If you’re serious about keeping your car in top condition and maintaining its value, regular servicing is key. But how much time should you set aside? Let’s break down what to expect and how to plan for your next car service.
How Long Does It Take to Service My Car?
The time it takes to service your car can vary based on the service type and the vehicle itself. For simplicity, we’ll focus on standard car servicing (motorbikes and electric cars are a different story).
There are three main types of car services, designed for different stages in your car’s life:
- Interim Service: About 30 minutes. If you drive a lot (over 20,000 miles per year), get this one every 3 months.
- Full Service: Takes around 3 hours. It’s an annual check for most drivers.
- Major Service: The most thorough, taking nearly 4 hours. Usually done every 2-3 years.
Longer services are more likely to uncover potential issues, and repairs can extend the service time, so plan accordingly.
How Long Does an Interim Car Service Take?
An interim service is the quickest, typically taking about 30 minutes. Some garages will call you when it’s done, while others offer a waiting area. If no major issues are found, you can drive off right after.
Even though it’s the quickest service, there are still up to 50 checks, including:
- Visual inspection of the car
- Oil and filter replacement
- Clutch, steering, and brake checks
- Testing lights, tyres, and wipers
- Lubricating moving parts
- Fluid checks for the engine and brakes
If anything major needs fixing, expect to add extra time for repairs.
How Long Does a Full Car Service Take?
A full service will take about 3 hours. If issues are discovered, you may need to stay longer for repairs, but it’ll catch things that interim services don’t. A full service involves about 75 checks, including:
- Replacing air filter, fuel filter, and spark plugs
- Radiator and coolant hose testing
- Shock absorbers, brake, and wheel bearing checks
- Inspection of electrics and air conditioning
It’s the most common type of service, and drivers doing around 12,000 miles per year should get one annually unless it’s time for a major service.
How Long Does a Major Car Service Take?
A major service is the most comprehensive and can take up to 4 hours. This service includes replacing parts that are due for a change, even if they’re still in good condition. For example, brake fluid and cabin filters are typically replaced every 2-3 years. It includes all the checks from a full service plus these additional replacements.
You’ll need a major service every 2-3 years, depending on how much you drive. If you’re a regular driver, aim for it every 24 months.
Can I Skip Servicing My Car?
While it’s not a legal requirement to service your car (an MOT is the legal must for vehicles over 3 years old), skipping servicing isn’t the best idea. The cost of repairs due to lack of maintenance can far outweigh the time and money spent on regular services. Plus, safety is a concern—your MOT checks for dangerous issues, but a service can catch problems that pop up in between.
Check when your next MOT is due with Regit's free MOT checker.
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