Recommended service intervals are designed to maintain your vehicle’s safety and reliability, preventing costly repairs and breakdowns, while also preserving your warranty coverage
As cars accumulate miles, their components experience natural wear and tear – and our cars have sneaky ways of telling us they need to be checked.
Minor issues can quickly escalate into major ones, or even lead to breakdowns. By adhering to a structured servicing schedule, drivers can prevent unexpected failures and preserve the value of their vehicles.
Experts at BookMyGarage recommend services at 6,000, 12,000 and 24,000 miles to ensure cars remain safe, reliable and cost-effective to run. These intervals correspond to interim, full and major services, each of which is designed to address different levels of vehicle deterioration.
Every 6,000 miles or six months — whichever comes first — BookMyGarage suggests an interim service, particularly for high-mileage drivers and older vehicles. This inspection focuses on essential items that are most susceptible to frequent use and short-term wear. During an interim service, the oil and oil filter are changed, fluids including coolant, brake and power steering are topped up, with the tyres, brakes, lights, wipers and exhaust checked over.
There is also a visual examination for leaks and obvious faults, so interim services can catch early signs of damage, ensuring that the car remains safe and fully functional between more comprehensive services. This is especially important for drivers who cover significant distances in a short time, as their vehicles are exposed to far greater stress.
A full service is recommended every 12,000 miles or 12 months, and provides a more thorough investigation than the interim service. It typically includes around 40 or more checks, covering all interim service items plus additional components, including an in-depth look at the brakes, steering and suspension, plus detailed assessments of the vehicle’s moving parts, air filter and fuel system, as well as appraisals of the battery and charging system.
This level of service is designed to identify and address issues that may not be immediately apparent, but could affect the car’s performance and safety over time. Regular servicing ensures your vehicle continues to run smoothly, while helping to maintain its warranty and resale value.
Finally the major service, which is recommended every 24,000 miles or 24 months, is the most comprehensive option offered by BookMyGarage. It includes all the elements of the full service, plus additional checks and replacements for components that have longer service lives, including the changing the fuel and pollen filters, spark plugs (if required) and brake fluid, as well as inspecting the air conditioning system, door function, bonnet and locks.
Major services are crucial for maintaining the health of parts designed to last two or more years. By addressing these longer-term maintenance needs, the major service helps prevent unexpected failures and extends the overall lifespan of your vehicle.
BookMyGarage’s recommended service intervals of 6,000, 12,000 and 24,000 miles are based on industry best practices and are designed to match the typical wear patterns of modern vehicles, maintaining safety and reliability, preventing costly repairs and breakdowns, as well as preserving your vehicle’s value and warranty coverage for as long as possible.