Money & Budgeting

MOT and Servicing Costs UK — What to Expect

Guide to car MOT and servicing costs in the UK. What's included, typical prices, when servicing is needed, and how to save money on maintenance.

By PocketWise · · 4 min read

Regular servicing keeps your car safe and protects its value. Here’s what it costs.

MOT Test

What Is an MOT?

Feature Details
What it is Annual roadworthiness test
When needed Cars 3+ years old
Tests Safety and environmental standards
Valid for 12 months
Legal requirement Yes, for road use

MOT Costs

Fee Amount
Maximum legal fee £54.85 (cars)
Typical charge £35-£50
Discounted/free Often with service

What’s Tested

Category Items Checked
Lights All lights working
Brakes Efficiency and condition
Tyres Tread depth (1.6mm minimum)
Steering System condition
Suspension Worn parts
Exhaust Emissions and security
Bodywork Sharp edges, corrosion
Windscreen Chips in driver’s view

Pass/Fail/Advisory

Result What It Means
Pass Roadworthy, good for 12 months
Advisory Items to monitor, not failures
Minor defects Noted but passed
Major defects Fail — must be repaired
Dangerous defects Fail — not safe to drive

If Your Car Fails

Option Details
Repair and retest Free partial retest within 10 days
Leave for repairs At testing garage
Take elsewhere May need full retest
Drive home Only if no dangerous defects

Car Servicing

Service Types

Service What’s Included Typical Cost
Interim/minor Oil, filter, basic checks £80-£150
Full/major All fluids, filters, comprehensive £150-£300+
Manufacturer service As per handbook schedule £200-£400+

What’s Included

Interim Service Full Service (Adds)
Oil change All of interim plus…
Oil filter Air filter
Basic safety checks Fuel filter (diesel)
Top up fluids Cabin/pollen filter
Tyre check Spark plugs (petrol)
Lights check Brake fluid
— Full inspection

Service Schedule

Interval Service Type
6 months / 6,000 miles Interim (some cars)
12 months / 10,000-12,500 miles Full service
24 months / 20,000 miles Major service
Varies Check manufacturer handbook

Dealer vs Independent

Factor Main Dealer Independent
Cost £200-£400+ £100-£200
Parts Genuine OEM OEM or quality equivalent
Warranty Often required perception Can use if qualified
Convenience Often extras included Usually basic service
Trust Brand backing Find reputable garage

Typical Costs

By Service Type

Service Independent Main Dealer
MOT £30-£50 £50-£55
Interim service £80-£150 £150-£200
Full service £150-£250 £250-£400
MOT + Service £130-£200 £250-£350

By Car Type

Car Type Service Cost Range
Small hatchback £80-£200
Family car £100-£250
SUV £150-£300
German premium £200-£400+
Luxury/performance £300-£600+

Common Repair Costs

Repair Typical Cost
Brake pads (pair) £100-£200
Brake discs + pads £200-£400
New tyres (each) £50-£150
Battery £80-£200
Alternator £200-£400
Clutch replacement £400-£800
Timing belt £300-£600

When Extra Work Is Needed

Common Advisory Items

Item When to Address
Brake pads worn Within next few thousand miles
Tyre tread low Before reaching 1.6mm
Suspension wear Usually can wait till next service
Oil leak minor Monitor closely

Replacement Intervals

Part Typical Interval
Timing belt 60,000-100,000 miles
Brake fluid Every 2 years
Coolant Every 3-5 years
Transmission fluid 30,000-60,000 miles
Spark plugs 30,000-60,000 miles

Saving Money

MOT Savings

Strategy Saving
Free MOT with service £35-£55
Halfords autocentres Often competitive
Local independents Often cheaper
Check tyres/lights yourself Avoid easy failures

Service Savings

Strategy Saving
Use independent garage 30-50%
Buy parts yourself Sometimes cheaper
Service plans Spread cost, fix price
Compare quotes Significant variation

DIY Where Possible

Easy DIY Harder (Leave to Garage)
Top up washer fluid Timing belt
Check tyre pressures Brake repairs
Replace wiper blades Suspension work
Replace bulbs Anything safety-critical

Finding a Good Garage

Source How
Personal recommendations Ask friends/family
Online reviews Google, Trustpilot
Good Garage Scheme Vetted members
RAA approved Inspection standards

Service Records

Why They Matter

Benefit Details
Resale value Full history adds value
Warranty May be required
Peace of mind Know car maintained
Problem diagnosis History helps mechanics

What to Keep

Document Why
Service stamps In service book
Invoices Proof of work done
MOT history Available online
Receipts For warranty claims

Summary: Maintenance Checklist

Annual Requirements

Item When
MOT Each year after car is 3
Service Every 12 months / 12,000 miles
Tax Keep current
Insurance Keep current

Typical Annual Costs

Item Budget
MOT £40-£55
Service £150-£300
Tyres (if needed) £200-£400
Repairs (average) £100-£300
Total £490-£1,055

Signs Your Car Needs Attention

Warning Possible Issue
Warning lights Various - check promptly
Unusual noises Bearings, brakes, exhaust
Pulling to one side Alignment, brakes
Vibration Tyres, brakes, wheels
Poor fuel economy Service needed

Key Dates

Milestone Action
MOT due date Book 2-4 weeks early
Service due Check mileage and date
Timing belt interval Don’t miss this

Regular maintenance costs money but prevents expensive breakdowns and keeps your car safe. Budget for ongoing costs and shop around for the best value.

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Sources

  1. MoneyHelper — Everyday money