Maintenance planner
Service interval planner
Track mileage and months since your last service, then compare them with the interval in your handbook. Most UK cars are due on whichever comes first — distance or time — and neglected services show up in MOT advisories and resale value.
Planner result
8,000 miles since last service
Service appears due on time. Book sooner rather than later.
How service intervals work in the UK
Manufacturers publish a schedule based on months and miles (or kilometres). Variable/flexible service indicators on some cars stretch oil intervals if driving is gentle, but short urban trips, towing and dusty conditions usually shorten them.
A “full service” and an “interim service” are industry shorthand, not legal terms. Always ask what is actually being replaced — oil grade, filters, plugs, brake fluid — and keep invoices with the mileage recorded.
This planner is a reminder, not a diagnosis. Timing belts, wet belts, DSG oil, brake fluid and coolant often have separate schedules from the basic oil service.
Typical interval patterns
10,000 miles or 12 months
Common for many petrol hatchbacks. If you only drive 6,000 miles a year, the calendar limit still applies — oil ages even when the car sits.
20,000 miles or 24 months (flexible)
Seen on some modern diesels and long-life oil programmes. Confirm the exact oil specification; using the wrong grade can void goodwill repairs.
Wet belt and dual-clutch extras
Ford EcoBoost wet belts and VW-group DSG gearboxes often need attention outside the basic service sticker. Check model-specific notes in our car database.
Frequently asked questions
- Will skipping a service fail the MOT?
- Not automatically. An MOT checks safety and emissions at the time of test. But skipped services increase the chance of advisories, warning lights and expensive failures later.
- Do I need main-dealer stamps?
- Not for legality. A competent independent garage using the correct parts and keeping receipts is fine for most cars. Some warranties require evidence of schedule compliance.
- What should I bring to a service?
- The handbook or service schedule, previous invoices, and a note of noises, warning lights or fluid smells. Mention short-trip driving if that is your pattern.
- Is an oil change enough?
- Fresh oil helps, but a proper service also checks brakes, tyres, lights, leaks and filters. Cutting corners on inspection is how small faults become MOT failures.
Related tools and guides
MotorTools calculators give planning estimates only. Confirm figures against GOV.UK, your V5C, handbook or a qualified garage before buying, renewing tax or carrying out work.