It’s that dreaded car servicing time again. Clutching your wallet close to your chest, your eye twitches as you stare at your mechanic’s phone number. You promise yourself that this time you’ll escape a car service with savings left in your bank account. Sound familiar? The good news is car servicing doesn’t have to be that way. Plus, if you’ve ever asked yourself ‘how often should you service your car’, ‘how much does it cost to service a car’, or even ‘do you need car insurance in Australia?’ – you’re in the right place.
Unfortunately, Australians are fearful of being over charged by mechanics, and women in particular often feel patronised or ignored. If you’re someone who doesn’t know a whole lot about the stuff going on under the hood, you should read on…
In this article
- 1. Become BFFs with your car
- 2. Show your car TLC between servicing
- 3. Know what to look for in a mechanic
- 4. Get car servicing-savvy and know your quote
- 5. Take control of all the repairs
- 6. Keep a car servicing record
- 7. What to do when you suspect your mechanic has wronged you
- Car Service FAQ
- Do you need car insurance in Australia?
1. Become BFFs with your car
Believe it or not, maximising your hard-earned cash at the garage starts way before you make that booking. Whether you’re in need of a scheduled, log-book service or taking it to get a diagnosis and repair, knowing your car inside and out will be a big help.
Your mechanic relies on you to describe any potential issues to diagnose and fix the problems. If you can’t tell them exactly what’s happening and when, they may go on a costly search in the wrong direction – which could leave you wondering ‘how much does it cost to service a car’ when things add up unexpectedly.
And while you’re thinking about car costs, it’s worth considering: Do you need car insurance in Australia? Having the right cover in place can provide peace of mind when unexpected repairs or accidents come your way.
Our tip? Treat your car like a good friend and pay attention to what its telling you. Make note of any noises or rattles in the engine including when it happens (i.e. when you start it), what action you were doing (i.e. turning a corner or braking), how often it occurs and when the problem started.
Take notes on your phone (while parked!) or keep a pad and paper in the glove box. Don’t try to guess the cause of the problem; leave that to the pros and just give them the facts.
Your mechanic – and your bank account – will thank you. Plus, when it comes time to ask ‘how much does it cost to service a car’ for your next appointment, you’ll feel more confident knowing what to expect.
2. Show your car TLC between servicing
Even the best relationships need a little TLC every now and then. Learn how to perform some basic checks and car maintenance yourself, including checking the oil, coolant and tyres.
The payoff will mean you’re more informed about your car, giving you more confidence when talking to your mechanic. Plus, you’ll be less likely to need an in-between visit. These links will get you started, and there’s heaps more where they came from:
- Conducting an oil check (see this video and infographic)
- Checking your tyre pressure and tyre tread
- How to change a tyre
If you have a car-related question, you could always seek expert advice online, and search whether others have had similar experiences with the same make and model. This too may prevent a trip outside service periods and may just answer ‘is my mechanic ripping me off’?’
3. Know what to look for in a mechanic
Surveys have found that Australians are more trusting of their local, independent mechanics than of car dealerships. When you find someone you can trust, you’re likely to take your car to them over and over again – so how do you find that person? Here are our top tips:
Check qualifications
You want to be sure your mechanic holds the qualifications and certifications to operate, but also that they have the necessary experience to work on your car.
Specialty repairers come in all shapes and sizes, such as electrical mechanics and those who work on older cars, diesel engines and some particular European models. It’s best to ask how long they’ve been working/diagnosing issues on cars like yours.
Compare reviews for a savvy mechanic choice
Like other businesses, mechanics rely on their reputation to bring in new customers, so it pays to ask around for recommendations from friends and family. If they can’t help, compare reviews from sites like Auto Guru or OneFlare. You might find the answer to your question ‘is my mechanic ripping me off?’ before you enter the muddy waters of a new servicing centre.
Consider independent mechanics as well as dealership service centres. Their business model relies on building long-term, mutually beneficial customer relationships for repeat business. Plus, many are qualified to do a warranty-safe service (but best to get that in writing).
Beware gimmicks ripping you off
Some mechanics will lure people in with cheap service prices. The problem is, the cheap service price doesn’t cover their costs, so they add items on to make it worthwhile (e.g. new windscreen wiper rubbers, air-conditioning servicing and performance enhancing additives). Suddenly your ‘cheap’ service doubles or triples in price, leaving you short.
The average cost for a service is around $220 – $385, so be wary of anyone offering them for $99! Get a detailed quote before you book and make sure any extras really are needed.
4. Get car servicing-savvy and know your quote
Now you’ve a detailed quote in your hands, do you know if you need everything on the list? It’s hard to negotiate if you’re unsure whether all those items are necessary.
Take out the guesswork by learning how often you should service your car and what’s typically included in each visit. You’ll find a list of standard items due for replacement at each service interval in your owner’s manual. Handy!
Don’t be afraid to get a second (or third) itemised quote that lists all the labour, parts, and fluids separately. Ask your mechanic to explain it clearly and confirm in writing the warranty on all parts and repairs.
Have you checked if you’re covered by a capped-price servicing scheme? Here, the maximum price for each scheduled service is made widely available by the car manufacturer. They vary from manufacturer to manufacturer so call them to check the inclusions (or jump on their website).
5. Take control of all the repairs
Sure, there’ll be times in your car’s life where you’ll need to pay for extra parts or repairs, but your mechanic should always seek your approval first.
Be wary of those who recommend a long list of additional additives and consumable items (such as those listed in the gimmicks sections above). They might be trying to bump up the cost of your service.
You should never feel pressured to add anything on to your initial quote.
Instead, ask them how much life a part has left and request a new detailed quote so you can do your own homework. You might find you can source the parts cheaper yourself, or a second opinion might confirm there’s no need to rush ahead with the work just yet.
Top tip: Some mechanics have been known to charge for phantom repairs and parts. Ask them up front if you can take home any parts they pull out and replace, or if they can show you the damage. If the answer is no, why not?
6. Keep a car servicing record
You should record all services in your car’s logbook, as this will maintain your car’s warranty (if it’s a new car) as well as preserve its resell value. On top of that, get yourself a seperate folder to keep a record of what was done during each service, how much it cost and when the work occurred (as well as the receipt).
This comprehensive record will not only instill trust in future buyers, but help if you switch mechanics. You’ll be able to provide them with not only its service history but exactly what was done each time. This saves them time (and your money) trying to diagnose any issues that arise.
7. What to do when you suspect your mechanic has wronged you
Remember mechanics are human too, which means they sometimes make mistakes and can misdiagnose your car’s problems. It may not be a question of ‘is my mechanic ripping me off?’ but an easy answer that unfortunately this time he or she tripped up.
If your issues continue after the repairs, make a note of what’s happening and contact your mechanic immediately. Give them a chance to solve the problem quickly.
If you suspect you mechanic been dishonest or acted fraudulently, consult this motor industry guide to Australian Consumer Law or the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
If you decide to, you can report them to the consumer protection body in your state.
Car Service FAQ
How much does it cost to service a car in Australia?
According to Oneflare, a minor car service typically costs between $220 and $245 at the time of writing. This often includes essential tasks like changing the oil, topping up fluids, and giving your car a general check-up to catch any small issues early.
On the other hand, a major or logbook service can range from $370 to $385. These more comprehensive services involve a deeper inspection, potential part replacements, and ensuring your car meets manufacturer requirements.
Most car owners book a service twice a year, bringing the average annual servicing cost in Australia to somewhere between $430 and $770. While it might feel like a lot, regular servicing helps prevent bigger, more expensive repairs down the line.
But how much does it cost to service a car if something unexpected pops up? Additional repairs, like brake pad replacements or tyre changes, can add to the bill. That’s why it helps to stay informed and get a clear, itemised quote upfront.
Keep in mind that these prices are a general guide and can change over time due to factors like inflation, location, and service variations.
Want to know what mechanics really get up to under the bonnet? Check out this car servicing checklist we put together – it’s your go-to guide for understanding the process and making sure you get exactly what you pay for.
How long does a car service take?
It depends on the type of service, but a basic car service typically takes between 1 to 2 hours. This usually covers essential tasks like oil and filter changes, along with some basic safety checks.
For more comprehensive work, like a logbook service, you might be there a bit longer. Expect around 3 to 5 hours, depending on the specific maintenance tasks required at that time.
How often should you service your car?
Now for the big question, how often should you service your car? If you have a new car, you’ll want to keep up with the manufacturer’s logbook service schedule to maintain your warranty and car’s resale value. These intervals alternate between major and minor services, and are typically every 6 months or 10,000km.
As your car gets older or if you drive your car infrequently, you may want to service it more frequently.
Do you need car insurance in Australia?
At PD Insurance, we know that dealing with car stuff can sometimes feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory. Mechanics mention things like “camber” and “rotors” while you’re just wondering how long you can survive without air-con in summer.
If you need car insurance in Australia, the choices can feel just as overwhelming – but we like to keep things simple. No complicated jargon – just straightforward cover that fits your lifestyle. We’ll even help you find ways to keep premiums more manageable. Or perhaps you’re interested in learning about the different factors that come into play when a car insurer calculates your premium. Remember that knowledge is power.
So, do you need insurance cover for your car in Australia? If you’re considering it, we’re happy to help you figure out what might suit your needs – through easy online quotes and friendly humans if you need a hand.
While you’re here, why not grab a quick quote on our car insurance? Whether you’re after comprehensive car insurance protection or just need the basics, we’re here to make the process simple and stress-free.