How Often to Service a Car
Written by Muneeb Rana · Last updated 21 October 2026
Quick answer: Most cars need a service every 12 months or 5,000-10,000 miles, whichever comes first, with bigger services around 30,000, 60,000 and 90,000-100,000 miles. In the UK, garages often offer an interim service every 6 months or 6,000 miles and a full service yearly. Your owner's manual or the car's service reminder sets the exact interval.
TL;DR
- Typical: every 12 months or 5,000-10,000 miles.
- Bigger services at roughly 30k, 60k and 90-100k miles.
- Time limits apply even if you drive little.
How often to service a car depends on the make, the engine, the oil it uses and how you drive. Here's how service intervals work, the difference between minor and major services, and how to read the schedule in your manual.
Typical service intervals
| Service | Typical interval | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Minor / interim | 6 months or 5,000-7,500 miles | Oil and filter, rotation, checks |
| Full / annual | 12 months or 10,000-15,000 miles | Above plus filters, fluids, inspection |
| Major | 30,000 / 60,000 / 90,000+ miles | Above plus plugs, fluids, belts as due |
See each milestone, such as the 30,000 mile service or 60,000 mile service.
Miles or months, whichever comes first
Oil and fluids degrade with time as well as use, so manufacturers set both a mileage and a time limit. A car that covers 4,000 miles a year still needs a yearly service on most schedules. Severe driving (short trips, towing, heat, dust) shortens intervals.
Service reminders and oil-life monitors
Many cars calculate the next service from engine data and show a wrench or 'service due' message. Trust it for timing, but still check oil level and tire pressure yourself. The oil change light guide explains how to reset it after a service.
Service vs MOT or inspection
A service maintains the car; an MOT or state inspection checks it meets legal safety and emissions standards. In the UK, an MOT is required yearly once a car is three years old (four in Northern Ireland), according to GOV.UK. They're often done together but are different things. See the car inspection checklist.
Plan the next one
Use the maintenance schedule tool to see what's due at your mileage and the car maintenance checklist between services. CarO reminds you when the next service is due.
Download CarO free on the App Store or Google Play. Free with ads; optional in-app purchases.
Sources
- AAA: Time-Stamped Car Maintenance Checklist: www.aaa.com (accessed 21 October 2026)
- Toyota: Maintenance Schedule (owners): www.toyota.com (accessed 21 October 2026)
- GOV.UK: Getting an MOT: www.gov.uk (accessed 21 October 2026)
- AAA: How Often Should You Change Your Oil?: www.aaa.com (accessed 21 October 2026)
Disclaimer: CarO and this website give general car-care information, not professional advice. Maintenance intervals and specifications vary by vehicle, so always follow your owner's manual and a qualified mechanic. Mileage and cost figures are estimates; check local tax rules before using any log for deductions.
FAQ
How often should a car be serviced?
Typically every 12 months or 5,000-10,000 miles, whichever comes first. Check your owner's manual for your exact interval.
What's the difference between an interim and a full service?
An interim service is a smaller check, often every 6 months, covering oil, filter and safety checks. A full service is yearly and more thorough.
Do I need a service if I drive very little?
Yes. Most manufacturers require a service at least once a year because oil and fluids age over time.
Does servicing affect my warranty?
Following the manufacturer's schedule and keeping records helps protect warranty claims. In many countries, independent garages can service the car without voiding the warranty if they follow the schedule.
Is an MOT the same as a service?
No. An MOT checks legal roadworthiness; a service maintains the car. Many garages offer both together.
Related guides
Track this in CarO
CarO is a free car maintenance tracker app for iPhone and Android that keeps a full service history, reminds you about oil changes and inspections by mileage or date, and logs fuel fill-ups with MPG, odometer readings and car expenses for every vehicle you own. Logs are stored in the cloud and can be exported as CSV.
