Car servicing with AA Smart Care

Book a car service

Get a service at an AA approved local garage from just £72

The easy way to book a car service

Get a manufacturer, full or interim service from the AA. Just enter your number plate and postcode to get started.

We’ll show you fixed prices for your chosen car service before you complete your booking. And, if any more work’s needed, we’ll get the go-ahead from you first.
You don’t need to be an AA Member.
Free vehicle collection and drop off from a fully insured driver, subject to availability.
UK wide AA approved garages – all checked against our highest standards with a 12 month guarantee on parts and labour.

What's a car service?

A service is a routine checkup done by a garage. A technician will look at your car’s condition and check parts like brakes and tyres for wear and tear.

The types of checks included in a service vary depending on the type of service you book, but most services will include an oil change.

Getting your car serviced:

Helps to prolong the life of your car.
Can help you spot any issues that might cause a problem, so you can get them fixed.
Increases the resale value of your car as it shows it's been well looked after.

Types of car service

Manufacturer service

The service recommended by your manufacturer, based on the age and mileage of your vehicle to keep it in the best possible condition. This service will maintain your vehicle's warranty.
Interim service

A comprehensive list of checks ranging from your wheels to your engine, and you'll also get an oil change.
Full service

Includes everything covered by an interim service, plus you'll also get added extras like a brand-new air filter.

What's the difference between a full and interim service?

When you book a service through Smart Care, the types of checks that are included vary depending on the type of service you book.

	Interim service	Full service
Driver visibility
Check exterior lights	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Check window washers & wipers	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Check condition of the windscreen for cracks and chips	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Check condition of the number plates	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Check door, bonnet and lock operation	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Check mirrors	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Interior
Check horn	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Check seat belts	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Pollen filter	✗ No	✓ Yes
Check condition of the air conditioning	✗ No	✓ Yes
Braking system
Check condition of brake pads	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Check condition of brake discs	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Vehicles with rear drum brakes (additional charge for drum removal and brake clean)	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Check brake pipes and hoses	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Check brake callipers	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Engine bay operations
Engine oil filter	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Engine oil	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Check engine bay condition and oil leaks	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Check radiator and coolant hoses for leaks	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Visual coolant condition check and top up	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Visual brake fluid condition check and top up	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Check auxiliary belt(s)	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Check timing/cam belt	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Check condition of spark plugs (additional charge if replacement required)	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Check washer fluid levels and top up as necessary	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Check power steering fluid levels and top up as necessary	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Check AdBlue levels (additional charge if top up required)	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Check clutch fluid levels and top up as necessary	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Air filter	✗ No	✓ Yes
Under vehicle inspection
Check condition of wheel bearings	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Check drive shaft gaiters	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Check exhaust system & components	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Remove road wheels to inspect	✗ No	✓ Yes
Road test vehicle
Check dashboard warning lights	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Check hand brake operation	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Check exhaust for smoke	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Check transmission and clutch operation	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Steering and suspension
Check steering rack & steering rack components	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Check road springs	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Check shock absorbers	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Wheel and tyre
Check and adjust tyre pressures	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Check tyre condition and tread depths	✓ Yes	✓ Yes

How to book your car service

Enter your details

Get started by entering your number plate and postcode, then add a service to your basket.

Choose a date and garage

Pick a date and an AA approved garage that suit you. Drop your vehicle off yourself, or in most cases a fully insured driver can collect it from you.

We'll take it from here

We handle all communication with the garage. Your payment won't be taken until the work has been completed.

What do I need to take to a car service?

You should always take your vehicle's log book so the garage can stamp it once they've finished the service. Getting your log book stamped makes sure your vehicle has a complete service history which can help increase its resale value.

If you're booked in for a full service, you should also take your locking wheel nut key so the garage can carry out the necessary wheel checks.

When is my car service due?

We recommend getting a full service every year, or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. If you're a high mileage driver, we recommend an additional interim service every 6 months.

Your manufacturer might also have a recommended servicing schedule, so check your vehicle's handbook. Some cars will also notify you on the dashboard when it's time to book a service.

What type of service do I need?

If your vehicle is still in its warranty period, you should consider a manufacturer service in order to ensure your warranty remains valid. The checks carried out will be specific to the manufacturer's service schedule, according to the age, model and mileage of your vehicle.

For more information about manufacturer services, see our pages for Audi servicing, Ford servicing, Vauxhall servicing and VW servicing.

If you choose not to have a manufacturer service, you can instead opt for our interim or full service options. We recommend having a full service every two years and interim service in the alternate years.

Car servicing advice

Car mechanic looking under the bonnet of a car

Complete guide to car servicing

We answer your most common questions on car servicing.

Two mechanics working under the bonnet of a car

How often should I service my car?

We explain how often you should book in for a full or interim service.

Why should I get my car serviced?

Discover why getting your car regularly serviced is so important.

How long does a service take?

It’s best to ask the garage how long it’ll take at the time you book your service. An interim service is less extensive and includes fewer checks on your car. It may take around 1 and a half hours. A full service is a check of the whole car, so will take longer, often around 3 hours.

When you book a service through Smart Care, in most cases we can pick up your car and drop it back off for you after it’s been to the garage.

Which service is right for me?

The type of service you should choose depends on whether you're vehicle is under warranty, when you last had a service, and your vehicle's age and mileage.

If your vehicle's under warranty, you'll need to get a manufacturer service to maintain the warranty. You might also choose a manufacturer service if you want to follow your manufacturer's recommended servicing schedule.

We recommend a full service every year and an interim service every 6 months.