2013 maintenance schedule
2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Preventive Maintenance & Service Schedule
The 2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is the final iteration of the VH-generation Vantage, powered by a 4.7-litre naturally aspirated V8.
Last updated
July 1, 2026
Reviewed for service schedule clarity.
The 2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is the final iteration of the VH-generation Vantage, powered by a 4.7-litre naturally aspirated V8. Adherence to the factory service schedule is essential for preserving this car's performance and value .
Service Schedule Overview
The primary service interval for the 2013 V8 Vantage is every 12 months or 10,000 miles (16,000 km), whichever comes first . The maintenance schedule is divided into these 10,000-mile/12-month intervals .
Official Dealer Service Schedule
The following table is based on official Aston Martin dealer fixed-price servicing schedules for the 2005-2018 V8 Vantage :
| Service | Age / Mileage | Key Service Items | Approximate Cost (inc. VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Service | 1 year / 10,000 miles | Synthetic oil and filter change; 131-point factory inspection | £790 - £885 |
| 2nd Service | 2 years / 20,000 miles | Synthetic oil and filter change; brake and clutch fluid replacement; in-cabin air filter replacement | £825 - £925 |
| 3rd Service | 3 years / 30,000 miles | Synthetic oil and filter change; engine air filter replacement; ancillary drive belt replacement; 131-point inspection | £790 - £885 |
| 4th Service | 4 years / 40,000 miles | Synthetic oil and filter change; brake and clutch fluid replacement | £825 - £925 |
| 5th Service | 5 years / 50,000 miles | Synthetic oil and filter change; coolant replacement | £920 - £1,025 |
| 6th Service | 6 years / 60,000 miles | Synthetic oil and filter change; brake and clutch fluid replacement | £825 - £925 |
| 7th Service | 7 years / 70,000 miles | Synthetic oil and filter change; spark plug replacement | £790 - £885 |
Important Note on the 7-Year Service: The spark plugs are a major service item scheduled at 7 years or 70,000 miles . This is often done in conjunction with the 7th annual service.
Preventive Maintenance Schedule
Based on enthusiast experience and documented service records, the following is a recommended practical schedule for the 2013 V8 Vantage :
| Maintenance Item | Recommended Interval | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil & Filter | Yearly | Required at each 10,000-mile/12-month service |
| Manual Transmission Fluid | Every 2 years / 20,000 miles | Recommended for optimal shift quality |
| Rear Differential Fluid | Every 2 years / 20,000 miles | Addresses potential driveline noise |
| Brake Fluid | Every 2 years / 20,000 miles | Safety-critical; moisture absorption reduces boiling point |
| Clutch Fluid | Every 2 years / 20,000 miles | Often performed alongside brake fluid |
| Engine Air Filter | Every 3 years / 30,000 miles | Replace at 3-year/30,000-mile service |
| Ancillary Drive Belt | Every 3 years / 30,000 miles | Replace at 3-year/30,000-mile service |
| Throttle Body Cleaning | Every 2 years | Recommended to maintain throttle response and idle quality |
| Spark Plugs | Every 7 years / 70,000 miles | Major service item |
| Coolant | Every 5 years / 50,000 miles | Replace at 5-year/50,000-mile service |
Fluid Specifications and Capacities
Engine Oil
- Capacity: Approximately 9.5 to 10 liters
- Specification: High-quality fully synthetic oil meeting Aston Martin and Ford specifications (Ford WSS-M2C929-A, Ford WSS-M2C946-A, or Chrysler MS-6395) . A common enthusiast choice is 10W-60 for track use, but 5W-30 or 0W-40 are also suitable depending on climate .
Manual Transmission Fluid (Graziano 6-speed)
- Capacity: Approximately 4.5 liters
- Specification: Castrol BOT 270A (per Service Bulletin) or equivalent
Brake and Clutch Fluid
- Specification: DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 (Motul RBF 600/660 recommended for track use)
Technical Service Bulletins and Recalls
TSBs for 2013 V8 Vantage
- SPL-03-1261: Recommended Engine Oils for V8 and V12 Naturally Aspirated Engines (use correct specification to avoid engine damage) .
- SB-07-0440: Process if a customer complains about six-speed manual transmission shift quality when cold .
Recalls for 2013 V8 Vantage
- NHTSA Campaign ID 14V753000 (Seat Heaters): A recall affecting multiple Aston Martin models (2006-2014). The seat heater electronic control module may fail and overheat. Dealers will install an interrupt module to prevent the risk of fire.
- NHTSA Campaign ID 15V846000 (Door Latches): A recall affecting multiple models (2010-2016). The interior door unlocking mechanism may not function when locked from outside. Dealers will disable the double locking feature by software reprogramming.
Long-Term Ownership Considerations
Manual Transmission Shift Quality
Some owners have reported a grinding sensation when shifting into 3rd gear on manual-transmission 2013 V8 Vantages. Using the recommended Castrol BOT 270A transaxle fluid is essential for optimal shift feel and can vastly improve shift quality .
Timing Chain Information
The 4.7-litre V8 engine in the 2013 V8 Vantage is equipped with a timing chain, not a rubber timing belt . The chain is designed to last the life of the engine and does not have a scheduled replacement interval .
Warranty Coverage
The 2013 V8 Vantage was sold with a 3-year/unlimited mileage vehicle warranty and a 10-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation warranty. Extended Premium service contracts are available for vehicles under 10 years old, extending coverage up to 10 years/unlimited mileage .
Maintenance questions
2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage FAQs
How often should I service my 2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage?+
The factory-recommended service interval is every 12 months or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first .
What engine oil does the 2013 V8 Vantage use?+
The 4.7-litre V8 requires approximately 10 litres of high-quality fully synthetic oil, such as SAE 5W-30 that meets Ford WSS-M2C946-A or Chrysler MS-6395 specifications . Some owners use 10W-60 for track use .
How often should the brake and clutch fluid be replaced?+
Brake and clutch fluid replacement is scheduled at the 20,000-mile / 2-year service interval .
When should the spark plugs be replaced?+
Spark plugs are scheduled for replacement at 70,000 miles / 7 years .
Does the V8 Vantage have a timing belt or timing chain?+
The V8 Vantage has a timing chain. It is designed to last the life of the engine and does not require scheduled replacement .
What transmission fluid should I use?+
The recommended fluid for the Graziano 6-speed manual transmission is Castrol BOT 270A . This is particularly important for addressing cold shift quality.
Is there a known issue with the 2013 V8 Vantage transmission?+
Some owners have reported grinding when shifting into 3rd gear on manual transmission models, particularly when cold. Using the recommended Castrol BOT 270A fluid is advised to mitigate this issue .