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Manufacturer Intervals
| Brand | Typical Interval | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ford | Varies by model and engine | Ford UK publishes no single figure — it directs owners to the Service Portfolio supplied with the car |
| VW / Audi / Skoda / SEAT | Fixed 9,300 miles / 12 months on most; LongLife up to ~18,600 | VW UK states most Volkswagens are on fixed servicing; LongLife is the variable regime and is not universal |
| BMW | Variable — BMW UK anchors the first service at 2 years / 18,000 miles | Condition Based Servicing |
| Toyota | 10,000 miles / 1 year (most petrol) | Toyota UK publishes annually / 10,000 miles; the GR Yaris is 6,000 miles |
| Hyundai / Kia | 10,000 miles / 1 year (most petrol) | Not a blanket figure — Kia UK’s published schedule lists 20,000 miles / 12 months for many diesels and 20,000 / 24 for EVs |
| Mercedes | Variable (up to 15,500 miles / 25,000 km) | ASSYST system |
| Vauxhall | Varies — check the current schedule | The 20,000-mile figure reflects the GM era; post-2019 Stellantis-platform models are on shorter intervals |
Recommended Engine Oils
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Treat these as orientation, not specification. Service intervals are set per model, engine and service regime rather than per brand, and several manufacturers publish no single figure at all. Always use the schedule in your own service book. Figures checked against Ford UK, Volkswagen UK, BMW UK, Toyota UK and Kia UK’s published service information, August 2026. Mercedes-Benz and Vauxhall figures shown here are not manufacturer-confirmed.
When to Change More Frequently
Consider shorter intervals if:
- You mainly drive short journeys (under 10 miles) — the oil never fully warms up
- You do lots of stop-start urban driving
- You tow a trailer or caravan
- You drive in dusty conditions
- The car is turbocharged (turbo oil runs hotter)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go longer than the manufacturer interval?
Not recommended. Manufacturer intervals assume you’re using the correct specification oil. Exceeding them risks varnish build-up, increased wear, and potential warranty claims being rejected.
Should I change oil every year even if I haven’t done the miles?
Yes. Oil degrades over time due to moisture absorption and oxidation, even when the car isn’t being driven. Annual changes are a minimum.
Is it cheaper to change oil myself?
Yes — DIY oil changes cost £20-35 in materials versus £100-200 at a dealer. However, you need to dispose of the old oil responsibly at a local recycling centre.
Recommended Products
How we check fitment for this guide
We cross-reference fitment figures against manufacturer specifications and OE-supplier catalogue data where available, and matched to the standard codes that actually govern fit — battery type/group sizes, wiper lengths and fitting types, bulb fitment codes, tyre size markings, and oil specifications. We work by make, model, year, engine, and build date, because a single model can take different parts across its life. Where the right part depends on your exact vehicle, we tell you to confirm by registration or VIN. More on our method →