Interim, full or major? Which service your car actually needs

Most cars need a service once a year. What changes is how much goes into it, and that depends on two numbers: how far you drive, and how old the last brake fluid and spark plugs are.

Start with your mileage

Look at the odometer and the date of your last service. Divide the miles by the months.

• Under 1,000 miles a month: a full service once a year is enough. An interim service would be paying for oil you do not need yet.
• Over 1,000 miles a month: add an interim service six months after the full one. The oil is doing twice the work the yearly interval assumes.

Then check what was done last time

A major service adds three jobs a full service does not do: spark plugs (or the diesel fuel filter), brake fluid, and coolant. They wear out with time, so most cars need them every second year.

If your last service invoice lists new plugs and brake fluid, this year is a full service. If it does not, or you cannot find it, it is probably a major service year. We can tell from the digital service record when you book.

What about hybrids and electric cars?

Hybrids follow the same pattern, with a check of the hybrid system added. Electric cars have no oil, no air filter and no spark plugs, so their services cost less. They still need brake fluid, cabin filters, tyres and a battery health check.

The short version

You drive	This year	Next year
Under 12,000 miles a year	Full	Major
Over 12,000 miles a year	Full + interim	Major + interim

Not sure? Use the quote on our prices page or ring the workshop. We will never sell you a major service in a full-service year.