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How Much Does a Car Service Cost?
How Much Does a Car Service Cost?
Written by
Kervin Mathew
Edited by
Ellie Garran
Reviewed by
Adrian BennettCompare car insurance policies the easy way
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Why should I service my car regularly?
Long story short
Regular servicing can extend your car’s life and resale value
A well-maintained car lasts longer and holds more value on the used market.
The average car service in Australia costs between $139 and $550
Prices vary by state, with SA the cheapest and NT the priciest, but expect $200–$250 in most areas.
Interim, full, major, and logbook services all serve different needs
Each has its own level of attention to detail and the price tag to match.
Dealership services offer brand expertise, but independents may be cheaper
Dealers provide genuine parts and better warranty protection, while independents might offer lower costs and faster turnaround.
Why should I service my car regularly?
It’s safe to say, cars are a significant part of living in Australia – whether you use them to get to work, for work, to run errands, to drive the family around, or for the occasional road trip. They’re like good friends that stick with you through thick and thin, helping you get over life’s potholes. So why wouldn’t you make sure your car is in good shape? Here are some reasons why you should.
Cuts unexpected expenses
As the saying goes, a stitch in time saves nine. Getting your car checked out on time could uncover tiny problems before they turn into much bigger ones that are more expensive to fix.
Extends the life of your vehicle
Servicing your car regularly can help avoid those untimely breakdowns that can take years off your car’s life, giving you less of a reason to purchase a new one.
Keeps you and your passengers safer
Anything from worn tyres and brake pads to faulty lights and wipers could impair your driving. Regular checks by a qualified mechanic help identify and fix these issues before they lead to a collision.
Saves on fuel costs
Want fewer stops at the servo? Take your car into the workshop more often. A neglected car will typically suck up more fuel than one that’s been serviced regularly and operates like clockwork.
Improves resale value
Well looked after cars generally have a better chance of selling for a higher price on the used car market – simply because they’re less likely to cause the new owner issues down the road.
Reduces pollution
Underserviced engines and fluid leaks can add up to more pollution – but this can also be avoided with regular car servicing.
How often should I service my car?
Generally, it’s worthwhile to service your car every 10,000–15,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. It can also depend on the type of car and what you use it for. A heavy-duty ute, an everyday hatchback, an older vintage model, and a heavily-modded performance vehicle can have very different service requirements. Best practice is to leave it to the pros – go with what the manufacturer or your mechanic recommends.
How much does a car service cost in Australia?
What you pay for a car service might hinge on several factors – one of them being where you live. Here’s how much a car service in Australia could cost on average by state or territory.
| State or territory | Average car service cost |
| ACT | $200–$250 |
| NSW | $160–$240 |
| NT | $190–$550 |
| QLD | $188–$270 |
| SA | $139–$190 |
| TAS | $220–$320 |
| VIC | $189–$245 |
| WA | $185–$250 |
Source: Airtasker – How much do car services cost in Australia?
What factors can influence car service costs?
Aside from your car’s condition, which helps decide the amount of work it needs, a few other factors can feed into your car service costs.
Make and model
Service costs can depend on a car’s brand, size, performance, and the like. Expensive brands, bigger cars, or high-performance rides can attract higher service costs.
Where you live
States and territories aside, car service costs can depend on where you live. For example, the higher demand in metropolitan areas might mean higher service costs than in rural locations.
Type of service
Generally, your car will require different types of services at each stage of its life. The level of work and detail that goes into each of these services can decide how much you pay.
Replacement parts
Wear and tear is part and parcel of owning a car. Replacing worn brake pads or a sagging suspension can find its way into your car’s service costs.
Labour costs
If your car needs it, the services of an experienced mechanic might cost more compared to that of an apprentice who’s just mastered the oil change.
Helpful tip
Keeping your car in shape can certainly help you avoid unexpected maintenance expenses. Unfortunately, something like a bingle or a more serious collision can happen to any car and lead to a rather hefty repair bill. Comprehensive car insurance can cover most types of damage in most situations – whether it’s weather-related or from an at-fault accident. Be sure to go through the product disclosure statement (PDS) so you’re clear with your coverage.
Adrian Bennett
General Manager for General Insurance
What types of car services can I get?
Interim service
Is your car a real workhorse? Do you drive it, say, more than 30,000 km a year? If that’s the case, your car may be a prime candidate for interim services. These typically involve essential checks to help keep your vehicle reliable.
Average cost: $150–$2401Airtasker – Mechanic cost guide: Garage or mechanic service rates
How often: Recommended every six months or 10,000 km – whichever comes first
What’s included
- Visual inspection of key components
- Oil and oil filter change
- Checking tyres, exhaust systems, brakes, and lights
- Fluid level checks and top-ups
Full service
As the name suggests, a full service is more comprehensive and helps ensure that your car is operating at peak levels. It includes all interim service checks and goes into a little more detail to avoid any major issues that might crop up with your car.
Average cost: $1892Airtasker – Mechanic cost guide: Garage or mechanic service rates
How often: Recommended once a year or every 20,000 km – whichever comes first
What’s included
- Engine checks, including spark plugs or fuel filters
- Checking the radiator, hoses, and coolant
- Inspecting the suspension (shock absorbers) and wheel bearings
- Detailed brake inspection
Major service
Now and then, your car needs someone to get their hands dirty (literally!) and go through it with a fine-tooth comb just to be sure there aren’t any hidden issues buried deep within its gears, wires, and what not, that could potentially lead to a major breakdown.
Average cost: $3203Airtasker – Mechanic cost guide: Garage or mechanic service rates
How often: Recommended every two years or 40,000 km, you guessed it, whichever comes first!
What’s included
- All checks included in a full service
- Complete engine and gearbox check
- Checking the battery’s condition
- Timing belt inspection and adjustment (if necessary)
Logbook service
Aimed at preventing issues before they crop up, logbook servicing is a detailed maintenance program set by the car’s manufacturer. It helps keep your car’s warranty intact and can be performed by any qualified and licenced mechanic.
Average cost: $150–$5504K&T Ballina Mechanical – How Much Does A Car Service Cost?
How often: Manufacturer specific
What’s included
- Basic vehicle checks, top-ups, and replacements
- Rego check
- Checking and adjusting brakes
- Inspecting steering and suspension
- Road test up to 60 km per hour and report
- Stamped logbook
Capped price service
When you buy a car from a dealership, manufacturers may offer you a scheduled servicing plan with fixed service costs. The main benefits are certainty with maintenance-related expenses and manufacturer-approved service quality and parts.
Price range: $165–$770 (depends on the manufacturer and the service)5Coburg Toyota – Toyota Service Advantage – Capped Price Servicing,6Subaru – Subaru Capped Price Servicing
How often: Varies by manufacturer and dealer
What’s included
- Logbook servicing
- Multi-point inspection (hose connections, mounting points, suspension and fuel systems)
- Tyre rotation
- Fluid level inspection and adjustment
- Engine oil and filter change
Should I get my car serviced at a dealership or an independent mechanic?
This is a tough one. On one hand, dealerships offer manufacturer-specific expertise but might come with higher costs. On the other hand, independent mechanics might come with more flexibility and lower costs but without as much brand know-how.
To help you make a better decision, here are some potential pros and cons for both sides.
Dealership service
Pros
- Manufacturer-trained technicians
- Warranty protection and comprehensive service history
- Use of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts
- Potential availability of courtesy vehicles
Cons
- Service costs can be higher
- Potential for up-selling additional services
- Service time can be longer
- Limited communication with mechanics
Independent mechanic service
Pros
- Lower labour costs and more affordable aftermarket parts
- Shorter service times
- Flexibility with scheduling appointments
- Personalised service and direct communication
Cons
- Warranty concerns over using non-OEM parts
- Service quality can depend on the mechanic’s experience
- Lack of brand-specific tools or equipment
- Less likely to offer courtesy vehicles
Frequently asked questions
Why are European cars more expensive to maintain than other cars?
European car brands like Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Land Rover, and Volvo tend to come with higher service costs of about $1,000–$2,800 per year.7JR Auto Service Gold Coast – Choosing the Right Car Brand in Australia: 2025 Guide
This could be because European original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are much more expensive and may need to be shipped from overseas. There may also be limited options when it comes to aftermarket parts for some newer models.
Plus, European cars might require specialised mechanics and tools – both of which might be hard to find.
What are the cheapest cars to maintain?
Japanese brands like Toyota, Mazda, and Suzuki, as well as some South Korean manufacturers like Hyundai and Kia, sell some of the cheapest-to-maintain cars in Australia, with average annual maintenance costs ranging between $500 and $800.8JR Auto Service Gold Coast – Choosing the Right Car Brand in Australia: 2025 Guide
How can I keep my car service costs low?
As counterintuitive as it sounds, one of the ways to keep your car service costs low is to simply service your car regularly – and a couple of other things:
- Don’t compromise on quality: Paying a little extra for quality parts that are more reliable might be savvier than going for the cheaper, less-reliable options that might need to be replaced sooner.
- Drive within your car’s limits: Hard braking or acceleration, or off-roading in a car that’s not built for it, can wear out the parts faster, potentially leading to more frequent services.
- Keep your options open: Shop around whenever you can – especially if you feel like you’re not getting the level of service you want for your car.
How else can I save on car-related expenses?
Just like you’d scope out the right mechanic at the right price, it might work in your favour to do the same for your car insurance. You can try comparing policies to find out if you can get more coverage for what you’re currently paying or even potentially save on car insurance costs.
Use the iSelect car insurance comparison tool to compare policies from a range of providers. And if you find one that you like, you could switch in a matter of minutes!
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