriate quality – though it is sensible to keep itemised invoices as proof. Independent garages are typically cheaper; main dealers offer brand specialists and update the manufacturer’s online service record.
When buying used, a complete service history is one of the strongest signs of a well-kept car and supports its resale value, while gaps in the history are a reason to negotiate or walk away. Check the car’s background alongside its paperwork with a car history check.