What is a car service?
We explain car servicing and why it’s important in our guide
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By Tia Harrison-North
Last updated: 1 May 2025
If you’re relatively new to car ownership or just getting invested in maintenance, you might be wondering: ‘what is a car service?’.
Car servicing involves replacing some fluids and consumables to keep your car running smoothly.
It’s not a legal requirement like the MOT test, but it’s recommended to keep your car in the best condition.
Read more about car servicing in our guide below.
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Why get your car serviced?
Regular servicing is important for keeping your car at its best, ensuring that it’s always in a safe and road worthy condition.
Services can be carried out at six-month/6,000-mile or 12-month/12,000-mile intervals, and there’s also the option for a bigger full service at the 24-month/24,000 mile mark.
Some manufacturers also recommend their own servicing schedules, which can differ from the above.
Having your car serviced at these points means your car will be kept in an optimal condition and running at its best. This is important for fuel efficiency and safety.
You might also be required to get your car service if you have a lease or Personal Contract Purchase car, or want to upkeep a warranty.
It can also help you maintain your car’s value, as a full service history can be attractive to a future buyer or pump up your part exchange price.
Do you need to get your car serviced?
Obviously, keeping your car in cracking condition is always going to be the best reason to get a car service.
It’s not a legal requirement to get your car serviced, like it is with an MOT, but it’s always recommended.
You should consider getting your car serviced to catch smaller issues before they become a large fault, and to keep your car as safe as possible.
You might also need to service your car to keep your warranty in place. If you don’t follow the manufacturer’s servicing schedule, your warranty might be made invalid.
This can also be the case for Personal Contract Purchase car finance and car leasing – you're often required to stick to a car servicing schedule as part of your contract.
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Is a service the same as an MOT?
While servicing and MOTs can seem similar, they’re both different tests with different aims.
Service
There are a few different types of service to choose from
You get a service ‘stamp’ (whether that’s physical or digital) but not a certificate
Focuses on maintenance and upkeep of your car
Optional but recommended
MOT
One standard test that’s the same every time
Focuses on safety and how road worthy the car is
Awards you with an MOT certificate
Can’t drive on the roads without a valid MOT
What’s included with a car service?
We currently offer two different types of car servicing here at cinch (full and major services), but there are three service types in total.
You can read our full list of exactly what’s included in a cinch service, but we’ve summarised service offerings below.
Minor service
A minor service is typically carried out every six months or 6,000 miles. It includes:
Oil and filter changes
An inspection and diagnostic checks
Fluid checks and top ups if needed
Full service
A major service comes next at every 12 months or 12,000 miles – whichever comes first.
At cinch, these include:
Engine oil change
Filter changes
Fluid top-ups
Our 49-point cinch check
Major service
A cinch major service is the big one, coming every 24 months or 24,000 miles.
A cinch major service includes:
Everything from a full service
Brake fluid change
Clutch and power steering fluid top-up
Full diagnostic scan and report of any issues
Is car servicing the same for electric cars?
Electric car servicing is quite different when you consider that they don't actually have a lot of the parts that need maintaining on a fuel-powered car. Like an internal combustion engine (ICE), for a start.
So, when you head for a service in an electric vehicle, there’s no need for engine oil and filter changes.
There are still things that need to be checked regularly, including electrics like your battery and cabling, and consumables like the cabin air filter.
It’s recommended you check with the manufacturer to see how often they recommend servicing your electric model, but lots of people stick to the traditional six-, 12-, and 24-month cycles.
Book car servicing at cinch
Feel like you’ve got the answer to ‘what is a car service?’ - now it’s time to book in your car and give it some TLC.
Car servicing is something your car will thank you for and will keep it running at its best.
Find your nearest store and book a cinch service with a fixed price and transparent service.
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