How Often Should You Service Your Car? (And What Happens If You Don’t)

It’s one of the most common questions we get—and usually, it comes after something’s already gone wrong. The short answer: most cars should be serviced every 10,000–15,000km or every 6–12 months. But it depends on how you drive and what you use your car for. If you’re doing a lot of short trips, stop-start driving, or carrying heavy loads (common for tradies), your car will usually need servicing more often.

What happens if you skip servicing?

Putting off a service might not seem like a big deal—but it’s often where bigger problems start.

We regularly see:

• Worn oil leading to engine damage

• Brake wear that could’ve been picked up earlier

• Small leaks turning into major repairs

• Reduced fuel efficiency

Servicing isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s about catching issues early.

What does a car service actually include?

A proper service should cover:

• Engine oil and filter change

• Brake inspection

• Suspension and steering check

• Fluid top-ups

• General safety check

If your car is under warranty, logbook servicing is important to keep that valid.

When should you book your next service?

If you can’t remember your last service—it’s probably time.

Even if everything feels fine, getting your car checked regularly keeps it reliable and helps avoid unexpected breakdowns.

Need a car service in Rosanna?

At Rosanna Car Care, we provide car servicing for all makes and models, with clear advice and no unnecessary work.

If your car’s due—or something doesn’t feel right—drop in or give us a call.