How Often Should I Service My Car?

If you're not sure when your car is due a service, you're not alone. It's one of the most common questions we get asked at AJ Car Servicing in Aylestone, Leicester — and getting it wrong can end up costing you far more than a routine service ever would.

Here's everything you need to know.

The General Rule

Most manufacturers recommend servicing your car every 12 months or every 12,000 miles — whichever comes first. If you cover high mileage, you may hit 12,000 miles well before the year is up, in which case you should book sooner.

For drivers who cover fewer miles, time still matters. Oil degrades over time regardless of how far you've driven, and a car that sits idle for months can develop just as many issues as one that's constantly on the road.

What Type of Service Do You Need?

There are three main levels of car service:

Interim Service Recommended every 6 months or 6,000 miles. Covers the essentials — oil and filter change, fluid top-ups, tyre check, brake and light inspection. Ideal for high-mileage drivers who need a health check between full services.

Full Service The standard annual service. Covers everything in an interim service plus a more thorough inspection of brakes, battery, suspension, steering, exhaust and more.

Major Service Recommended every 2 years or 24,000 miles. The most comprehensive option — includes replacement of wear-and-tear parts like brake fluid, coolant, fuel filter and drive belts. Essential for older or higher-mileage vehicles.

Why Does Regular Servicing Matter?

Skipping a service might save you money in the short term, but it almost always costs more down the line. Here's why:

• Small problems become big ones. A minor brake issue caught at a service costs a fraction of what a full brake failure costs to fix.

• Your fuel economy drops. A dirty air filter or degraded oil forces your engine to work harder, burning more fuel.

• Your car loses value. A full service history is one of the first things buyers look for when purchasing a used car. Missing services can significantly reduce what your car is worth.

• Your warranty may be affected. Many manufacturer warranties require proof of regular servicing.

Check Your Vehicle Handbook

Every car is different. Your manufacturer's handbook will give you the exact service intervals recommended for your specific make and model. If you've lost your handbook or bought a used car without one, bring it in and we'll advise you.

Book Your Car Service in Leicester

At AJ Car Servicing, we provide interim, full and major services for all makes and models from our garage on Lutterworth Road, Aylestone. We cover Leicester, Wigston, Oadby, Blaby, Narborough, Enderby and surrounding areas.

Transparent pricing. No hidden costs. Same-day turnaround in most cases.

Call or WhatsApp us on 07850 122106 to book.