| Key takeaways: • Most cars need servicing every 6–12 months or 5,000–10,000 km, whichever comes first. • Dashboard lights, odd noises, fluid leaks, soft brakes, and overheating all signal it’s time to book a mechanic. • Regular oil, coolant, tyre, and battery checks can help you catch issues early and avoid expensive repairs. |
You rely on your car every day, for work, errands, or weekend trips. But how do you know when your car needs a service? Many drivers wait until something feels wrong before booking in. By then, what could have been a quick tune-up can turn into a costly repair.
Regular servicing keeps your car safe, reliable, and efficient. It helps you avoid roadside breakdowns, reduces long-term costs, and preserves your warranty and resale value. If you’re unsure how to know when your car needs servicing, this guide breaks down clear warning signs, DIY checks, typical costs across Australia, and when to call a mechanic.
How often should you service your car?
Wondering how often you should service your car? Most manufacturers recommend a service every 6 to 12 months or annually, or every 5,000–10,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. That schedule helps prevent wear, catch small faults early, and keep your vehicle in warranty.
This also depends on how and where you drive. City cars that spend their days in stop-start traffic face different stresses than vehicles clocking long highway kilometres. Short trips don’t allow engines to warm up fully, which can lead to moisture build-up and faster oil degradation. Meanwhile, country or off-road driving exposes your suspension, tyres, and filters to extra dust and vibration.
Servicing also looks a little different across vehicle types.
- Petrol and diesel cars need regular oil and filter changes, brake inspections, and driveline checks.
- Hybrid cars combine those with battery cooling system inspections.
- Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts but still require checks for brakes, tyres, software, and cooling systems.
Ultimately, your car’s logbook is the best guide to its ideal service schedule. It outlines not only the intervals but also what should be replaced or inspected at each stage, from fluids and filters to spark plugs, belts, and safety systems. Sticking to that plan keeps your car reliable and helps you avoid unexpected repairs later on.
Driving conditions also matter. If you mainly take short city trips, drive in stop-start traffic, or often tow or travel on dusty roads, your car may need more frequent servicing. For country or outback drivers, rough roads and high temperatures can accelerate wear, especially on filters and fluids.
What does a car service include?
Unfortunately, not everyone is clear on what a car servicing actually involves. At its simplest, it’s a scheduled inspection and maintenance process that keeps your engine, brakes, tyres, and fluids in good condition.
It typically includes:
- Replacing engine oil and filter
- Checking and topping up coolant, brake, and transmission fluids
- Inspecting brakes, steering, and suspension
- Rotating tyres and checking wheel alignment
- Testing the battery and charging system
- Reviewing the logbook to maintain warranty compliance
Keeping a full service record demonstrates proper maintenance, something future buyers look for.
10 early warning signs your car needs a service
Even without a mechanic’s eye, your car gives clear signals when something’s not right. Acting early can save you money and prevent bigger issues later.
Here are common warning signs and how to know what service your car needs for each problem.
1. Strange noises
Squealing when braking, knocking under the bonnet, or grinding noises often point to worn components.
- Worn brake pads or discs are common culprits, and replacing them early prevents rotor damage. Metallic scraping can indicate the brake pad backing plate contacting the rotor — meaning pads are fully worn.
- Rhythmic knocking that rises with engine speed may point to worn bearings or a loose connecting rod. A whirring noise under acceleration could also signal a failing serpentine belt or pulley bearing.
If you’re hearing these noises often, book a mechanic and see brake pad replacement costs for guidance.
2. Warning lights on dashboard
Some warning lights indicate critical issues. For example, an oil pressure light or battery warning can mean imminent engine damage or electrical failure. Even temporary lights that switch off later can store fault codes, which a technician can read to prevent repeat issues.
If your check engine or service light appears, don’t ignore it. A steady light means a fault needs inspection soon; a flashing light requires you to stop driving immediately. If diagnostics reveal engine trouble, check typical engine repair costs for reference.
3. Unusual vibrations or pulling while driving
Persistent vibration at highway speeds often suggests uneven tyre wear or a damaged wheel bearing. Pulling during braking could mean uneven brake pressure from a seized calliper or contaminated pads. Left unchecked, these faults increase tyre wear and steering component stress. A quick wheel alignment check improves safety and tyre life.
4. Fluid leaks
Puddles under the car aren’t normal. The colour of the leak suggests its problem: clear or brown oil suggests an engine leak; red fluid points to transmission issues; green or pink fluid means coolant loss.
Transmission and power steering leaks often appear near the front of the car, while differential leaks collect at the rear. Coolant residue around the radiator or hoses signals a pressure leak that can worsen quickly under heat.
If oil and coolant mix, you could have a blown head gasket. See gasket replacement costs for details. Early repair prevents damage to seals, pumps, and bearings.
5. Ignition difficulty or issues
A weak battery or corroded terminals can cause slow cranking. If the engine cranks but doesn’t fire, it may be a failing fuel pump or ignition coil. Misfires under load often result from dirty fuel injectors or a faulty mass airflow sensor.
Contact local mechanics
6. Spongy or unresponsive brakes
If the brake pedal slowly sinks under steady pressure, the master cylinder may be leaking internally. Pulsation or vibration during braking points to warped rotors. Uneven braking from one side can result from a seized calliper or contaminated pads, all of which require immediate inspection.
7. Overheating engine
A faulty thermostat can prevent coolant flow, while a stuck radiator fan or blocked core reduces cooling efficiency. Repeated overheating risks head gasket failure, warping of the cylinder head, and long-term loss of compression.
If the temperature gauge rises or you see steam, stop safely and let the car cool before opening the bonnet. Overheating can mean low coolant, a broken water pump, or a worn timing belt.
8. Emissions of smoke
Different smoke colours tell different stories:
- Blue smoke during acceleration indicates worn piston rings or valve stem seals.
- Black smoke usually means the engine is drowning from too much fuel, but it can also result from a clogged air filter or faulty fuel injector.
- White smoke, especially if it smells sweet, confirms coolant burn, often linked to a head gasket or cracked cylinder head.
Each requires professional diagnosis before it leads to major engine damage.
9. Worn or uneven tyres
Feathering on tyre edges may indicate worn ball joints or tie rods. Centre wear usually points to overinflation; edge wear suggests underinflation. Checking tread depth regularly (at least 1.5 mm minimum) helps maintain safe braking distances.
10. Decrease in power
Loss of power under load can signal a blocked catalytic converter, restricted fuel line, or slipping clutch. Automatic vehicles may also exhibit delayed shifting if the transmission fluid is old or low. A diagnostic scan can identify airflow or fuel delivery problems before major repairs are needed.
DIY car checks you can do before booking a car service
A few minutes each month can save you hundreds in repairs. These checks don’t replace professional servicing, but they help you spot problems early.
| Area | What to check | What to do |
| Oil | Pull the dipstick, wipe, reinsert, and check level and colour. | If it’s dark or low, top up with the right grade and book a service soon. |
| Coolant | Check the overflow bottle when the engine is cold. | Top up with the correct coolant; don’t open a hot radiator. |
| Tyres | Inspect tread depth and pressure (including the spare). | Uneven wear means you may need a wheel alignment. |
| Battery | Look for corrosion and listen for slow cranking. | Clean terminals or replace if weak. Check car battery costs if you need a replacement. |
| Lights and wipers | Test all headlights, brake lights, and indicators. | Replace faulty bulbs or streaking wipers. |
| Air conditioning | Weak airflow or warm air may mean a leak. | You can’t do this yourself, so you might need to book a car air conditioning professional. |
Keep safe on the road
Think of regular servicing as insurance for your car’s longevity. It prevents breakdowns, saves fuel, and gives peace of mind knowing your vehicle’s in top shape. Ignoring it can lead to engine failure, clutch wear, or brake problems, all of which are far more expensive than a routine check.
If it’s been more than six months since your last appointment, it’s time to take action. You can look at professional car mechanics thorough Oneflare and book the service provider that meets your needs.
FAQs on car servicing
What happens if I skip a service?
Skipping services can shorten your car’s life. Oil thickens, filters clog, and minor wear goes unnoticed until it becomes a major fault. You could also void your warranty if you miss logbook intervals.
Do I have to service my car at the dealership to keep my warranty?
No. Independent licensed mechanics can complete logbook services as long as they follow the manufacturer’s specifications and use approved parts. Keep receipts and records as proof.
How can I tell if my car needs urgent servicing?
You can tell your car needs urgent servicing if it shows safety-critical symptoms such as a flashing check engine light, engine overheating, visible smoke or steam, or brakes that feel soft or unresponsive. Grinding gears or difficulty changing gears can also indicate a failing clutch that requires immediate attention.
What’s the difference between a minor and a major service?
A minor service covers fluids, filters, and safety checks. A major service adds spark plugs, brake and clutch fluid changes, and driveline inspections. Major services usually occur every three years or 30,000 km.
How long does a car service take?
It depends on the type of service and your car model. A minor service usually takes 1–2 hours, while a major or logbook service can take 2–4 hours. The time may vary if additional repairs or parts are needed.
Do electric cars need servicing?
Yes. Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts but still need tyre, brake, and software checks roughly every 12 months or 20,000–30,000 km.
Can I claim car servicing on tax?
If you use your car for work, servicing costs may be deductible under the logbook or cents-per-kilometre methods. Keep accurate records and confirm with your tax adviser