2018 Aston Martin Rapide S Complete Maintenance Schedule & Service Guide

Key Takeaways

• Primary service interval: Every 12 months or 16,000 km (approximately 10,000 miles), whichever comes first
• Engine: 6.0L V12 producing 552 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque
• Engine oil: Requires high-quality fully synthetic oil; 0W-40 is a common recommendation for Aston Martin V12 engines
• Brake fluid: Check level weekly; specific replacement interval per factory schedule
• Warranty: 3-year/unlimited mileage vehicle warranty from new
• Free scheduled service: Some sources indicate free scheduled servicing for the 2018 Rapide S

Factory Service Schedule

The 2018 Aston Martin Rapide S follows a structured maintenance schedule with service required every 12 months or 16,000 km (approximately 10,000 miles), whichever comes first . This 6.0L V12 four-door grand tourer demands regular attention to maintain its 552-horsepower output and sophisticated engineering .

The maintenance schedule is divided into 16,000 km/12-month intervals .

Service Interval Summary

Note: The annual service schedule may be modified if necessary. Consult your Aston Martin Dealer for details of any service schedule updates .

Service Cost Estimates

Specialist servicing costs for V12-engined Rapide models are approximately as follows :

Spark Plugs: Replacement is a significant service item priced at approximately £1,323.04 when required .

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 .

Oil Level Check Procedure

The owner's manual specifies the following procedure for checking engine oil level :

• The vehicle should be on level ground
• Check the engine oil level every fourth fuel tank fill or weekly, whichever is the sooner
• The engine should be cold; if recently driven, run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature, then turn off and wait 10 minutes for oil to stabilize
• Withdraw and wipe the dipstick clean using a lint-free cloth
• Fully insert the dipstick with the Min./Max. marking on the blade upwards (facing towards the engine)
• The engine oil level should read between the Min. and Max. marks
• Approximately two liters are required to bring the oil level from Min. to Max.

Important Warning: Running the engine with engine oil below the lower mark or above the upper mark can cause serious engine damage. This vehicle's warranty may be invalidated if damage is caused by the use of incorrect engine oil. Low-quality or obsolete oils do NOT give the protection required by modern, high-performance engines .

Brake Fluid Service

Level Check and Safety

The brake fluid level should read between the Min. and Max. marks on the reservoir .

Do not drive the vehicle if the brake fluid level is below the minimum mark. Brake fluid can damage paint work—immediately flush any spills with clean, fresh water .

The brake fluid reservoir cap must be removed to check the level; top up to the Max. level and install the reservoir cap securely .

Cooling System Service

Coolant Level Check

Do not remove the filler cap until the coolant system has cooled. Scalding can be caused by escaping steam or coolant. Use a cloth or glove to protect hands and face .

• Remove the pressure cap to check the coolant level
• The correct coolant level is to the top of the reservoir tank
• Top up with the correct antifreeze mix if required

Replacement Interval

Aston Martin V12 coolant replacement interval is generally 6 years, based on owner experience with Rapide S models . Always verify the exact interval in your owner's manual.

Power Steering Fluid Service

Level Check

Check the reservoir level when the engine is cold and with the front road wheels in the straight-ahead position :

• Wipe the reservoir cap clean before removing
• Remove the cap and wipe the dipstick clean with a lint-free cloth
• Replace and remove again—the fluid level should read between the Min. and Max. marks
• Top up if required; do not overfill

Power steering fluid can damage paintwork—flush any spills immediately with clean fresh water .

Windscreen Wash Fluid Service

• Top up as required
• Increase the fluid concentration in winter to prevent freezing
• When fluid is low, a warning message will show in the message centre

Washer Jet Adjustment

The washer jets are located on the rear edge of the bonnet. If adjustment is required, adjust so that the fluid strikes between a third and half way up the windscreen .

Owner Maintenance Checks

The following checks are recommended for routine owner maintenance :

Weekly Checks:

• Engine oil level (every fourth fuel tank fill or weekly)
• Coolant level
• Brake fluid level
• Power steering fluid level
• Windscreen washer fluid level
• Tyre condition and pressures

Pre-Journey Checks:

• Operation of lamps, horn, indicators, wipers, and washers
• Sufficient fuel for the intended journey
• Seat belt operation
• Brake operation
• Check for fluid deposits underneath the vehicle

Long-Term Ownership Considerations

Service Documentation

For a 2018 Rapide S, comprehensive service records from Aston Martin dealers or approved specialists are essential for maintaining the vehicle's provenance and value. The official owner's manual contains the complete maintenance schedule and should be kept with the vehicle.

Warranty Coverage

The 2018 Rapide S came with a 3-year/unlimited mileage vehicle warranty from new . Some sources indicate free scheduled servicing for this model . Extended warranty plans may be available subject to a multi-point Aston Martin inspection.

Timing Chain Information

The Rapide S 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.