How Often Should I Service My Car?

Three types of service — which do you need?

Most manufacturers recommend servicing every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is called a full service and covers oil, filters, and deeper checks. But some cars run longer intervals, and high-mileage drivers may benefit from interim services in between. At ER Automotive in Smethwick, we check your handbook and advise the right schedule for your vehicle and driving style.

Interim service (6 months or 6,000 miles)

An interim service is a lighter check: oil and filter replacement, basic fluid top-ups, and a visual inspection of brakes and tyres. If you drive a lot of miles or do short journeys (which puts strain on the engine), an interim service between full services keeps the car safer and can extend its life. Many modern cars run 10,000-mile intervals between full services; interim services at 5,000 miles give peace of mind.

Interim services are cheaper than full services and take less time — usually 1 to 2 hours in our Smethwick workshop.

Full service (12 months or 12,000 miles)

A full service includes everything from an interim service, plus air filter replacement, deeper brake inspection, suspension checks, and around 40 safety checks overall. This is the standard manufacturer recommendation and keeps your vehicle in good condition between major services.

Full services take 2 to 3 hours and cost more than interim, but the extra checks catch wear early. We will advise if you need one based on your handbook and mileage.

Major service (24 months or 24,000 miles)

A major service is the most thorough check, done less often (every two years or 24,000 miles on some models). It includes all full-service checks plus spark plug or fuel filter change (where due), transmission fluid inspection, and up to 60 individual checks. Think of it as a deep health check for your car.

If your car is old or high-mileage, we may recommend major services more often. Call ER Automotive on 0121 461 6097 with your registration and we will confirm the correct interval from your handbook. Major services take 4 to 5 hours.