Do you have to service your car?
Want the answer to ‘do you have to service your car’? We’re giving you the rundown on whether it’s mandatory in our guide
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By Tia Harrison-North
Last updated: 5 June 2025
If you’re a new car owner or just getting into a good maintenance schedule, ‘do you have to service your car?’ is a fair question.
Car servicing doesn’t get the same attention as the MOT – but they’re still important for keeping your car in the best possible condition.
They also keep your car efficient and will help retain resale value for when it’s time to part ways.
But do you have to service your car? We explain the legalities below.
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Is a car service mandatory?
Car servicing isn’t mandatory or a legal requirement in the UK.
Unlike a car MOT, you’re not going to get a fine or points on your licence for driving a car that hasn’t been serviced.
The recommended servicing schedule is typically:
Every six months/6,000 miles – interim/minor service
Every 12 months/12,000 miles – full service
Every 24 months/24,000 miles – major service
We offer full and major servicing here at cinch, even for cars not purchased from us.
Read our guide on ‘what does a car service include?’ to get the details on each service.
Why service your car – the main benefits
While servicing your car isn’t a legal requirement, it’s still recommended if you want to keep your car at its best.
Safety
Your car will get a full inspection during its service, and this can spot any potential safety issues before they cause you any problems.
Your service will make sure you have the correct fluid levels to keep everything running smoothly, and the in-depth check will make sure all components are working safely and as they should.
Running costs
Regular upkeep will mean your car is driving at its best, and this will help keep running costs low.
You’ll be less likely to experience engine issues, and you’ll spot small problems before they can progress into something more costly.
Car value
Used car buyers like a thorough service history and this can make it more attractive and give it a higher value.
You might be able to get more for your car when it’s time to sell if you’ve kept a solid service schedule.
Reliability
Keeping on top of maintenance and replacing things like oil and filters in your car will reduce the likelihood of breakdowns.
You’ll be able to spot issues before they progress into anything bigger, and you’ll have the peace of mind that your car is properly maintained.
Longevity
Proper upkeep of your car will make it run smoother for longer, extending its lifespan.
Keeping on top of fluid changes and filter replacements improves the safety and efficiency of your car.
Warranty protection
Some car warranties require you to follow a servicing schedule to keep it valid and your car covered.
Read through your warranty documents to see if regular servicing is a requirement.
Fuel efficiency
Car servicing keeps your car running in its most optimal state, and that also means it will be at its most fuel-efficient.
With your fluid levels topped up and everything running smoothly, your acceleration and braking will be at its best and this will mean you're using less fuel.
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Driving without a service – what are the risks?
So, it’s not illegal to drive without a service, but there are still risks.
Missing early problems
Servicing can help you spot smaller issues with your car before they get worse. Left unchecked, they could become more serious and costly.
Breakdowns
A car with old filters, old oil and low fluid levels isn’t going to be so happy, and that can mean more breakdowns.
You likely won’t know there are any issues until something goes really wrong, and that’s usually at the worst possible time...
Engine damage
Not changing your engine oil can lead to engine damage, so it’s important to give it a regular freshen up.
Increased costs
Regular upkeep can seem expensive, but it’s typically more manageable than leaving your car until there’s a major fault.
Servicing will keep things running smoothly for a standard fee, so you hopefully won’t have to fork out for a surprise breakdown.
Book servicing at cinch
So, car servicing is not mandatory in the UK and won’t land you in any legal trouble – but it’s always recommended to keep you safe and your car running at its best.
You can book servicing with cinch to give your car some attention and get it freshened up.
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