Service price guide
Compare car service prices.
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 type | Interim (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.