Some say owning a car is an investment, but no, it is more of a liability looking at its service cost. The service cost of a car is the expenses associated with its routine maintenance and repairs of your car over its lifespan. You must regularly bring your car to a car servicing centre for maintenance and repair. This ongoing expense can add up quickly.
We have gathered some tips on saving on your car servicing costs without sacrificing quality.
Rev Up Your Savings: 6 Tips to Cut Car Servicing Costs
The average cost of getting your car serviced in Australia is around $150 to $500, while major car services can cost between $300 and more than a thousand. This sounds like a lot! Fortunately, there are ways to cut down your car servicing expenses without compromising on the quality of service.
What factors affect servicing prices for cars?
You have to be aware that some factors can affect the cost of car servicing; these include:
- Age and mileage of your car. Older cars with higher mileage require more maintenance, increasing servicing costs.
- Type of your car. Different types of cars have different maintenance requirements and use different parts, which can affect the cost of servicing.
- Type of service you need. The cost of servicing can vary depending on the type of service required.
- Location of the centre. It may also vary depending on where you live and the mechanics and parts availability in your area.
- Service provider. Vary depending on your chosen service provider. Dealerships, independent mechanics, or chain service centres have different rates.
- Car condition. If your car requires additional repairs or parts replacement, this can increase the overall cost of servicing.
- Warranty coverage. If your car is still under warranty, the manufacturer may cover some or all of the servicing costs, which can reduce your expenses.
It is important to consider these factors when budgeting for car servicing, and to shop around for your area’s best prices and service providers.
6 Tips to Cut Car Servicing Costs
Your car needs three types of services to keep it running smoothly and avoid costly repairs: interim service, full service, and major service.
- Interim Service. Recommended every 6 months or every 6,000 miles, whichever comes first. An interim service typically includes an oil change, oil filter replacement, and a visual inspection of the car’s components.
- Full Service. Recommended every 12 months or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. A full service includes all the services in an interim service and additional checks and maintenance tasks such as brake pad and brake disc inspection, coolant and brake fluid checks, and air filter replacement.
- Major Service. Recommended every 2 to 3 years or every 24,000 to 36,000 miles, depending on the car manufacturer’s recommendations. A major service includes all the tasks included in a full service and additional checks and maintenance tasks such as fuel filter replacement, spark plug replacement, and timing belt replacement (if required).
Each of these services varies in cost. If you do not want to pay a higher service fee, you can cut the servicing costs by following these tips.
- DIY maintenance. Performing simple maintenance tasks, such as changing the oil or replacing the air filter, can help you save money on labour costs. However, ensuring you have the necessary skills and tools before attempting DIY repairs is important.
- Regular car servicing. Regularly visiting a mechanic or service centre help, you catch potential issues early on and avoid more costly repairs. Follow your car manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule to keep your car in good condition.
- Choosing the right service centre. Comparing prices and reviews of different service centres can help you find the best value for your money. Look for reputable service centres with experienced mechanics specialising in your type of car.
- Prioritising repairs. If your car requires multiple repairs, prioritise the most important repairs first and delay non-essential repairs until you can afford them. This can help you avoid more costly repairs in the future.
- Negotiating pricing. Don’t be afraid to negotiate with your service centre on prices, especially for larger repairs. You may get a better deal by asking for discounts or price matching.
- Proper driving habits. Good driving habits can help reduce wear and tear on your car and prolong the lifespan of its components. This can help you avoid costly repairs and replacement parts down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions About Saving for Servicing Costs
How much does it cost to get your car serviced in Australia?
On average, car owners can expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $2,000 per year on car maintenance and repairs.
What is a service cost of a car?
The service cost of a car refers to the expenses associated with maintaining and repairing the car over its lifespan; this includes routine maintenance tasks. Keep your service costs under control by following your car manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, prioritising repairs based on their urgency and cost, and choosing a reputable service centre with experienced mechanics specialising in your car.
How much does an oil change cost Australia?
On average, an oil change in Australia can cost anywhere from $60 to $150.
The oil itself is typically a minor portion of the overall cost of an oil change, with labour and additional services such as oil filter replacement and fluid top-ups contributing to most of the cost.
How do I calculate my service cost?
- Determine the type of service your car needs
- Obtain a quote from a reputable service centre
- Add up the costs
- Determine the frequency of service
Record all services performed on your car and the associated costs. This will help you to stay on top of your car’s maintenance needs and to identify any patterns or trends in your service costs over time.
Is a full car service worth it?
Yes, a full car service is worth it as it can help ensure that your car runs safely and efficiently and can help prevent more costly repairs down the road. While a full car service may be more expensive than an interim service, it can help save you money in the long run by identifying and addressing potential issues before they become more serious and costly to repair.
What is a reasonable budget for car maintenance?
As a general rule of thumb, car owners should budget approximately 1-2% of the car’s purchase price for regular maintenance and repairs each year.
What should a full service on a car include?
A full service on a car should include a comprehensive check of all major components and systems to ensure it is running safely and efficiently. Here are some of the tasks that are typically included in a full car service:
- Oil and filter change.
- Brake inspection.
- Tire rotation and inspection.
- Fluid checks.
- Air filter replacement.
- Suspension and steering check.
- Spark plug replacement.
- Battery check.
Final Takeaway
It’s important to remember that regular maintenance and servicing can help prevent more costly repairs and can help extend the lifespan of your car. Stay on top of your car’s maintenance needs, and choosing a reputable service centre will help keep your service costs under control.
