How often should you service your car if it rarely leaves home?

Servicing is a great way to keep your car ship-shape and avoid major damage down the road. To the untrained eye, your car might seem fine, especially if you rarely drive it - after all, parts like tyres and brakes wear away with every kilometre, right? Well, almost but also no. Some parts, like the engine, degrade over time, especially when they’re left to sit stationary, leading to costly repairs and inconvenient breakdowns. That’s why regular servicing is so critical.

What is a car service?

Just like we go to the doctors to get a check-up, your car needs to be looked over every once in a while too. A mechanic will assess your car’s condition, checking for wear and tear and alerting you to any potential repairs - they’ll also perform basic tasks like oil and filter changes. Planned servicing can also help increase your fuel efficiency, maintain the safety of your vehicle, and can improve resale value. And you can’t beat resale value!

How often should you service your car?

Cars are meant to be driven. So, when they sit still or only take short trips, problems can still pop up. Fluids can become hardened and batteries can begin to lose charge. Then there’s the issue of oil. A deep dive into your car’s wellness ensures harmful oil is flushed out and replaced - even if you aren’t clocking up the kilometres, you still need to visit your local service centre.

A general rule of thumb is that you should get your car serviced every 10,000 km or 6 months - whichever one comes first. A major service - or a more extensive look over your vehicle - is required every 30,000 to 45,000km or every 24 months.

While it’s recommended that you service your car every 6 months or 10,000km, the final answer will depend on your make and model. Check out our table of common cars below, or if you’re stuck for an answer, reach out to mycar on 13 13 28.

How often to service a car

How much does a car service cost?

A range of factors influence the car service price, including the model of car and even where you live, with the average fee ranging from $150 to $500. Make sure to get an estimate on the car service cost from a trusted mechanic, so that you have a clear idea of what to expect when you pick your car up again.

mycar has taken the stress out of your car maintenance with a fixed price on servicing starting at $249. You can set your budget and choose the package that suits you.

How long does it take to service a car?

Again, it depends. A minor service shouldn’t take any longer than an hour or so; on the other hand, a major car service may take a little longer – ranging from two to four hours.

What does a major car service include?

A minor service involves a general look over of your car and replacement of engine oil and filter. A major service on the other hand is a complete tune-up of your car and offers a more in-depth service.

Most major car services will include things like:

• Testing and replacement of filters
• Repair and replacement of spark plugs
• A check over of the engine
• Wheel alignment
• Inspection of brakes
• A full flush and change of fluids in the car.

What is the difference between a logbook service and a fixed price car service?

A logbook service includes the checks and repairs specified by the car manufacturer in your owner’s manual. That means it’s specific to your car with no two vehicles being treated the same way. Logbook servicing shows future buyers that you’ve kept up with your car’s needs, should you intend to sell your favourite ride. Repairs aren’t only about getting from A to B, they also keep you safe on the road.

A fixed price car service, also known as a minor service, avoids a nasty hit to your wallet with unexpected costs. With your budget in mind, this routine maintenance comes with a fixed price and will offer the basics to keep you on the road, such as a safety check and oil and filter

When it comes to servicing, we know a thing or two. Avoid major damage down the track with mycar - book online or call 13 13 28.