Servicing your car can be a bit pricey, however, without the regular check-up, it could cost you a fortune in the long run!
Luckily, in this article, we provide all the answers to the nerve-wracking dilemma – how much does a car service cost?
How Much Does a Car Service Cost?
The average car servicing cost in Australia can vary from $150 to $550 for logbook service.
However, the cost mostly depends on the model of the car, the type of service you need, and the mechanic shop you go to. Due to these factors, the car maintenance cost is not set in stone.
Capped Price Servicing has been put forward by some manufacturers to make it easier for car owners. This type of scheme allows for the car servicing to be capped at a certain limit as long as some conditions are fulfilled. The benefit is that car owners will know how much they are going to pay in advance.
The Average Car Service Costs Across Australia
In Australia, the average car service cost varies based on several factors, and one of them is the driver’s residence.
Location plays a huge role in determining the car servicing cost. The table below showcases the average car service costs in different states in Australia:
Keep in mind that the closer you are to the capital city, the more expensive the cost of car service will be. For instance, an oil change in Sydney will cost you $150, while in Melbourne changing your oil and oil filter will cost you between $200 – $250.
You should definitely consult the mechanic about the price for a full car service so that you have a clearer idea of what to expect when the final bill comes.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Your Car Service?
As was already mentioned, a few factors influence the car service price. But the most influential ones are the make and the model of the car, the type of service, the mechanic, and the number of kilometres travelled.
The car’s make and model
The cost of car service can largely depend on the model and make of the vehicle. The accessibility and the quality of certain parts impact the bill. Certain car models require a special kind of engine oil, transmission fluids, or parts that are very hard to obtain.
If your car is part of the Capped Price Servicing arrangement, then you will know the cost of the car service in advance. However, if you’re not under this type of servicing, it would be wise to talk to a few mechanics and figure out the best option for you.
The type and timing of the service
According to the type of service your car might need, there are two types. Here’s a short overview of both:
Did you know that a 100km drive with an electric car will cost you only $4, which can save you up to $1600 a year in car maintenance?
Minor services – if you need to get a small repair or engine inspection, or an adjustment of tyre pressure, then you require a minor service. They are not time-consuming and can be done with tools and parts which can be found during the service. These types of services should be done every 6 or 12 months or every 10,000km.
Major services – this type of service includes a detailed inspection of your car to make sure that all components work properly. Under major services are brakes check, engine oil test and replacement, wheel alignment, suspension test, filter check and replacement, battery test, and other general tests.
Major services are scheduled based on how much your car has travelled or how old the car is. It is advised that major service should be done every 3 years or 30,000km. If your car is old, the cost of car service might increase because there would be more replacements to be done.
The Mechanic
The final amount will also depend on the hourly labour rate imposed by the mechanic, and whether you are going to use the services of a private mechanic or dealership.
There are some misunderstandings when it comes to dealerships and private mechanics. There’s a belief that going to an independent mechanic might cancel the manufacturer’s warranty. This is partly true, as some dealerships won’t accept your warranty if you did your maintenance somewhere else.
However, the ACCC asserted that car owners can have the freedom to choose who makes repairs on their vehicles as long as the work is up to the manufacturer’s standard. You’re advised to keep a record of all maintenance done by a private mechanic.
This way, if an issue occurs while the car is under warranty, you can provide proof that the required check-up was performed.
Contrary to popular beliefs, dealerships won’t cost you more, mainly because of the introduction of capped price servicing. Cost transparency is now present more than ever among car owners and mechanics.
According to a recent survey regarding car sales statistics in Australia, 45% of responders said it was essential to them that automotive companies in Australia provided a decent warranty and customer service.
The Mileage
As mentioned, your car will need minor servicing every 10,000 kilometres, and the price will go up along with the number of kilometres. Generally, expect the service to be the priciest at 60,000, 120,000, 180,000, 240,000, 300,000, and 360,000 km checks.
Bottom Line
If you were wondering how much does a car service cost, the average cost of car service in Australia, and the factors influencing the cost, this article will be your lucky gem!
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Servicing your car is important and should be done on a regular basis. If you don’t, it’s more likely that you’ll need to get a new one sooner than you’d like.
1. How long does a car service take?
It will all depend on the make and model of the car and the type of service you need. If your car is in good condition and has been regularly serviced, then it will take only 1 or 2 hours. A logbook service can last between 2 to 4 hours.
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2. How the mileage affects car servicing costs?
The cost for car maintenance for the first 40,000 km will cost you around $1,400. After that, the costs increase steadily and peak when you hit certain marks: 60,000, 120,000, 180,000, 240,000, 300,000, and 360,000 km.
3. Should I service at a dealership or a private mechanic?
This depends on your needs and personal circumstances. A dealership won’t cost you more than a personal mechanic thanks to the introduction of capped prices. On the other hand, a dealership should honour the warranty even if you did your check-ups at a private mechanic’s, as long as you orderly document everything.
Whatever your choice may be, do your research on how much does a car service cost and what type of service you need so that you have a better understanding of the potential costs.
