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Car Service FAQs

What’s the difference between a service and an MOT? Arrow down

The main difference between a car service and an MOT is that an MOT is a legal requirement that a vehicle must pass on an annual basis. Otherwise, the vehicle is not legally allowed on the road. In comparison, if you fail a car service, you can still drive home on your existing MOT certificate.

Typically, issues highlighted in a service would lead to a failed MOT. Therefore, it is recommended that you fix any issues which are highlighted in a service prior to your next MOT.

What are the signs that your car needs servicing? Arrow down

There are often several obvious signs that your car needs servicing. These could include 

  • Dashboard warning lights

  • Issues with braking

  • Strange noises

  • Stalling and engine issues

  • Vibrations and shuddering

  • Problems with ignition

  • Increased fuel use

Understanding these is an important part of getting repairs done quickly and economically.


How long does a car service take? Arrow down

The time it takes to service a car depends on a few factors. If no issues are found, a full service will take around three hours, letting you get back behind the wheel on the very same day.

If problems are discovered that need fixing, a mechanic from your local car service garage will contact you to let you know. They will advise you on what needs to be done to solve the issue, how long it will take to source the parts needed, and then how long it should take to fix.

The length of a car service truly depends on the condition of your car and the parts it may or may not require. If you'd like to learn more, head over to our guide to how long a car service takes.

When is my car service due? Arrow down

The exact car service due date depends on the make and model of the car. A full car service is typically recommended every 12 months or 12,000 miles. An interim car service is often due every 6 months or 6,000 miles. A basic car service is due usually when the engine oil and the oil filter require replacement.

If you’re still unsure when your car service is due, we've written a guide to help you find out when your car needs a service.

What happens if my service is overdue? Arrow down

If your car's service is overdue, you might experience decreased performance, lower fuel efficiency, and potential safety issues. Overdue servicing can also lead to more severe mechanical problems and higher repair costs in the future. It’s best to schedule a car service as soon as possible to keep your car in top condition.

When should I book my first car service? Arrow down

If you’ve just got yourself a new motor, booking a car service might be the last thing on your mind. We recommend making sure that you know exactly when you’ll have to call your local car service garage.

Your new car will need its new service depending on its specific service interval, which you can find in the vehicle’s handbook. This is typically only after twelve months or 12,000 miles – whichever comes first.

We've written a guide to when new cars need their first service so you can prepare to keep on top of your maintenance from the get-go.

How to find the service history of a car? Arrow down

To find the service history of a car, you can start by checking the service book or records that came with the vehicle. Additionally, you can request the service history from the dealership or garage that performed the services. Some vehicles also have their service history available online through the manufacturer’s website or a third-party service

NEW

Essential PLATINUM

Equivalent to Major Service

Starting from

Incl. VAT

Recommended

Essential GOLD

Equivalent to Full Service

Starting from

Incl. VAT

Essential SILVER

Equivalent to Interim Service

Starting from

Incl. VAT

Essential

Equivalent to Basic Service

Starting from

Incl. VAT

What does a car service include?

For a full breakdown of Driveaway Servicing’s car service packages, take a look at the table below, which shows everything that is included for our Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze packages.

Service Offering Essential Essential Silver Essential Gold Essential Platinum
Total Checks 29 49 55 58
Equivalent To Basic Interim Full Major
Recommended after every miles/months
6,000 miles / 6 months 6,000 miles / 6 months 12,000 miles / 12 months 24,000 miles / 24 months
Starting From
£79 £109 £169 £324
WHAT WE DO & REPLACE −
Engine oil ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Oil Filter ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Engine Air Filter ✔ ✔
Cabin Filter¹ ✔
Wheel Alignment² - £43.96 value ✔
Brake Fluid³ - £49.99 value ✔
Diagnostics Report - £50.00 value ✔
Air Con Regas³ - up to £119.94 value ✔
ENGINE INSPECTION +
Inspect engine for oil leaks ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Drain and change oil and filter ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Inspect radiator and radiator cap ✔ ✔
Check coolant hoses ✔ ✔
Inspect expansion bottle, tank and cap ✔ ✔
Inspect and top up anti-freeze as required ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Check spark plug schedule & report if required⁴ ✔ ✔
Check and renew air filter ✔ ✔
Check condition & tension of fan / alternator belt ✔ ✔ ✔
Check condition & tension of auxiliary belts ✔ ✔ ✔
Check timing belt schedule & report if required⁴ ✔ ✔ ✔
ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF VEHICLE +
Inspect interior and exterior lights ✔ ✔ ✔
Inspect warning lights ✔ ✔ ✔
Check diesel plug indicator as appropriate ✔ ✔
Check horn ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Inspect 12V battery charge and terminals ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Inspect HT leads, distributor cap (if applicable) ✔ ✔ ✔
DRIVE SYSTEM & ASSOCIATED FLUIDS +
Inspect driveshaft, joints, gaiters and boots ✔ ✔ ✔
Inspect clutch operation ✔ ✔
Check gearbox and transmissionfor visible leaks and advise ✔ ✔
Check & top up clutch fluid & differential oil (if applicable) ✔ ✔ ✔
STEERING AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS +
Check power steering & top up reservoir as required ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Check steering components for wear and corrosion ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Check condition of steering rack gaiters ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Inspect wheel bearings ✔ ✔ ✔
Inspect shock absorbers ✔ ✔ ✔
Inspect suspension ✔ ✔ ✔
Full 4-wheel alignment check and adjust if required² ✔
INSPECT VEHICLE GLASS & MIRRORS +
Check windscreen washers, wipers, & function ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Top up windscreen wash as required ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Check windscreen security & any chips / cracks ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Inspect mirrors (interior and exterior) ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Inspect number plates ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
INSPECT EXHAUST SYSTEM +
Inspect exhaust system & catalysts (if appropriate) ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
BRAKING SYSTEM & ASSOCIATED PARTS +
Check brake discs / drums for cracks & corrosion ✔ ✔ ✔
Check brake pads for amount of wear or any damage ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Check calipers for leaks and security ✔ ✔ ✔
Check brake shoes for amount of wear or any damage ✔ ✔ ✔
Inspect operation of wheel cylinders ✔ ✔ ✔
Inspect brake hydraulic system ✔ ✔ ✔
Check brake fluid replacement schedule & report if required ✔ ✔ ✔
Check brake fluid replacement schedule & replace fluid if required ✔
Test and report brake fluid boiling point ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Inspect handbrake system and its correct operation ✔ ✔ ✔
Inspect ABS warning light ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
INSPECT FUEL FILTER & CAPS +
Check fuel filler cap & any visible fuel lines ✔ ✔
Check fuel filter replacement schedule & report⁴ ✔ ✔
TYRE INSPECTION +
Check tyre tread depth ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Check tyre pressures ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Check general tyre condition ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Check tyres for uneven wear ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Check tyre age ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Check spare tyre ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Inspect TPMS valves ✔ ✔ ✔
Inspect TPMS warning light / sensor ✔ ✔ ✔
Check TPMS sensor batteries and report if replacement of any is imminent⁴ ✔
Check inflation foam expiry date and report⁵ ✔
MISCELLANEOUS +
Perform full vehicle diagnostic check & report ✔
Check pollen filter schedule & report ✔ ✔ ✔
Replace pollen filter if required¹ ✔
Test A/C system pressure, output temperature and re-gas if required ✔
Check function of auxiliary heater (if fitted) ✔
Inspect seatbelts front & rear ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Lubricate door hinges, bonnet catch & locks ✔ ✔ ✔
Road test ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Reset service warning light / Update in-car maintenance records ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Stamp service book if available ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

= included in service
¹ = A filter up to value of £25 is included in the service price. For some vehicle applications, an additional cost above this value will apply.
² = Alignment is checked on all 4 wheels. Adjustments required will be made only to front toe settings (and to rear toe settings, if possible). Adjustment at the rear is not possible on some vehicles.
³ = If vehicle requires it. 
⁴ = Any parts & labour required will incur additional costs.
⁵ = A replacement item will be at an additional cost

Payment Plan FAQ's

About the Plan

? What’s included in the service plan?

The plan covers your annual service and MOT, plus exclusive perks such as priority booking, discounts on repairs, and extra loyalty rewards.

? Can I cancel my service plan?

The plan is a 12-month commitment, so cancellations aren’t usually possible. However, if your circumstances change, speak to us and we’ll do our best to help. You have a 14-day cooling-off period where no money will be taken.

? What happens if I sell my car?

If you sell your car, we may be able to transfer the plan to your new vehicle. Let us know as soon as possible and we’ll discuss your options.

Payment & Pricing

? How do payments work?

Payments are taken monthly via Direct Debit through Stripe or Barclaycard payment services, making it easy to spread the cost over the year.

? What if I miss a payment?

If a payment fails, we’ll send a friendly reminder to get it sorted. If multiple payments are missed, the plan may be paused until the balance is cleared.

? Will my price stay the same for the whole year?

Yes! The price is fixed for 12 months, so you won’t be affected by any price increases during your plan.

Booking & Servicing

? How do I book my service and MOT?

Just give us a call, book online, or visit us in person — we’ll take care of the rest!

? What happens if I forget to book my MOT?

Don’t worry — we’ll send you reminders so you never miss it! If you need help booking, just let us know.

? Can I upgrade my service if needed?

Yes! If your car needs additional work outside the plan, we’ll let you know in advance and give you exclusive plan-holder discounts.

Other Common Questions

? Can I use the plan for multiple vehicles?

The plan covers one car per agreement, but we can set up multiple plans for different vehicles in your household.

? What if I move out of the area?

If you move too far to visit us, contact us and we’ll discuss the best solution for your situation.

Choose Your Plan Below

Essential Platinum

from £49 99

MOT Test

  • ✓ MOT Re-Test (If Required)
  • ✓ Full Annual Service
  • ✓ Puncture Repair x4
  • ✓ Lifetime Screenwash Top-Up
  • ✓ Annual Health Check
  • ✓ Safety Inspection
  • ✓ Loyalty Points Every Month
  • ✓ Pre MOT Check (2–4 weeks in advance)
  • ✓ VIP Car Detailing Voucher
  • ✓ Courtesy Car Hire Included
  • ✓ Priority Access For Convenient Booking
  • ✓ Diagnostic Code Reads Included
  • ✓ +25% Loyalty Points (Vs Standard)
  • ✓ Just £1.64 per day
  • ✓ 12 Month Contract
POPULAR

Essential Gold

from £39 99

MOT Test

  • ✓ MOT Re-Test (If Required)
  • ✓ Full Annual Service
  • ✓ Puncture Repair x1
  • ✓ Lifetime Screenwash Top-Up
  • ✓ Annual Health Check
  • ✓ Safety Inspection
  • ✓ Loyalty Points Every Month
  • ✓ Priority Access For Convenient Booking
  • ✓ Courtesy Car Hire (5 days)
  • ✓ Diagnostic Inspection x1
  • ✓ Just £1.31 per day
  • ✓ 12 Month Contract

Essential

from £29 99

MOT Test

  • ✓ MOT Re-Test (If Required)
  • ✓ Full Annual Service.
  • ✓ Lifetime Screenwash Top-Up
  • ✓ Annual Health Check
  • ✓ Safety Inspection
  • ✓ Loyalty Points Every Month
  • ✓ Priority Access For Convenient Booking
  • ✓ Just 99p per day
  • ✓ 12 Month Contract