How often should I service my car?

The short answer is whatever your car's maker says. Here's how to find that, and what a proper service includes.

The short answerFollow the schedule in your car's service book. Most modern cars need a service every 10,000 to 15,000 km or every 12 months, whichever comes first. Cars doing lots of short trips, towing or dusty driving often need the shorter interval.

Find your car's schedule

It's in the service book or owner's manual, usually as a distance and a time, such as every 10,000 km or 12 months. Imported cars sometimes come without a book. A good workshop can look up the maker's schedule from the model and engine code.

Basic service or logbook service?

Basic service: oil and filter change, plus a safety check of tyres, brakes, lights and fluids.
Logbook service: everything on the maker's list for that distance, such as spark plugs, cabin filter, brake fluid or transmission fluid.

Ask for a written quote that names the service and lists what's included. Every AutoPlace Approved shop does this as standard.

Why the time limit matters too

Oil breaks down over time even if you hardly drive. A car that does 4,000 km a year still needs a yearly oil change.

Keep the record

A stamped service history helps the car's resale value and any warranty claim. Services booked through AutoPlace are logged in AutoPlace Garage automatically.

Questions drivers ask

Can any workshop service my car without voiding the warranty?

In most cases, yes, as long as the work follows the maker's schedule and uses parts and oil that meet the maker's spec. Keep the invoices.

Checked by Checked by a qualified automotive technician. Updated 12 September 2026.