🛠️ How Often Should You Service Your Car in the UK?
🛠️ How Often Should You Service Your Car in the UK?
By Andrews Car Centre – Your Local Car Servicing Experts in Lincoln
Regular servicing is one of the simplest (and most cost-effective) ways to keep your car reliable and safe. But a question we hear all the time at Andrews Car Centre in Lincoln is:
👉 How often should I service my car?
Let’s break it down clearly — and explain why skipping services can end up costing you far more in the long run.
✅ The General Rule: Once a Year or Every 12,000 Miles
Most manufacturers recommend:
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A full service every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Why? Because even if you do low mileage, oil and other fluids age over time, and components like filters and brake fluid still degrade.
🔁 Interim Services for High-Mileage Drivers
If you cover a lot of miles (e.g., motorway commuters, sales reps, taxi drivers), it’s wise to have an interim service every 6 months or 6,000 miles.
An interim service includes vital checks and a basic oil change to keep everything running smoothly between full services.
🚙 What About Low-Mileage Drivers?
A common myth:
“I only drive a few thousand miles a year, so I don’t need a service.”
Wrong! Even on low-mileage cars:
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Oil still degrades from moisture and contaminants.
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Brake fluid can absorb water, affecting braking.
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Seals and filters can perish or clog.
That’s why an annual service is still essential, no matter how little you drive.
⚠️ Manufacturer Schedules
Many newer cars have a service indicator on the dashboard, which uses sensors and driving data to tell you when a service is due.
If your car has this, follow it — but remember:
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Always check your service book for mileage or time-based intervals.
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Skipping services can void warranties and reduce resale value.
💷 Why Regular Servicing Saves Money
Regular servicing helps prevent:
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Costly breakdowns
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MOT failures
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Excessive wear on expensive parts (e.g., engine, turbo, gearbox)
Plus, a well-documented service history can increase your car’s value if you decide to sell or part-exchange.
📍 Book Your Car Service in Lincoln
At Andrews Car Centre, we offer:
✅ Full and interim services for all makes and models
✅ Same-day and next-day bookings
✅ Honest, clear advice — no upselling
✅ Local, friendly service trusted by Lincoln drivers
👉 Call now, book online, or visit us on Dixon Street in Lincoln to keep your car running safely and smoothly.
🔍 Related Searches We Help With:
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Full vs interim service intervals
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Low mileage car servicing advice
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When is my car service due?