2020 Aston Martin DBS Service Requirements & Maintenance Schedule

Key Takeaways

• Primary service interval: Every 12 months or 16,000 km (approximately 10,000 miles), whichever comes first
• Service coverage: The first five scheduled services are included (free of charge) on the 2020 DBS
• Brake fluid: Replacement at the 20,000-mile (2-year) service and every 20,000 miles thereafter
• Spark plugs: Replacement is scheduled at 70,000 miles; a significant V12 service item
• Warranty: 3-year/unlimited mileage vehicle warranty from new; 10-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation warranty
• Service cost: Major services range from approximately £1,230 to £1,450, with basic services from £720 to £840 after the included period

Factory Service Schedule

The 2020 Aston Martin DBS follows a structured maintenance schedule with service required every 12 months or 16,000 km (approximately 10,000 miles), whichever occurs first . This 5.2L twin-turbo V12 grand tourer demands regular attention to maintain its performance and sophisticated engineering.

The maintenance schedule for the DBS is divided into 10,000-mile/12-month intervals, with the first five services provided at no cost on the 2020 model . Each service at an Aston Martin dealer includes a comprehensive factory 131-point maintenance procedure.

Service Interval Summary

Engine Oil Service

Oil Change Interval

The factory-recommended oil and filter change interval is every 16,000 km or 12 months, aligned with the primary service schedule. The 2020 DBS requires a synthetic oil change and filter replacement at each service interval.

Owner Oil Level Check

Aston Martin recommends checking the engine oil level regularly between services. Running the engine with oil below the lower mark or above the upper mark can cause serious engine damage. Only use high-quality fully synthetic oil meeting manufacturer specifications.

Brake Fluid Service

Replacement Interval

The factory maintenance schedule specifies brake fluid replacement at the 20,000-mile (2-year) service interval and every 20,000 miles thereafter . The 8th and 10th services also include brake fluid replacement .

Brake fluid should meet DOT 3, DOT 4, or DOT 5.1 specifications . This safety-critical service should not be deferred, as brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which reduces its boiling point and can lead to brake fade under hard use.

Cooling System Service

Coolant Replacement

The factory maintenance schedule specifies coolant replacement at the 6-year / 60,000-mile service . Always use the specified coolant type for the 5.2L V12 engine. The cooling system should be inspected at each regular service interval.

Owner Check Procedure

• The coolant level should be at the top of the reservoir tank
• Do not remove the filler cap until the system has cooled; scalding can be caused by escaping steam or coolant

Transmission Service

The DBS is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission featuring a rear mid-mounted ZF transaxle.

Transmission fluid replacement is included in the 6th service (60,000 miles / 6 years) . This is a significant service item that should be performed according to the manufacturer's schedule to ensure longevity and performance.

Rear Differential Service

Differential oil replacement is recommended at 60,000 miles . The correct limited-slip additive is essential to ensure proper operation.

Ancillary Drive Belt Service

The ancillary drive belt is scheduled for replacement at the 30,000-mile (3-year) service interval. This is a critical maintenance item that should not be deferred, as belt failure can lead to loss of alternator, power steering, or air conditioning function.

Air Filter Service

Spark Plug Service

The V12 engine requires a total of 12 spark plugs, one per cylinder. The factory service schedule specifies spark plug replacement at 70,000 miles . This is a significant service item, with V12 spark plug replacement priced at approximately £1,195 to £1,210 including VAT .

Spark plug replacement helps maintain peak power and performance, optimal fuel economy, and lower emissions by ensuring proper combustion. Common symptoms of worn spark plugs include misfires, hesitation during acceleration, and reduced fuel efficiency.

Extended Maintenance Guidance

The following table summarizes core maintenance intervals for the DBS, based on general guidance for the DB9/DBS/DB11 generation :

Note: Always verify exact intervals for your specific model in the official owner's manual or service book. The DBS features a timing chain rather than a timing belt. Unlike timing belts, timing chains are designed to last the life of the engine under normal driving conditions and do not require scheduled replacement .

Extended Warranty and Service Plans

At the end of the 3-year factory warranty period, Aston Martin offers extended warranty coverage available in 12 or 24-month durations. An optional extended Premium service contract can extend from two years all the way out to 10 years with unlimited mileage.

The plans are available on road-going models less than 10 years old, subject to a multi-point Aston Martin inspection, with zero deductible. All services are performed by factory-trained technicians using genuine Aston Martin parts.