Car service prices in the UAE vary widely depending on your car, where you go, and what is actually included. This guide breaks down typical AED ranges so you can compare quotes with confidence and spot when a price is too good (or too high) to be true.
Minor service vs major service
A minor (interim) service usually covers engine oil, oil filter, a multi-point safety check, and topping up fluids. It is the routine visit most cars need every 10,000 km or so.
A major service adds items like air filter, cabin filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, brake inspection, and sometimes transmission or coolant service. It costs more because of extra parts and labour.
| Service type | Typical car | Estimated price (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Minor / interim | Toyota, Nissan, Honda | 250 - 600 |
| Minor / interim | BMW, Mercedes, Audi | 450 - 900 |
| Major / full | Toyota, Nissan, Honda | 700 - 1,400 |
| Major / full | BMW, Mercedes, Range Rover | 1,400 - 2,500+ |
What should be included in the price
A clear quote should separate parts from labour and list the essentials so you are comparing like for like.
- Oil brand, grade (e.g. 5W-30), and quantity in litres
- Oil filter (and any other filters for a major service)
- Labour hours and the hourly rate
- Multi-point inspection and service-light reset
- VAT (5 percent) and any pickup/drop-off charge
- Warranty on parts and workmanship
Why two quotes for the same car differ so much
Genuine vs aftermarket parts, fully synthetic vs semi-synthetic oil, and whether the inspection and VAT are bundled all move the price. A cheap headline number sometimes excludes the filter, VAT, or the very items that matter.
The fix is simple: ask each garage to quote the same scope. That is exactly what a comparison request does for you.
How to avoid overpaying
- Get at least three quotes for the same defined scope
- Ask for the oil grade your manufacturer specifies, not the cheapest on the shelf
- Confirm whether the price is before or after VAT
- For older cars, an independent specialist is usually far cheaper than the agency
- Keep your service records — they protect resale value