How long has it been since your last car service? If you’re not totally sure, you’re definitely not alone. Many drivers go purely by feel—or wait until something goes wrong. But regular servicing isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns. It keeps your car running efficiently, safely, and helps protect its long-term value.
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The Basics of Car Servicing
First things first—what actually happens during a service? That can depend on the type of car service being done, but in general, you’re looking at two levels: minor and major. Let’s take a look at what both tend to include.
A minor service usually includes an oil change, fluid top-ups, and a look at key safety items like brakes, tyres, lights and wipers. It’s quick and fairly straightforward.
A major service goes much deeper. This is where things like air filters, spark plugs, brake fluid, and more get replaced. It’s typically done less often, but it’s just as important—especially if you want your car to go the distance.
Most cars come with a logbook that lays all of this out clearly. It’s the easiest way to know what needs doing and when. The schedule is based on time, distance, or sometimes both.
What’s Right for Your Driving?
Not everyone uses their car the same way, and your service needs will reflect that.
If you’re mainly zipping around town on short trips, your car’s engine may never fully warm up. That means the oil wears out quicker and engine parts can build up residue faster than normal. Even though you’re not covering much distance, those short, stop-start drives can actually be tougher on the car than long highway runs.
On the flip side, if you’re driving longer distances regularly, your car is usually running at optimal temperature and wearing down more gradually. But you’ll hit those kilometre markers sooner, which means servicing might come around more often anyway.
And if you’re doing things like towing, driving on unsealed roads, or dealing with extreme heat, it’s worth servicing more often than the standard schedule suggests. Dust, extra weight, and temperature extremes all add to the wear and tear.
The Six or Twelve Month Question
This is where things get a bit confusing for some people. A lot of workshops recommend servicing every six months or 10,000 km—whichever comes first. But your car’s manual might say 12 months or 15,000 km. So, who’s right?
In short: it depends. For newer vehicles with lighter use, once a year might be fine. But if you’re driving regularly, or in harsher conditions, sticking to a six-month cycle is the safer bet.
The main thing is not to go too long without attention. Time alone can cause fluids to break down, tyres to deflate slightly, and small issues to creep in unnoticed. Even if you’ve only driven a few thousand kilometres, it’s smart to keep up regular checks.
When You Shouldn’t Wait
Sometimes your car tells you it needs a service—whether it’s due or not. And ignoring those signs can be costly.
If you hear odd noises, smell something unusual, or see warning lights on the dash, it’s time to get it looked at. Don’t assume it’ll sort itself out. Strange sounds or performance dips can signal anything from worn-out brakes to engine trouble. And once a small issue snowballs, the repair bill can climb fast.
It’s also worth paying attention to how the car feels overall. If it’s driving rougher, stopping slower, or just seems a bit off—book it in. Trust your instincts.
The Risks of Delaying a Service
Pushing back a service can seem harmless, especially if the car feels fine. But modern vehicles rely on precise timing, fluid quality, and working sensors. And when these start to slip—even slightly—it can lead to much bigger problems down the line.
For example, oil that’s been left too long loses its ability to lubricate and protect the engine. That can lead to internal damage. Worn brake pads or low brake fluid? That’s a safety risk. Even something as basic as under-inflated tyres can mess with handling and fuel efficiency.
And then there’s resale value. A solid service history makes a huge difference when it’s time to sell. Missed services are a red flag to buyers, and could knock thousands off the price.
What About Electric or Hybrid Cars?
Electric vehicles generally need less frequent servicing, since they don’t have a traditional engine or as many moving parts. No oil changes, no spark plugs—but that doesn’t mean you can ignore them altogether.
EVs still need checks on brakes, tyres, suspension, and cooling systems. Plus, there are often software updates that need to be installed by a technician. And with hybrids, you’re dealing with both electric and petrol systems, so their servicing needs can actually be a bit more complex, not less.
The short version? Even if you’ve gone electric, stick to the service schedule. Just expect it to look a little different from what you’re used to.
Keeping It Simple
If all of this sounds like a lot to remember, here’s the easiest way to think about it: follow your logbook, and pay attention to how your car behaves. Don’t wait for something to go wrong. And don’t assume that low mileage means low maintenance.
Your car works hard—looking after it is part of the deal.
A Little Attention Goes a Long Way
Servicing your car isn’t just about ticking a box. It’s about keeping things running smoothly, avoiding surprise costs, and staying safe on the road.
Think of it like this: a well-serviced car feels better to drive. It responds quicker, runs quieter, and gives you confidence that it’ll get you where you need to go—without drama.
So don’t wait for the warning lights. Book it in, keep it regular, and give your car the care it deserves. It’ll pay you back every time you turn the key.
