How Much Is a Car Service? Full Guide to Costs, What’s Included & Why Number Plates Matter

If you’re trying to figure out how much a car service costs, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions UK drivers ask, especially when servicing costs can vary so much between garages, locations, and car types. You might also find yourself searching for how much is a service on a car or how much is a full service on a car, and getting a mix of answers that don’t always explain what you’re actually paying for.

This guide breaks everything down clearly, what each type of service includes, typical UK prices for 2025, what affects the cost, and something many drivers don’t realise: how number-plate issues can cause service or MOT failures, leading to extra costs and delays. As specialists in legal, compliant number plates, JDM Plates has seen firsthand how easily this gets overlooked.

Let’s get into it.

What Is a Car Service?

A car service is a routine check designed to make sure your vehicle is safe, efficient, and running as it should. Regular car servicing is essential to keep your vehicle safe and efficient on the road. It’s separate from an MOT. An MOT checks roadworthiness by law, while a service focuses on maintenance and preventing problems before they turn into expensive repairs. Servicing your car regularly helps you avoid costly repairs and leads to saving money in the long run. Regular servicing also helps maintain your vehicle and keeps it running smoothly for years to come.

Most garages offer three main levels:

Interim/Basic Service

Ideal for high-mileage drivers or as a six-month check.
Typically includes:

• Oil and oil filter change
• Fluid top-ups
• Basic safety checks (brakes, tyres, lights, wipers)
• Visual inspection for leaks or faults

Full Service

This is the most common annual service and what most people mean when they ask how much is a full service on a car.
Usually includes:

• All interim service items
• Air and pollen filter replacement
• Spark plugs (if required)
• Brake, suspension and steering checks
• Battery and charging system checks
• More detailed inspection of components

Major Service

Recommended every 2–3 years or at higher mileage intervals.
Can include:

• All full-service checks
• Timing belt or auxiliary belt replacement (if due)
• Brake fluid, gearbox oil, or coolant changes

It’s worth knowing exactly what you’re paying for, because two “full services” from different garages may include very different things.

How Much Is a Car Service in 2025?

While prices vary, these are typical UK averages:

• Interim/Basic service: £100–£200
• Full service: £200–£400
• Major service: £400+ (depending on parts)

So if you’re asking how much a service on a car costs, the honest answer depends on:

• Car size and engine type
• Hybrid or EV components
• Labour rates in your area
• Whether the car needs extra parts or repairs

Premium, hybrid and import vehicles can sit at the higher end.

What Affects Service Costs?

Age & Mileage

Older vehicles or high-mileage cars tend to need more maintenance and replacement parts.

Engine Type

Diesel, hybrid, turbocharged, and performance engines usually require more expensive filters, oil grades or labour.

Additional Work Found

A service might reveal worn brakes, tyres or suspension parts that need replacing—this adds cost beyond the base service price.

Dealer vs Independent

Main dealers are often more expensive. Using a VAT-registered independent garage can keep costs down while still protecting warranties (as long as OEM-equivalent parts are used).

How Much Is a Full Service on a Car?

For most UK drivers, a full service is the standard yearly appointment, and this generally costs between £200 and £400 for the average vehicle. However, premium, hybrid or import cars often exceed £350 due to specialist components and higher labour requirements. If you’ve recently bought a used car, missed previous services, or don’t know the vehicle’s maintenance history, opting for a full service is usually the safest way to ensure the car is running properly and to prevent future issues.

Do I Need a Service Every Year?

Most cars should be serviced every 12 months or every 10,000 to 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Skipping services can lead to reduced fuel efficiency, increased wear on key components, higher repair bills in the long term, potential warranty problems and even MOT failures linked to neglected parts. A service acts as preventative maintenance, much like a dental check-up for your car, helping to catch problems early before they become costly or unsafe.

Number Plates & Car Servicing: The Part Most Drivers Forget

This is where things become particularly important for drivers preparing for both a service and an MOT. Many people book the two together, and during an MOT, the condition of your number plates is officially checked. If your plates are damaged, illegible or non-compliant, this can lead to a failure. That means a simple number plate issue can quickly turn what should be a routine service day into a more stressful and expensive situation.

How Number Plates Can Cause MOT or Service Issues

1. Illegible or Damaged Plates

Common problems include:

• Cracks
• Chips
• Delamination/peeling
• Fading
• Dirt or obscured characters

If characters can’t be read clearly from a distance, it can result in an MOT fail.

2. Incorrect Font, Spacing or Size

If you’ve modified or customised your plate and it doesn’t meet legal requirements, it’s considered non-compliant. Even small spacing changes can be marked as a defect.

3. Loose or Missing Plates

A plate that isn’t securely fixed or is missing entirely is a major defect.

4. Rear Plate Light Not Working

If the rear plate isn’t illuminated properly at night, that’s grounds for failure.

5. Illegal Designs

Tinted, reflective, non-standard backgrounds or incorrect badge layouts can all lead to issues.

Why This Matters During a Service

Even if you’re only booked in for a service, a technician may still flag any issues with your number plates, and you may be advised not to drive the vehicle until the problem is fixed. If your service is paired with an MOT, you could face a failure, a retest fee, delays or unexpected costs on the day. Beyond the workshop, illegal plates can also lead to fines, police stops and, in more serious cases, penalty points. Replacing worn, damaged or illegal plates before a service or MOT is often far cheaper and easier than dealing with the consequences afterwards.

How JDM Plates Can Help

JDM Plates supplies fully road-legal, BS AU and UK-compliant number plates, including:

• Standard UK plates
• Import and custom sizes
• 3D and 4D styles
• EV plates
• Motorcycle plates

Every plate is made to legal standards, so you stay stylish and compliant, ideal if you want peace of mind before your next service or MOT.

If your current plates are cracked, faded, or non-compliant, replacing them now can save you time, stress, and money on the day of your service.

Ready to Stay Road-Legal?

When you’re wondering how much a full service on a car costs, remember that the price isn’t just about cost, it’s about protecting your vehicle’s health, performance and long-term value.

If your plates are damaged, illegal, or you want a fresh, compliant upgrade before your service, explore the range at JDM Plates and keep your car looking sharp and entirely legal.

Just don’t overlook your number plates. They may seem small, but they can have a significant impact if you’re heading into a service and MOT.

A quick check today could save a failed test tomorrow!