2013 Bentley Continental GT Complete Service & Maintenance Schedule

The 2013 Bentley Continental GT is a high-performance grand tourer, offered with a choice of a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 or the formidable 6.0L W12 engine. As a hand-built luxury motorcar, diligent maintenance is essential for preserving its performance, reliability, and substantial value. This guide compiles the factory-recommended service schedule and key maintenance considerations for the 2013 Continental GT.

Key Takeaways

• Primary Service Interval: Bentley requires scheduled maintenance every 12 months or 16,000 km (approximately 10,000 miles), whichever comes first . This applies to both the V8 and W12 variants.
• Warranty Coverage: The 2013 Continental GT came with a 3-year/unlimited mileage factory warranty covering basic, powertrain, and corrosion, plus a 1-year/10,000-mile maintenance warranty .
• Service Indicator: The vehicle is equipped with a standard service interval warning system on the instrument cluster that alerts the driver when maintenance is approaching .
• Engine Oil: The W12 engine (code CVAA) requires approximately 13.5 liters (dry fill) or 12.5 liters (service fill) of high-quality synthetic oil, changed every 16,000 km/12 months . V8 variants have different specifications and owners should consult the owner's manual.
• Drivetrain: All 2013 Continental GT variants feature all-wheel drive as standard equipment .

Factory Recommended Service Schedule

Primary Service Interval

Bentley's official service schedule for the 2013 Continental GT is consistent: every 12 months or 16,000 km (approximately 10,000 miles), whichever comes first .

The service interval warning system on the instrument cluster is triggered either by time or mileage, whichever occurs first. Even if the mileage threshold has not been reached, the service reminder will activate after 12 months .

Service Structure Progression

Based on established Bentley service patterns and documented maintenance records from well-maintained examples, the service structure follows a rotating schedule :

This pattern repeats throughout the vehicle's life. Documented examples show annual servicing by Bentley main dealers and specialists, with services performed even at very low mileages .

Annual Service Contents

At each scheduled visit, the following baseline items are typically performed:

• Engine Oil & Filter: Replaced with Bentley-specification fully synthetic oil
• Tire Rotation: All four tires rotated for even wear
• Cabin Pollen Filter: Replaced
• Windshield Wipers: Replaced as needed
• Brake System: Comprehensive inspection of brake pads and discs
• Fluid Levels: All vehicle systems checked and topped up
• Leakage Inspection: Visual inspection for fluid leaks
• Suspension: Comprehensive inspection of all components, including the air suspension system

Following the vehicle inspection, owners are informed of any components not meeting specification, allowing approval of necessary repairs.

Major Service Items

The Major service (typically at 64,000 km/48 months) is significantly more comprehensive. A documented 77,000-mile service on a 2013 example included replacement of spark plugs and detailed inspection of the cooling system . Notable recent maintenance on a well-documented 2013 Continental GT with 77,000 miles included replacement of the coolant radiator and air-conditioning condenser radiator at a cost of £2,800, alongside secondary air system components .

Engine Oil Change Guidance

Oil Specifications

For the V8 engine variant, owners should consult the owner's manual for the exact oil specification and capacity.

Oil Change Interval

• Factory recommendation: Every 12 months or 16,000 km .
• Conservative owner guidance: Never exceed 12 months for an oil change, even if the mileage is low. Synthetic oil can degrade over time. For vehicles used primarily in extreme climates or short-trip city driving, many specialists recommend more frequent changes .

A documented 2013 Continental GTC with 17,000 miles had an oil change performed as part of a comprehensive service in January 2022 .

Spark Plug Timing

Replacement Interval

The W12 engine uses 12 spark plugs . The Major service typically includes spark plug replacement as a key component. A documented 77,000-mile service on a 2013 example included replacement of spark plugs . Another documented example shows spark plugs replaced at 17,000 miles during a comprehensive service that also included oil change, coolant flush, fuel filter, air filters, cabin filter, battery, and exhaust gas temperature sensors .

Given the high-performance nature of the Continental GT's engines, adherence to the factory-recommended replacement schedule is essential for maintaining optimal ignition performance, fuel efficiency, and engine health .

Spark Plug Part Number

For the V8 engine, the spark plug part number is 079905626G. For the W12 engine, the part number is 101905600B .

Brake Fluid Recommendations

Fluid Specifications and Service Interval

The 2013 Continental GT uses DOT-4 brake fluid.

• Inspection: Brake fluid level and condition should be inspected at every scheduled service.
• Replacement: A conservative approach is to flush and replace brake fluid every 2 years, as brake fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture over time, degrading braking performance.

A documented 2013 Continental GTC had a brake fluid flush performed in January 2022 . This is consistent with a 2-year replacement interval.

Coolant Service Timing

Replacement Interval

The cooling system is checked at every annual service for condition and proper protection levels. Coolant replacement is typically included in the Major service or recommended at 5-7 years, whichever comes first.

A documented 2013 Continental GTC had a coolant flush performed in January 2022 . Using the correct coolant is essential for preventing corrosion and maintaining proper heat transfer.

Cooling System Component Replacement

With the 2013 Continental GT now over a decade old, cooling system components may require attention. A documented example with 77,000 miles had the coolant radiator and air-conditioning condenser radiator replaced at a cost of £2,800, identified during a major service . Regular cooling system inspection during annual services is therefore recommended.

Fuel System Service

Fuel Filter Replacement

A documented 2013 Continental GTC had the fuel filter replaced during a service at 17,000 miles . The fuel filter should be inspected and replaced according to the manufacturer's schedule, which varies based on driving conditions.

Transmission Service Guidance

The 2013 Continental GT is equipped with a sophisticated automatic transmission (8-speed for the Speed variant, 6-speed for the W12 Mulliner) .

Service Considerations

The requirement for a transmission fluid change depends on several factors. Some modern transmissions are designed to never need a fluid change unless there is a leak or another problem, while others have a regular maintenance interval. Stop-and-go driving, spirited driving, or other high-stress conditions can shorten transmission fluid life. Consult the owner's manual for the specific recommendation for your vehicle.

High-Mileage Maintenance Planning

For 2013 Continental GT examples approaching or exceeding 80,000 km (50,000 miles), the following items should be considered based on documented maintenance records:

1. Major Service: If not recently performed, the major service includes spark plug replacement and coolant flush .
2. Cooling System: Inspect radiator and condenser; documented examples show replacement needed by 77,000 miles .
3. Secondary Air System: The secondary air pump and valve may require replacement at higher mileages; a documented example shows replacement at 76,000-77,000 miles .
4. Transmission Fluid Service: Depending on driving conditions, a full fluid and filter service may be recommended at higher mileages.
5. Brake System Overhaul: Brake pads and discs should be inspected regularly and replaced as needed.

Long-Term Ownership Considerations

The 2013 Bentley Continental GT rewards diligent and proactive maintenance. Key considerations for owners include:

• Service Documentation: Maintaining a comprehensive service history is critical for preserving the vehicle's resale value. Documented examples show 10-12 service stamps by main dealers and specialists, with records of all work performed .
• Specialist Care: Given the vehicle's complexity, service should be performed by certified Bentley technicians or independent specialists with the right equipment and genuine parts .
• Battery Maintenance: The Continental GT's advanced electrical systems require proper battery maintenance; a trickle charger is recommended for vehicles not used regularly .
• Tire Maintenance: With its power and all-wheel-drive configuration, proper tire pressure and condition are essential for safety and performance. A documented example shows tire replacement with Pirelli P Zero tires .