When does a new car need a service?
New car first service schedule explained
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By Tia Harrison-North
Last updated: 18 June 2025
If you’ve just purchased a shiny, brand-new car and are getting to grips with maintenance, you might be wondering: ‘when does a new car need a service?’.
It’s not a legal requirement to service your car (like it is with an MOT) but it’s always highly recommended to stick to a service schedule to keep your car in the best condition and avoid bigger issues.
Take a look at our guide below to get the details on that first service for your new car.
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New car first service
When your new car gets its first service will really depend on how much you’re driving it. New cars generally have their first service at the one-year or 10,000-mile mark – so it’ll depend on which you hit first.
This can be especially important if you have a manufacturer warranty to upkeep, as they often have a servicing schedule you’ll need to stick to.
Keep in mind that you might want to get a service earlier if you’re driving in rough conditions or covering long distances. Cars that have been driven in cold, snowy environments might need more upkeep, as well as cars that have been used as a daily workhorse.
Why do you need a service at 10k miles?
You’ll need a service after the first 10,000 miles or at the one-year mark to ensure your car is kept in the best possible condition.
Mileage matters more than time in this case, as cars that rack up distances need more upkeep and attention. Some drivers can cover way over 10,000 miles in a year, so will need to service their car much sooner.
Why get a service?
Services can spot small issues before they develop into something bigger, and often much more costly. You'll then be able to take care of the small issues and keep your car running at its best.
If your car is in optimum condition, it will be running to its best fuel efficiency, which will also save you money on fuel.
Cars with full-service histories are also attractive to future buyers, so having one in place will help to maintain your car’s resale value by reducing depreciation.
You might also want to check if your car’s warranty requires you to stick to a servicing schedule. Skipping a service can mean that your warranty becomes invalid and you’ll no longer be covered.
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How to tell if your car needs a service
Besides sticking to a 10,000-mile/one-year service schedule for your new car, you can also keep an eye out for other signs that it needs a check-up.
Service light
The most obvious one is the service light on your dash. Plenty of modern cars will keep track of your service schedule and flash up a warning light when you’re due to get booked in.
Often, the service light will look like a car icon with a tool inside or on top.
Other dash lights
There are other dashboard lights that might indicate it’s time for a service. Look out for oil, engine, ABS and tyre pressure warning lights.
If you can’t spot an easy fix for these lights, such as refilling your tyres, then a service is probably needed to find the issue.
Noises
Stay vigilant while driving to spot any noises that could indicate it’s time for a service.
Noises when braking or turning on the engine can be a giveaway, as well as any other knocking or squealing sounds.
Leaks
If something on your car is leaking from somewhere it shouldn’t be, it might be time for a service.
Keep an eye out for wet patches under your parked car, and give your engine bay a courtesy check from time to time to make sure everything is dry.
Driving changes
You know your car, and you’ll typically be able to sense if something feels different. Changes like lower fuel efficiency and a poor miles-per-gallon figure can indicate it’s time for a service, as well as uneven steering and drifting to one side.
It’s a good idea to stay safely parked and call out a recovery service if any of these issues feel severe and you’re worried it may be unsafe to drive.
Overheating
Your car will have an average engine temperature at different points of your journey, so it’s important to familiarise yourself with these temps so you can spot if something is starting to overheat.
It might be time for a service if you notice that your car is getting too hot and no other factors could be contributing (for example, you're idling in traffic during a heat wave).
Smoke
More smoke than usual coming from your vehicle can mean that it’s time for a service, as there might be an issue with one of your filters or oil levels.
If excessive smoke is coming from your car, then it might be a more urgent issue than booking in for a service, so use your judgment and be cautious.
Book a service at cinch
Car servicing is an important part of being a responsible car owner and will make sure your vehicle is in its best condition and running optimally.
If you’ve bought a brand-new car, then you’ll want to keep it fresh and maintained. Servicing is one of the best ways to do this.
You can book in for a service at cinch, even if you didn’t buy a car from us.
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