When Should I Service My Car?
As a responsible car owner, one of the most important aspects of vehicle care is regular servicing. Routine maintenance keeps your car running smoothly, improves safety, and extends its lifespan — saving you time, money, and stress in the long run.
🕒 Scheduled Maintenance Intervals
Every car manufacturer provides specific service intervals that outline when your vehicle should undergo maintenance. These are listed in your owner’s manual and usually depend on either time (every 6 to 12 months) or distance travelled (every 10,000–15,000 kilometres).
Following these recommendations ensures your vehicle receives attention before small issues become big problems. Routine maintenance helps:
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Extend your car’s lifespan
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Maintain manufacturer warranty
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Keep your vehicle operating at peak performance
💡 Tip: If you frequently drive in extreme heat, heavy traffic, or dusty conditions, consider servicing your car more often than the standard interval.
🔧 Preventing Major Breakdowns
Regular servicing includes inspections of your car’s most critical components, such as:
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Engine and transmission
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Brakes and suspension
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Belts, hoses, and fluids
Catching issues early — like worn brake pads or low oil — prevents serious mechanical failures and costly repairs down the track. Servicing is a proactive approach that keeps your car reliable and helps you avoid unexpected breakdowns on the road.
⛽ Optimizing Fuel Efficiency
A car that’s regularly maintained performs more efficiently and uses less fuel. Services such as:
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Oil and filter changes
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Air filter replacements
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Fuel system cleanings
…help reduce friction, improve engine performance, and boost fuel economy. With rising petrol prices, keeping your car in top condition means you’ll spend less at the pump.
🛞 Ensuring Safety on the Road
Your safety — and the safety of others — depends on the condition of your vehicle. During servicing, mechanics check essential safety features like:
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Brakes
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Tyres and tread depth
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Steering and suspension
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Lights and signals
A properly serviced vehicle is far less likely to suffer mechanical failure or cause accidents. Regular checks give you confidence every time you get behind the wheel.
💰 Preserving Resale Value
A car with a complete, documented service history is more appealing to buyers and dealerships. It shows that the vehicle has been well cared for and is less likely to have hidden mechanical issues.
If you plan to sell or trade in your car, keeping up with scheduled servicing can significantly increase its resale value and make it easier to sell.
🚗 Why Regular Servicing Matters
Regular vehicle servicing isn’t just about ticking off maintenance tasks — it’s a long-term investment in your car’s reliability, performance, and safety.
By staying on top of routine maintenance, you:
✅ Reduce the risk of major breakdowns
✅ Improve fuel efficiency
✅ Keep your car safe and reliable
✅ Preserve resale value
Taking care of your car ensures it takes care of you — mile after mile.
FAQs
🆕 How Soon Should I Service a New Car?
To maintain warranty coverage and ensure top performance, service your new car according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule — usually every 6 to 12 months or as stated in the owner’s manual. Regular servicing keeps your new vehicle running smoothly and extends its lifespan.
⏰ How Long Can a Car Go Without a Service?
While it depends on your car’s make and model, it’s generally not advisable to exceed 12 months or 15,000 kilometres without a service.
Skipping maintenance can reduce performance, increase fuel consumption, and lead to expensive repairs down the road.