Keeping up with regular car servicing can feel like just another expense, especially when household bills start piling up. However, delaying maintenance can lead to bigger repair bills, reduced reliability and even safety risks.
For most vehicles in Australia, manufacturers recommend servicing every 10,000km to 15,000km or every 12 months, whichever comes first. However, the ideal interval depends on factors such as your vehicle’s age, manufacturer recommendations and driving conditions.
Regular servicing helps keep your car running efficiently, can identify problems before they become costly repairs, and may help maintain its resale value.
Read more: What does a Car Service include in Australia?
What factors affect car service intervals?
Not every vehicle follows the same maintenance schedule. Several factors can influence how often your car should be serviced.
Vehicle age
Newer vehicles often benefit from advanced engineering, synthetic oils and longer service intervals. Older vehicles may require more frequent inspections as components wear over time.
Driving habits
Vehicles that spend most of their time in heavy traffic often experience greater wear than those regularly driven on highways.
High mileage
Drivers who cover long distances each year may reach service milestones more frequently and should pay close attention to kilometre-based intervals.
Towing and heavy loads
Carrying heavy loads or towing places additional stress on the engine, transmission, brakes and suspension.
Australian driving conditions
Dust, heat and long-distance travel can accelerate wear on critical components, making regular maintenance even more important.
Do car service intervals get shorter as cars age?
Not necessarily. Most manufacturers don’t officially reduce service intervals as a vehicle gets older. If your owner’s manual recommends servicing every 15,000km, that interval generally remains unchanged throughout the vehicle’s life.
However, older cars often benefit from more frequent inspections and preventative maintenance.
As vehicles accumulate kilometres, components such as belts, hoses, seals, suspension parts and cooling system components naturally wear out. Older engines may also consume more oil than when they were new. Age can also affect components such as batteries, seals, suspension bushings and cooling systems, which may require attention even if the vehicle is still following the manufacturer’s service schedule.
For vehicles with more than 150,000km on the odometer, many mechanics recommend carrying out additional checks between scheduled services to identify potential issues before they become expensive repairs.
While the official service interval may stay the same, older cars often require more attention to remain reliable and safe.
What is included in a car service?
The work performed during a service depends on whether your vehicle is due for a minor service, major service or logbook service.
Minor service
A minor service typically includes:
- Engine oil and oil filter replacement
- Fluid level checks and top-ups
- Brake inspection
- Battery test
- Tyre inspection
- Suspension and steering checks
- Inspection of lights and wipers
Major service
A major service generally includes everything in a minor service, plus additional maintenance and inspections such as:
- Spark plug replacement
- Air and cabin filter replacement
- Comprehensive safety inspection
- Additional fluid changes
- Belt and hose inspections
- More detailed engine and drivetrain checks
The exact requirements vary between manufacturers and service schedules.
What is a logbook service?
A logbook service follows the maintenance schedule specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
Each service includes specific inspections, adjustments and replacement items based on the vehicle’s age and mileage. Completing logbook services on time helps ensure the vehicle remains in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and can be important for maintaining warranty coverage.
Many motorists assume they must return to a dealership for logbook servicing, but under Australian Consumer Law, eligible vehicles can generally be serviced by an independent workshop provided the work is carried out according to manufacturer specifications.
What happens if you miss a car service?
Missing a service by a small margin is unlikely to cause immediate damage, but regularly delaying maintenance can have consequences.
Potential issues include:
- Increased engine wear
- Reduced fuel efficiency
- Higher repair costs
- Greater risk of breakdowns
- Reduced resale value
- Possible warranty complications
Routine servicing allows mechanics to identify small issues before they develop into major repairs.
How often should a used car be serviced?
Used cars should generally follow the same service intervals recommended by the manufacturer.
However, if you’ve recently purchased a used vehicle and are unsure of its maintenance history, booking a service soon after purchase can provide peace of mind and establish a maintenance baseline.
Older used vehicles or cars with high mileage may benefit from more frequent inspections, particularly if they are regularly driven long distances or used for towing.
Maintaining a consistent service history can also help preserve resale value when it comes time to sell.
Do electric cars need servicing?
Yes, although electric vehicles typically require less maintenance than petrol or diesel-powered vehicles.
Because EVs have fewer moving parts, they don’t require oil changes or many of the engine-related services associated with conventional vehicles. However, they still require regular inspections of key systems, including:
- Brakes
- Tyres
- Suspension
- Steering
- Battery cooling systems
- Cabin filters
- Vehicle software
Service intervals vary between manufacturers, with many EVs requiring inspections every one to two years.
Signs your car may need a service sooner
Even if your next scheduled service isn’t due yet, your vehicle may need attention if you notice:
- Dashboard warning lights
- Unusual engine noises
- Vibrations while driving
- Reduced fuel economy
- Difficulty starting
- Excessive exhaust smoke
- Poor braking performance
Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more serious mechanical issues over time.
Final thoughts
For most Australian drivers, servicing a car every 10,000km to 15,000km or every 12 months is a sensible rule of thumb. However, the best service schedule is always the one recommended by the manufacturer.
Whether you drive a new car, an older vehicle or an electric car, regular servicing can improve reliability, enhance safety and help prevent costly repairs down the track. Keeping up with scheduled maintenance today could save you significant time and money in the future.
You should service your car based on whichever comes first. For example, if your vehicle is due for a service every 15,000km or 12 months and you’ve only driven 8,000km in a year, it should still be serviced once the 12-month interval has been reached.
Yes. Even if a vehicle spends most of its time parked, engine oil, brake fluid and other fluids can deteriorate over time. Batteries can also lose charge, while tyres and rubber components can age regardless of mileage.
In most cases, yes. Under Australian Consumer Law, you don’t necessarily need to have your vehicle serviced at a dealership to maintain your warranty. However, servicing should be carried out according to the manufacturer’s specifications and schedule.
A minor service typically includes an oil and filter change, fluid checks and a general inspection of key components. A major service is more comprehensive and may include replacing filters, spark plugs and other wear items, as well as carrying out additional safety and mechanical checks.
Missing a service by a small margin is unlikely to cause immediate damage, but repeatedly delaying maintenance can increase wear, reduce fuel efficiency and lead to more expensive repairs. It may also affect warranty coverage for newer vehicles.
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