PCV Valve Replacement Cost UK 2025
PCV Valve Replacement Cost UK 2025
The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve is a small but crucial component in your car’s engine, responsible for controlling emissions and ensuring efficient performance. In the UK, Labour is often the biggest contributor to cost, particularly for cars where the PCV valve is difficult to access or integrated within larger assemblies. London and the South East tend to be pricier due to higher labour rates, while rural and Northern areas may see savings. Other factors that affect pricing include whether you choose OEM or aftermarket parts, whether extra seals or hoses are needed, and your choice of main dealer, independent garage, or mobile mechanic. Understanding the full scope of what’s included in this service can help you budget accurately and avoid surprises.
Average Costs by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle Type | Example Model | Common Work | Average Cost (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Car | Ford Fiesta 1.0 | Replace external PCV valve, check hoses | £90 – £130 |
| Family Hatchback | VW Golf 1.4 TSI | PCV valve and breather pipe replacement | £110 – £160 |
| Executive Saloon | BMW 320i | PCV assembly (valve integrated in cover) | £170 – £250 |
| Diesel Estate | Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI | Replace valve, check breather system | £120 – £170 |
| SUV/Crossover | Nissan Qashqai 1.3 DIG-T | PCV valve, intake hose inspection | £130 – £180 |
| Luxury/Performance | Mercedes E-Class | Integrated PCV (requires rocker cover removal) | £200 – £320 |
| Hybrid/Electric with Range Extender | Toyota Prius Plug-in | PCV valve and system check | £120 – £170 |
Realistic Regional Prices
| Region | Typical Cost Range (£) | Why Prices Differ |
|---|---|---|
| London | £150 – £260 | London’s higher cost of living, increased workshop overheads, and demand for specialist services drive prices up. Labour rates are typically 25-35% higher than the national average. |
| South East England | £130 – £210 | Affluent commuter towns mean higher rates, but slightly lower than central London. More choice of garages offers some price competition. |
| Northern England | £100 – £170 | Lower property and labour costs result in more affordable servicing. Smaller towns may lack main dealers, but independents offer value. |
| Scotland | £110 – £180 | Major cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow approach UK average, while rural areas can be cheaper but may have fewer specialists for premium vehicles. |
| Wales | £100 – £160 | Generally competitive rates, though availability of parts for less common vehicles may affect prices. Labour is usually the lowest among UK regions. |
| Northern Ireland | £110 – £170 | Prices align with Scotland, with slight premiums for imported parts. Fewer main dealers, but strong independent network. |
Correct as of December 2025.
What’s Included
- Inspection/diagnostics: A technician starts by visually inspecting the PCV valve and associated breather hoses for blockages, leaks, or signs of oil contamination. Diagnostics may include checking for fault codes with a scan tool, listening for hissing noises, and performing a vacuum test to confirm valve operation.
- Parts list: Components typically replaced include the PCV valve itself, breather hoses (flexible pipes that carry vapours), intake manifold gaskets, rocker cover gasket (if the valve is integrated), hose clamps, o-rings, and sometimes the entire valve cover assembly for certain models. Some vehicles also require replacement of the oil separator or internal baffles.
- Labour scope: Work involves removing engine covers, disconnecting hoses and electrical connectors, unbolting the valve or valve cover, cleaning mating surfaces, installing new parts, and carefully reassembling everything. Labour time ranges from 1 to 3 hours depending on access—some integrated designs can take longer. Qualified technicians or master mechanics usually handle this job.
- Fluids/seals/consumables: This includes small quantities of engine oil (to top up after reassembly), new gaskets or o-rings, and sometimes a small amount of sealant for certain engine types. Clean rags and solvents for cleaning parts are also typical.
- Testing & quality checks: The repair is followed by running the engine to check for vacuum leaks, verifying smooth idle, and confirming no error codes return. Emissions may be checked, and a visual inspection ensures no oil leaks from the replaced components.
- Warranty paperwork: Most garages provide a 12-month or 12,000-mile warranty on parts and labour. Main dealers may offer longer coverage, especially if OEM parts are used. Paperwork should detail the parts fitted and guarantee conditions.
Symptoms & When to Book
- Rough idle or stalling: If your engine idles unevenly or stalls at stoplights, a sticking or blocked PCV valve is a likely culprit. Left unchecked, this can lead to increased fuel consumption and misfires.
- Oil leaks: Oil appearing around the rocker cover, intake, or breather hoses may indicate a faulty PCV valve causing excess pressure. Delaying repairs risks gasket failure and bigger oil leaks.
- Engine warning light: A failed PCV valve can trigger the check engine light, often with codes related to fuel trim or emissions. Ignoring this may lead to MOT failure or catalytic converter damage.
- High oil consumption: If you find yourself topping up oil more frequently, a stuck open PCV valve can allow excessive oil vapour into the intake, leading to engine wear over time.
- Whistling or hissing noises: Unusual noises from the engine bay often mean a vacuum leak at the PCV valve or hoses. Prolonged leaks can harm engine performance and emissions.
- Sludge or moisture under oil cap: Emulsified oil (milky residue) around the cap suggests poor crankcase ventilation, typically due to PCV valve failure. This can accelerate engine wear.
- Poor acceleration: Hesitation or loss of power, especially at lower RPMs, may result from incorrect air/fuel mixture due to a faulty valve.
- Strong fuel or oil smells: Excessive vapour escaping from the engine bay or dipstick area indicates the system isn’t venting properly, posing environmental and safety risks.
Intervals & Preventative Tips
For most UK vehicles, PCV valve replacement is recommended every 40,000 to 60,000 miles or every 4-6 years, whichever comes first. High-mileage cars, or those used mainly for short city journeys, may need more frequent attention since condensation and sludge build up faster in stop-start driving. In contrast, motorway-driven cars often see longer valve life due to consistent operating temperatures. Cold, damp UK winters can accelerate PCV valve clogging, so annual inspections are wise if you drive mostly in such conditions. Between scheduled services, watch for symptoms like those listed above—especially oil leaks, increased oil use, and rough idle. To prevent issues, regularly check your oil cap for sludge, keep up with oil changes, and replace breather hoses showing signs of hardening or cracking. Good maintenance ensures the PCV system lasts longer, protects your engine, and avoids more expensive repairs like failed gaskets or contaminated catalytic converters.
Factors That Influence Price
Several key factors affect the cost of PCV valve replacement in the UK. Vehicle make and model have a major impact—some cars have a simple external valve costing under £20 for the part and 30 minutes’ labour, while others (like certain BMWs or Mercedes) have the PCV integrated into the rocker cover, requiring more labour and pricier parts. Age and mileage also play a role; older cars may have corroded or stuck components, increasing labour time. High-mileage vehicles might need additional hoses or gaskets replaced due to wear.
Part quality is another cost driver. OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts generally cost more than aftermarket or budget options, but provide better fit and durability. For premium vehicles, OEM is often essential to avoid warranty or performance issues. Location matters too: labour rates in London and the South East are higher, pushing up overall costs, while rural or Northern areas offer savings but may have fewer garage choices. The type of garage is relevant—main dealers charge more for labour and parts but include a full warranty, while independents and mobile mechanics can save 15-30% but may use aftermarket parts.
Additional repairs often arise, such as replacing cracked breather hoses, failed intake manifold gaskets, or cleaning out oil separators. These extras can add £30–£90 to your bill. Finally, seasonal factors such as winter (when valves clog more often) can lead to higher demand and longer wait times. Comparing these influences helps ensure you pay a fair price and understand why your quote may differ from average figures. For complex or related repairs, consider learning about clutch replacement costs in the UK or dual mass flywheel replacement pricing to plan your maintenance budget.
DIY vs Professional
- DIY-friendly: Simple PCV valves on older or economy cars may be accessible for experienced DIYers. Required tools include basic sockets, screwdrivers, and pliers. Tasks like inspecting hoses, cleaning the valve, or replacing external valves are low to moderate difficulty if you follow the vehicle’s workshop manual.
- Pro-only: Many modern engines have integrated PCV systems requiring removal of the rocker cover, intake manifold, or even specialised diagnostic equipment. These jobs need torque wrenches, sealant application, and expert knowledge to avoid leaks and ensure correct refitting. Improper assembly can cause engine damage or persistent oil leaks.
- Safety: PCV replacement may expose you to hot surfaces, oil vapours, and fragile plastic parts. Incorrect reassembly can lead to vacuum leaks, misfires, or even engine bay fires. Always disconnect the battery and work on a cool engine.
- Cost-benefit analysis: DIY makes sense for simple jobs, potentially saving £50–£120 in labour, but only if you have the skills and tools. For modern or premium vehicles, professional service is safer and often provides a warranty, reducing risk of expensive mistakes.
How to Save Money
There are several effective ways to save on PCV valve replacement in the UK. Start by getting multiple quotes—compare at least three, making sure each includes parts, labour, and VAT for a fair like-for-like comparison. Understanding the typical parts/labour split (usually 30% parts, 70% labour for this job) can help you negotiate, especially if you can supply your own OEM part.
Choosing an independent specialist can save 20-30% over main dealers. Independents often have lower overheads and can use high-quality aftermarket parts when appropriate. For basic PCV jobs, mobile mechanics may offer the best value, coming to your home or workplace and charging less for overheads. Bundling multiple services—like combining PCV replacement with an oil change or brake pads repair—can yield discounts of 10-15% on the total bill. Timing your service for quieter months (late winter or early autumn) sometimes results in promotional pricing or faster turnaround.
Carefully consider your parts options: OEM is essential for newer or premium cars, while reputable aftermarket parts are usually fine for older or mainstream models. Always ask about warranty coverage; some independents now match main dealer guarantees for peace of mind. Finally, check if your garage offers loyalty programmes or service plans—these can spread costs