How much is a car service?
Budgeting for the cost of a car service? Here’s a breakdown of the prices
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By Tia Harrison-North
Last updated: 17 March 2025
If your car needs some TLC, you might be asking: ‘How much is a car service?’
While getting a service isn’t required by law in the UK like your annual MOT is, regular maintenance will help keep your car running as it should.
You can get a car service as often as you like, but six months/6,000 miles (interim/minor), 12 months/12,000 miles (full) or 24 months/24,000 miles (major) are the recommended intervals for the different type of service.
Car service costs usually vary depending on the type of service you go for and the car you drive.
For a fixed, fair price for your next service, book in at your nearest cinch Store today – full service for £149, major service for £249.
Get the full breakdown of car service costs in our guide below.
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How much does a car service cost?
You’ll typically be choosing from an interim/minor, full or major car service, with each level adding a few extra things.
All services usually include an engine oil and oil filter change. Things like air filters, cabin air filters and brake fluid changes are included in the more in-depth services.
Interim/minor service cost
An interim/minor service usually costs around £70 to £250 depending on the size of your car and the garage/centre doing it.
What’s included?
An interim/minor service will typically include changing the engine oil and oil filter, as well as checking parts subject to lots of wear and tear like the brakes to see if they need changing soon.
When do you need a minor service?
A minor service, also known as an interim service, is typically carried out in-between your major services, every six months or 6,000 miles.
These can be a good idea for drivers who cover a lot of miles and may have more chance of wear and tear on their car.
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Full service costs
A full service from cinch costs £149, even if you didn’t buy your car from us. This is a flat rate and there are no hidden costs – if we think you need extra repairs, we’ll give you a quote, but there’s no pressure from us.
You might find prices differ if you visit another garage or service centre. Typically, a full service can cost between £170 and £400 depending on the size of your car.
What’s included?
A full service will typically include an oil, oil filter and engine air filter change, a top-up of your car’s fluids (if it needs them), and some general health checks.
A full service from cinch includes:
Engine oil change
Oil filter and air filter change
Top-up on screenwash and coolant if you need it
Our full 49-point check – get the details on our car servicing page
When do you need a full service?
A full service is usually recommended every 12 months or 12,000 miles, depending on how often you drive your car.
Major service cost
A major service is the whole deal. You’ll get everything you would on a full service, as well as some extras and a more complete check over.
The cost of a major service will vary at garages and centres across the UK, although it will be more expensive than a full service.
A major service at one of our cinch Stores costs a fixed, fair £249 a pop. And like always, we’ll be upfront with you if extra work needs doing, but it’s up to you whether you ask us to do it.
What’s included?
A major service from cinch includes:
Everything included on a minor service
Cabin air filter change
Brake fluid change
Clutch fluid top-up
Power-steering fluid top-up
A full diagnostic scan of the car and a report of any faults.
When do you need a major service?
A major service is usually needed at the 24-month or 24,000-mile mark, though you can get one sooner if you think your car needs some extra love.
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Why servicing is worth it
We said that servicing isn’t a legal requirement for UK drivers, but it really does help pay off in the long run.
Keeping up with car servicing can:
Make sure your car is in the best condition
Catch issues before they progress into something bigger
Make your car more attractive to buyers and increase the resale value
Keep your car running as smooth as possible
Increase your car’s efficiency by ensuring it’s running as it should
Book car servicing at cinch
Even if you didn’t buy your car from cinch, you can still book in for a service at some of our stores.
We have a few locations across the UK that offer servicing, and it’s easy to book in at the one nearest to you.
Book in your car for a service at a fixed, fair price today – no hidden costs, no faff.
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