Confirm the level
Interim, full or manufacturer-schedule?
AutoVet Care · One simple guide
Own the car. Stay organised.
Service, paperwork and warning signs made simpler.
After buying from a dealer
Protect any included service.
Get the exact promise in writing.
Record the limit
Save the due date, mileage limit and approved garage.
Keep proof
Save the advert, order form, email and final invoice.
See The Motor Ombudsman's Vehicle Sales Code.
Simple service plan
Use the handbook, not guesswork.
Follow the manufacturer's time or mileage limit, whichever comes first.
Weekly
Tyre pressures, fluid levels, warning lights and leaks.
Monthly or before a long trip
Tyres, lights, wipers, washers and visible battery condition.
Scheduled service
Book the exact work due for your model, age and mileage.
MOT and special items
Track MOT, timing belt, fluids and hybrid or EV items separately.
An MOT is not a service.
Never guess a timing-belt or specialist-fluid interval.
Follow the manufacturer's service schedule.
Vehicle admin
Road tax and V5C essentials.
Four small jobs that prevent bigger problems.
Choose a tax payment
Pay yearly, six-monthly or monthly by Direct Debit. Monthly and six-monthly cost 5% extra; yearly has no surcharge.
Direct Debit rules →Know what auto-renews
Direct Debit normally renews automatically. Tell DVLA if you sell, scrap, export or make a SORN; the Direct Debit then stops.
Replace a lost V5C
If the details are unchanged, the registered keeper can apply online. It usually costs £25 and arrives in 5 to 7 working days.
Get a V5C →Keep the address current
Update the V5C, driving licence and vehicle-tax Direct Debit separately when you move.
Change V5C address →Bought it but no V5C arrived?
Allow 4 weeks, then follow the V62 process. Keep the green new-keeper slip: the most recent slip can avoid the £25 fee.
Check the current process on GOV.UK: tax by Direct Debit and V5C applications by post.
What to watch
Six ownership basics.
Tyres and pressures
Brakes and steering
Fluids and leaks
Lights and wipers
Battery and warnings
Service, MOT and recalls
Act promptly
Notice changes.
Warning lights, smoke, overheating, leaks, tyre damage or sudden braking and steering changes need professional help.
Do not rely on a website to decide whether an unsafe car can be driven.Using a garage
Agree the job before work begins.
Choose a garage suited to the job
Agree diagnosis, inspection or repair
Get the estimate and approval limit in writing
Keep the itemised invoice and findings
Do and don't
Keep ownership predictable.
- Calendar services, MOT and dealer-plan deadlines.
- Follow the handbook and service indicator.
- Keep itemised invoices with date and mileage.
- Act when the car changes.
- Do not assume a free dealer service is automatic.
- Do not treat an MOT as a service.
- Do not authorise open-ended garage work.
- Do not ignore warning lights, leaks or tyre damage.
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