Unexpected vehicle repairs are one of the most common and expensive issues facing businesses that rely on cars, vans, or light commercial vehicles. Missed services, delayed maintenance, and inconsistent checks can quickly lead to breakdowns, lost productivity, and higher repair bills.
Knowing how often business vehicles should be serviced and why helps businesses reduce downtime, control costs, and stay compliant with safety and warranty requirements. This guide explains recommended service intervals, factors that affect servicing frequency, and how regular maintenance helps avoid unexpected costs.
Why regular servicing matters for business vehicles
Business vehicles typically cover more miles than private cars and are often driven under higher loads or time pressure.
This increases wear on engines, brakes, tyres, and suspension components.
Regular vehicle servicing helps to:
Identify faults early before they become costly repairs.
Reduce the risk of breakdowns and roadside recovery.
Maintain fuel efficiency and performance.
Protect manufacturer warranties.
Support vehicle safety and legal compliance.
For fleet operators, even a single unplanned vehicle failure can disrupt schedules, affect customer service, and increase operational costs.
How often should business vehicles be serviced?
Manufacturer servicing guidelines
Most manufacturers recommend servicing vehicles every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. This applies to both petrol and diesel vehicles and remains the baseline for most company cars and vans.
However, manufacturer guidance is often based on average private use. Business use typically requires more frequent servicing.
High-mileage and commercial use
Vehicles used for business purposes are often:
Cover higher annual mileage.
Carry tools, equipment, or goods.
Operate in stop-start urban traffic.
Experience longer engine running times.
In these cases, many fleet managers adopt servicing intervals of:
Every 6 months.
Every 8,000 - 10,000 miles.
This is particularly common in vans, delivery vehicles, and daily-use vehicles.
Interim servicing: preventing wear between full services
An interim service sits between full services and focuses on high-wear components. These checks help identify issues early and reduce the risk of unexpected costs.
Typical interim service checks include:
Engine oil and filter condition.
Brake wear and brake fluid levels.
Tyre condition and tread depth.
Steering and suspension checks.
Lights, wipers, and safety systems.
For business fleets, interim servicing is a cost-effective way to extend vehicle life and avoid emergency repairs.
Servicing frequency by vehicle type
Company cars
Annual servicing at a minimum.
Interim checks every 6 months for high-mileage drivers.
More frequent servicing for diesel vehicles with DPF systems.
Vans and light commercial vehicles
Servicing every 6 months or 8,000–10,000 miles
Regular brake, suspension, and tyre inspections
Increased frequency for heavily loaded vehicles
Electric vehicles (EVs)
EVs require less mechanical maintenance, but servicing is still essential.
Typical EV servicing includes:
Brake system inspection.
Tyre wear and alignment.
Battery and software checks.
Cooling system inspection.
Most manufacturers recommend EV servicing every 12 months, but high-mileage EVs may still benefit from interim inspections.
Legal and compliance considerations
While servicing itself is not a legal requirement, businesses have a duty of care to ensure vehicles are safe and roadworthy.
Regular servicing supports compliance with:
Health and Safety at Work Act.
Corporate duty of care obligations.
Insurance requirements.
Manufacturer warranty conditions.
For vans over three years old, MOT testing is mandatory annually, but this does not replace routine servicing.
The cost of delayed servicing
Delaying servicing to save money often leads to higher long-term costs.
Common issues caused by missed services include:
Engine damage from degraded oil.
Brake failure due to worn components.
DPF blockages in diesel vehicles.
Increased fuel consumption.
Reduced resale value.
Preventive maintenance is consistently cheaper than reactive repairs.
Creating a servicing schedule for business vehicles
To avoid unexpected costs, businesses should:
Track mileage and service dates.
Align servicing with real-world usage, not just manufacturer minimums.
Schedule interim checks for high-mileage vehicles.
Keep clear maintenance records.
Fleet management tools and fuel reporting systems can improve visibility into vehicle usage, helping businesses plan servicing more accurately.
Key takeaway: Regular servicing reduces risk and cost
There is no single servicing schedule that fits every business vehicle. The right frequency depends on mileage, vehicle type, load, and usage patterns.
However, businesses that service vehicles regularly and proactively benefit from:
Fewer breakdowns.
Lower repair bills.
Improved vehicle reliability.
Better cost control across the fleet.
