Regular car servicing is an important part of owning a car. Not only does it keep your car running smoothly and efficiently, but it can also help to identify any potential problems before they become big (and expensive) problems. Servicing also helps to maintain your car’s value, which is important if you ever decide to sell.
So how much does a car service cost in Australia?
The cost of a car service will vary depending on the make and model of your car, the type of service you need, and the experience and expertise of the mechanic or dealership you take it to. In general, though, you can expect to pay an average of $240 for a minor service and $380 for a logbook service in Australia.
By being aware of the potential costs involved, you can be better prepared when it comes time for your next car service and repair. We’ll also take a look at some of the things that can influence the cost of a service, so that next time you get your car serviced, you’ll know exactly what goes into the price.
If you’re looking for a more detailed breakdown of what you can expect to pay for a car service in Australia, read on.
How Much Does a Car Service Cost in Australia?
The answer, unfortunately, is “it depends.” As we mentioned above, the cost of a car service in Australia can vary depending on a number of factors. That said, there are some general guidelines you can follow when trying to estimate how much your next service is going to cost.
Logbook services can cost anywhere from $350 to $650 while minor services usually fall somewhere between $200 to $300. Keep in mind that these prices are just estimates – the actual cost will depend on the individual workshop you visit.
The cost of a car service depends on the make and model of your vehicle as well as the type of service being performed.
These prices are just guides, though; ultimately, the best way to get an accurate estimate of how much your next service is going to cost is by speaking to your mechanic or dealership directly. They’ll be able to give you a more accurate figure based on the specific make and model of your vehicle, as well as their own pricing structure.
What Affects the Price of a Car Service?
There are a few things that affect the price of a car service. The type of service, the make and model of your car, the age of your car, and where you live are all factors that play a role in how much you should expect to pay.
Type of Service
The type of service you need will obviously affect how much you spend. There are three types of car services: major, logbook, and minor. A basic service will usually just involve an oil change and a safety check, and won’t be too expensive.
However, if you need a major service – which usually happens every 10,000km or so – then this will obviously cost more because it’s more work for the mechanic. Major services usually involve checking and replacing all of your fluids, as well as inspecting all of your brakes and suspension components. If you’re not sure what kind of service your car needs, check your owner’s manual or ask a mechanic.
The cost varies as the specific components of a car service depend on the type of service being performed. In general, however, all car services include an oil change and filter replacement as well as a thorough inspection of your vehicle’s components.
Age & Condition of the Car
Older cars often need more work than newer cars because they have more wear and tear. As your car ages, it’s important to stay on top of maintenance to avoid bigger problems down the road. That being said, even new cars need to be serviced regularly to ensure they stay in good condition.
Major services are recommended every 12 months or 20,000km, whichever comes first. Intermediate services are typically required every 6 months or 10,000km. Minor services are carried out annually or every 5,000km.
Make and Model of the Car
The make and model of your car can also play a role in how much you spend on a service. This is because a big component of the price of your service is the parts and materials that are used. Depending on what kind of car you have and what needs to be done during the service, the parts and materials can end up costing more.
Luxury cars and imported cars often require specialised parts and skills to service, so they may be more expensive to maintain than domestic or economy cars.
Mechanic or Dealership
The biggest thing that affects the price of a service is labour costs. The average hourly rate for a mechanic in Australia is around $150 – but this can vary depending on where you live. Luxury dealerships can charge up to $280 per hour for their services.
On top of the hourly rate, most mechanics will also charge a call-out fee if they have to come to your house or office to pick up your car – so if you’re getting your car serviced at home, this is something else that will add to the cost.
Location
Finally, where you live affects how much you’ll spend on a car service. If you’re in a regional area, the hourly rate might be lower, whereas if you’re in a major city like Sydney or Melbourne, it might be higher.
Alternatively, if you live in a rural area, there may be fewer mechanics to choose from and they may charge more for their services. In urban areas, there is usually more competition among mechanics, which can drive prices down.
How to Reduce the Cost of Your Car Service
When you get your car serviced, have you ever wondered how the garage arrives at the price they quote you? If you’ve ever been given a quote that seemed a little high, it’s not necessarily because the garage is trying to rip you off – there are a number of factors that can affect the price of a car service.
However, there are a few things you can do to make car maintenance more affordable.
- Get a quote before you book your car in for a service: Don’t just assume that the dealership will charge you the same as they did last time. Get a quote so you know exactly how much the service will cost.
- Compare prices between different dealerships and mechanics: Not all dealerships and mechanics are created equal. Shop around and compare prices so you can find the best deal on your car service without compromising quality.
- Take advantage of discounts and promotions: Many dealerships offer discounts and promotions on car services, so be sure to ask about any special deals that might be available when you book your service.
- Know what type of service your car needs: Different cars require different types of services, so it’s important to know what type of service your car needs before you book it in. This way you can make sure you’re not paying for extra services that your car doesn’t need.
- Keep on top of vehicle maintenance: Regular maintenance is key to keeping servicing costs down. Oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections are all important, and should be done regularly. If you let your car’s maintenance fall behind, you’ll likely end up with a more expensive service down the road. Writing a simple car service checklist can help you keep track of what maintenance you need to do, and when it needs to be done next.
- Don’t put off servicing your car: If you don’t service your car regularly, the parts will wear down and eventually need to be replaced. Additionally, if you don’t service your car frequently, the engine may not run as efficiently as it should, leading to additional wear and tear. So, it’s clear that it’s in your best interest to service your car on a regular basis.
- Spend more on quality replacement parts: When it comes to car parts, it’s always better to spend more on quality replacements. Cheap parts and fluids might seem like a good deal at first, but they often don’t last as long as higher-quality replacements, and they can end up costing you more in the long run.
- Find a reliable independent mechanic: Independent mechanics are typically much cheaper than dealerships, and they have a lot more experience working on a wider variety of cars, so they’re more likely to detect any issues early. Plus, they usually have a lot more flexibility when it comes to scheduling appointments, so you’re more likely to be able to find a time that works for you.
Is Cheap Car Servicing Worth It?
For most of us, our car is a valuable asset that we rely on every day. So when it comes time for servicing, we want to make sure that we’re getting the best possible value for money. However, there’s a lot of debate about whether cheap car servicing is actually worth it in the long run.
Many people believe that opting for the cheapest option will eventually lead to more expensive repairs down the line. Others argue that as long as you choose a reputable and reliable provider, you’ll be able to get good quality service without spending a fortune.
Ultimately, it’s important to do your research and understand exactly what you’re paying for before making a final decision. You can get a good value car service without using a dodgy mechanic, as long as you ask questions and check their reviews to make sure they can be trusted with your vehicle.
It’s important to remember that most mechanics are honest and transparent about their pricing – so if you’re ever unsure about something, just ask!
Conclusion
Regular car servicing is an important—but often pricey—part of owning a car in Australia. The exact cost of a service will depend on factors like the make and model of your car, as well as the mechanic or dealership you take it to.
The first step in saving money on your car service is to do your research. There are many different service providers out there beyond your dealership and it is important to find one that meets your needs and budget. This will help you find the best value for your money.
Related Questions
What is the Average Cost of Car Maintenance?
The cost of car maintenance can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as your driving habits. In Australia, households typically spend around $880 annually for vehicle servicing. The cost of other replacement parts and accessories adds up to an average of around $540 a year.
However, things like your vehicle’s battery only need replacing if something goes wrong, rather than being a necessary yearly cost.
Can a New Car be Serviced Anywhere?
When you buy a new car, it usually comes with a warranty that covers certain services and repairs. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to get your car serviced at the dealership. In fact, most automakers will allow you to take your car to any qualified service provider.
There are a few things to keep in mind, however. First, make sure that the service provider uses the correct type of oil and filters for your car. Second, be sure to get all of the necessary services done in a timely manner. If you wait too long to get your car serviced, you may void the warranty.
Lastly, keep track of all of the services that you have done on your car, as well as any problems that have been found and repaired. This will come in handy if you ever have any issues with your car down the road.
Disclaimer:
This article is published in good faith and for general informational purposes only. Shift Automotive does not make any warranties about the ongoing completeness and reliability of this information, and specifics will vary according to your vehicle’s manufacturer and model. This article is not intended to replace consultation with a qualified automotive service technician.
