What does a car service include?
Curious as to what a full car service includes? See the full list of checks in our guide
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By Tia Harrison-North
Last updated: 24 April 2025
If it’s getting to that time of year when your car needs some maintenance, you might be wondering: ‘what does a car service include?’.
Though not a legal requirement in the UK, car servicing helps to keep your vehicle in the best condition and can also help it retain a higher value.
Learn more about what car servicing includes in our guide below.
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Car servicing explained
Car servicing is like taking your car for a check-up or mini-MOT.
Your service will include a thorough check of the car to make sure it’s in the best condition, plus top ups of fluid levels and filter changes – depending on the type of service you choose.
They’re usually carried out every twelve months/12,000 miles or six months/6,000 miles to maintain the condition of your car and ensure no issues creep up. There’s also the option for a major service at the 24-month/24,000-mile mark.
Do I need to get my car serviced?
You don’t legally have to get a car serviced (though it might be required on a lease contract so check this), but it’s always recommended.
Proper maintenance is a huge part of keeping a car in the best condition, especially if you’re hoping to sell it at a later date.
If a full service doesn’t fit your budget at the minute, you could always opt for an interim/minor service to give your car a perk up until you can get a full or major service done.
What’s the difference between servicing and MOT?
An MOT is a legal test to assess the roadworthiness of your vehicle. Checks are carried out to see if your car fits the DVSA standards.
Vehicles over three years old must be tested to be able to drive on UK roads – you're risking a fine and points on your licence otherwise.
A service is a similar type of test, but it focuses on the safety, comfort and reliability of your car rather than whether it’s road legal.
You also won’t be fined or receive licence points for skipping a service (though it’s still recommended you stick to a servicing schedule).
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What does a car service include?
What a car service includes will depend on the type of servicing you choose.
At cinch, we currently offer a full service (recommended every 12 months/12,000 miles) and major service option (recommended every 24 months/24,000 miles).
What’s included in a full service?
At cinch, a full service includes:
Our 49-point check (see the full list here)
Oil filter and air filter change
Coolant and screen wash top-up
Engine oil change
What’s included in a major service?
A cinch major service includes everything from the full service, plus:
Cabin filter replacement
Brake fluid change (matched to your car’s engine grade)
Clutch fluid top-up
Power steering fluid top-up
Full diagnostic car scan
How much is a car service?
We sound like a broken record, but the cost of a car service also depends on the type you choose.
Prices will vary depending on where you live and what the specific service includes, but as a guide:
Interim/minor service - £70 to £250
Full service - £149 at cinch stores, can go up to £300 with other providers
Major service - £249 at cinch stores, up to £400 with other providers
Car servicing at cinch
Getting the answer to ‘what does a car service include?’ is important before going ahead with any servicing so you can make sure you’re getting the right upkeep for your needs.
It’s a good idea to set some reminders or put it in the calendar so you know when a service is due. Plenty of cars will give you their own reminder when the time comes.
Keep in mind that what’s included in a car service can vary, and the prices will be different depending on where you book in.
Book car servicing now with cinch to maintain your car, with guaranteed prices whether you bought your car with us or not.
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