How Often Should You Service Your Car? (2026 Service Intervals)

Owning a car gives you freedom—but keeping it in good shape is part of the deal. It's not about fueling up and driving off; it's about keeping your vehicle safe, reliable, and efficient for years to come. Ultimately, maintaining a consistent car service is essential. But the real question that comes to every mind: How often does a car need servicing? The right answer varies from driver to driver. It depends on the vehicle type, driving habits, and road conditions. Let's break down everything in this guide to understand when your car needs servicing.

Why Servicing Your Car Matters

• Prevents major breakdowns
• Keeps you safe on the road
• Maintains vehicle resale value
• Extends engine life
• Improves fuel efficiency

General Rule: How Often Should You Service Your Car

For most vehicles, the usual guideline is:

• Every 6 months
• Every 10,000 kilometers

However, always check your vehicle handbook or logbook servicing schedule for specific guidelines.

What is Logbook Servicing?

A logbook service follows the manufacturer's recommended schedule to maintain warranty and high performance.

For example:

• A Hyundai i30 usually requires servicing every 12 months or at 15,000 km intervals.
• A Toyota Corolla may require servicing every 10,000 km.
• A Ford Ranger's recommended servicing schedule may differ based on a diesel or petrol engine.

Service Frequency by Car Type

• Petrol Cars: Every 10,000-15,000 km.
• Diesel Cars: Require more frequent servicing due to higher pressure on the engine.
• Hybrid Cars: Follow manufacturer guidelines—some vehicles may require less frequent service.
• Electric Cars: Once a year, electric cars have fewer parts.

Types of Car Services

Minor Service

Recommended: Every 6 months or 5,000-10,000 km

This is a basic check-up. It includes:

• Engine oil and oil filter replacement
• Tyre pressure check
• Basic safety inspection
• Fluid top-ups (brake, coolant, washer fluid)

Best For: High mileage drivers

Full Service

Recommended: Every 12 months or 10,000-15,000 km

This is comprehensive and includes:

• Everything in a minor service
• Air filter replacement
• Suspension checks
• Brake inspection
• Battery check
• Diagnostic scan

Best For: Annual maintenance

Major Service

Recommended: Every 2 years or 30,000-45,000 km

This service includes:

• Fuel filter replacement
• Spark plug replacement
• Transmission fluid check/change
• Detailed system checks
• Timing belt inspection

Best For: Maintain your vehicle's smooth performance for longer.

Important Signs Your Car Needs Service

Book a car repair service if you notice:

• Brake squeaking
• Strange engine noises
• Difficulty starting the car
• Vibrations while driving
• Warning lights on the dashboard
• Reduced fuel efficiency

Driving Conditions that Affect Car Servicing

Your car may often need maintenance if you:

• Drive in extreme heat or dusty areas
• Drive in heavy traffic daily
• Tow heavy loads
• Frequently take short trips

What Happens if You Skip Car Maintenance

Skipping car maintenance results in:

• Engine Damage: Skipping oil changes and routine checks can lead to engine overheating, accelerated wear, and potential total engine breakdown.
• Lower Fuel Efficiency: Dirty air filters, worn spark plugs, and old engine oil force your car to work harder than it should.
• Brake Failure Risk: Skipping inspections can lead to worn brake pads, brake fluid issues, or damaged rotors.
• Expensive Repairs: Minor issues such as small leaks or unusual noises can quickly escalate if ignored, leading to larger repair bills.
• Voided Warranty: Missing scheduled maintenance can void your car warranty, leaving you to cover repair costs that might otherwise have been included.

New vs Old Cars: Does it Matter?

New Cars

• Follow a strict logbook schedule
• Protect warranty
• Less frequent issues

Older Cars (5+ Years)

• Many need more frequent inspections
• Components wear out faster
• Preventive maintenance has become important

How Much Does Car Servicing Cost in Australia?

Car Servicing Costs by State & Territory

Quick Tips to Manage Car Servicing Cost

• Ask what's included in the service before any booking.
• Regular servicing helps avoid costly repairs later.
• Check if your car is under capped-price servicing.
• Get quotes from both dealerships or dependents (choose the cheaper one).

Frequently Asked Questions

How frequently should an average vehicle need servicing?

Most vehicles need routine maintenance every six to twelve months.

Is it necessary to service my vehicle every six months?

Only if you drive in:

• High traffic areas
• Frequent short trips
• Harsh conditions

Does it matter if my car service is a week late?

A week later is not serious, but repeated delays can affect performance, increase wear, and potentially impact warranty coverage.

Is the logbook service mandatory?

It's not legally mandatory, but it's required to maintain your manufacturer's warranty and car resale value.

Does regular servicing improve fuel efficiency?

Yes, regular car servicing keeps the engine clean, filters unclogged, and components running smoothly, helping to improve fuel efficiency.

What is the most neglected car maintenance?

• Brake fluid maintenance
• Wheel alignment
• Battery terminal cleaning
• Cabin air filter
• Transmission fluid check

Key Takeaways

• Service your car every 6 months or after 10,000 km
• Don't ignore warning lights or unusual noises
• Regular car servicing protects your warranty, resale value, and safety
• Always follow your manufacturer's logbook
• Service more frequently if you drive on extreme heat or dusty roads

Conclusion: How Often Should You Get Your Car Serviced?

Servicing your car regularly isn't just about ticking the maintenance checklist—it's about protecting your safety, your investment, and peace of mind while driving. From city commutes to long outback drives, your vehicle works hard in tough conditions. Following the recommended 6-12 months car servicing rule, along with the manufacturer's logbook schedule, helps prevent costly breakdowns and keeps your car running smoothly. A small car maintenance routine today can save you dollars tomorrow.

Staying on top of regular servicing isn't merely a cost—it keeps your car roaring for years!