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Service price guide

Compare car service prices.

The short answer

A full car service typically costs £130–£250 at an independent — an interim is £80–£150 and a major £200–£400+. Independents are usually 30–50% cheaper than a main dealer for the same work, and it won't affect your warranty.

Independent vs dealer

Typical UK independent-garage prices, with the main-dealer price for a full service alongside so you can see the gap. Figures are computed from our cost model for the Midlands — adjust for your region and car in the calculator.

Car typeInterim (indep.)Full (indep.)Full (dealer)
Small (Fiesta, Corsa, Polo)£59–£151£118–£294£165–£411
Medium (Focus, Golf, Civic)£63–£160£125–£310£175–£434
Premium (BMW, Audi, Mercedes)£73–£184£145–£354£203–£496

Dealer prices shown for comparison. A major service (longer-interval items like spark plugs and brake fluid) typically runs £200–£400+ depending on car and parts. Independent garages on CarOkay are fair-price verified.

How to pay a fair price

Independents won't void your warranty

Since 2010 (Block Exemption), a franchised dealer service isn't required to keep a new-car warranty valid — just correct-spec parts and a stamp in the book.

Know interim vs full

An interim is a lighter check (oil, filter, top-ups); a full service is more thorough and usually annual. A £100 oil change can head off a £500 repair.

Ask what's included

A good garage lists exactly what's done. Vague 'service' quotes are where you get stung — match like-for-like on oil spec, filters and fluids.

Get more than one quote

Prices vary a lot locally. Okay broadcasts your job so quotes come to you — no ringing round.

Bundle the MOT

Combining a service and MOT often saves £20–£40 because the car's already on the ramp.

Check the reviews

A fair price plus real driver reviews beats the cheapest quote every time.

Good question

Questions Okay gets asked a lot

How much does a car service cost in the UK?

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In 2026, an interim service typically costs £80–£150, a full service £130–£250, and a major service £200–£400 or more. Small cars sit at the lower end and premium cars at the top; diesels add a little. The single biggest factor is where you go — a main dealer can charge 30–50% more than an independent garage for identical work.

Is it cheaper to service my car at an independent garage or a dealer?

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An independent garage is almost always cheaper — typically 30–50% less than a main dealer for the same service. Thanks to Block Exemption rules, using an independent that follows the manufacturer schedule and fits correct-spec parts does not void your new-car warranty. Dealers can make sense for very new or complex cars, but for most drivers a trusted independent is the smarter choice.

What is the difference between an interim, full and major service?

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An interim service (every 6 months or 6,000 miles) covers oil, filter and key safety checks. A full service (every 12 months or 12,000 miles) is more thorough, with more filters, fluids and a longer inspection list. A major service adds longer-interval items like spark plugs and brake fluid. Most drivers need a full service once a year, with an interim in between if they cover high mileage.

How do I compare car service prices fairly?

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Compare like-for-like: the same service level (interim, full or major), the same oil spec, and whether filters and fluids are included. A cheap headline price can exclude parts that another garage bundles in. Use CarOkay to see prices from local garages side by side, then request a written quote from two or three before booking.

Should I book my service and MOT together?

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Yes, if the timing lines up. Most garages discount the pair by £20–£40 because the car is already on the ramp, and it saves a second trip. An MOT only checks roadworthiness on the day, while a service maintains the car and prevents faults — so the two are complementary rather than interchangeable.

Compare service prices near you

See prices from trusted local garages side by side, then book free — no booking fee, no markup. Or get an instant estimate for your exact car first.

Want the full breakdown? Read our complete UK car service cost guide.