How Much Does a Car Service Cost?

Before determining the price of a major car service, let’s discuss what’s generally included in the process. Most auto workshops and service centres provide different servicing packages. These may include standalone repairs or a combination of electrical and mechanical work. Regardless, vehicle maintenance always has the following procedures included:

• Engine Oil Check: The engine is the most crucial component of the car and needs regular inspection. If required, the engine oil should be replaced during servicing. Additionally, the filter should be changed or cleaned. Your car engine’s lifespan is extended by routinely monitoring for oil leaks and checking the coolant level. It keeps your car in good condition and lowers maintenance costs.
• Brake Inspection: Your safety is just as vital as maintaining your vehicle’s condition. If you drive regularly, brake inspection becomes essential. Brake pad wear should be examined, and replacements made as needed. The brake fluid is refilled during servicing, and all exposed pipes as well as hoses are inspected.
• Steering and Suspension Check: It is essential to routinely check the alignment of the steering wheels by servicing the car. Checking the suspension is vital since it provides a smooth ride. Your vehicle operates optimally for longer if the suspension parts are repaired on time because this extends their lifespan.
• Wiper Inspection: If it seldom rains in your area, it’s easy to forget your wiper blades. So, if an unexpected shower or thunderstorm moves in, you will surely feel their absence. Replace wiper blades every six months or get them checked during servicing. This is important to keep your windscreen clean and improve visibility in wet conditions.
• Wheel Alignment: Uneven or poorly maintained roads negatively impact tyres and wheel alignment. Driving with improperly aligned tyres is dangerous and leads to increased wear. Wheel bearings and tyre pressure should also be checked during routine vehicle servicing for a smooth ride.
• Air-filter Change: Maintaining clean air quality is a vital task performed by your engine and cabin air filters. Hence, servicing these components is a priority. The engine air filter helps prevent junk from entering the engine from the air intake. Similarly, the cabin air filter keeps impurities such as dust, pollen, and smog out of the passenger cabin.
• Spark Plug Replacement: Spark plugs are essential to your car’s operation because they ignite an air-fuel mixture to start the engine. Extreme temperatures, frequent use and outside pollutants all contribute to a spark plug’s premature deterioration. However, the age and condition of your engine will determine when they wear out precisely. During vehicle service or car maintenance, get your spark plugs tuned or checked by the technicians.
• Visual Inspection of Various Components: During routine servicing, mechanics will visually inspect parts such as belts, hoses, and undercarriage parts for signs of potential damage. An early detection of these issues can prevent costly repairs down the road.
• Computerised Diagnostic Scan: Using specialised software, you can diagnose potential problems and retrieve fault codes from the onboard computer. This information helps mechanics identify underlying issues and recommend necessary repairs beyond regular servicing.

Several factors can influence the average car service cost. When calculating expenses, you’ll need to consider the following:

• Make and Model: Car manufacturers have varying maintenance schedules and use parts with different costs. For instance, servicing a sports car will likely be more expensive than say, a hatchback. This difference is reflected in the major service cost of each vehicle.
• Lubricant Choice: When servicing your car, you’ll have a variety of options to suit your needs and budget. Standard products are ideally the most affordable option. Depending on your budget, you can opt for more expensive ones. Although they cost more, you get superior protection for your engine, especially under extreme conditions.
• Additional Parts and Repairs: A major service is an extensive examination that may reveal unexpected problems. The average cost will increase if your automobile needs any additional repairs or replacement in addition to routine maintenance items. In such cases, the mechanics explain why the repairs are required and get your consent before moving forward.
• Specialised Services Some car models, especially high-performance versions, can need specific services. The cost of car service may be higher for such machines due to the specialised materials or techniques. Similarly, service for SUVs or 4WDs is much higher than your ordinary coupe. If you own such vehicles, you’ll need to plan accordingly.

Auto servicing is an important aspect of owning a car. Knowing the factors that affect maintenance costs helps you budget properly. JRB Auto provides affordable but high-quality car services. Before servicing, feel free to ask for a quote to help plan your expenses. Any inquiries regarding a particular process or possible price difference will be answered by our team. So, if you have questions like “How much does a car service cost?”, do not hesitate to contact us. You can call us on 03 9741 2725 or email us at jrbauto@bigpond.com for more information.