How Much Does an Average Car Service Cost in Melbourne?

Car’sMake and Model

Car servicing costs vary greatly by model and manufacture. Different cars need different spare parts, engine oils, transmission fluids, and planned maintenance, which can vary in their costs. These parts may raise or lower the servicing expenses, depending on the availability and quality.

Additionally, different car types have different service costs for petrol or diesel, front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Some cars may have planned maintenance requirements based on their model, which can impact the overall servicing expenses. The service intervals of different car models range from 6 to 12 months. It is best to check your vehicle logbook for servicing recommendations.

Preferred Intervals for Specific Service

Your car’s age, mileage, and scheduled service also play a crucial role in determining the servicing costs. Take a look at the following intervals (in kilometres) at which your vehicle requires service. Also, certain milestones may require specific servicing, including major repairs or replacements.

• 60,000 km
• 120,000 km
• 180,000 km
• 240,000 km
• 300,000 km
• 360,000 km

The automobile industry has introduced initiatives such as price ceilings on services, fixed-price servicing, and menu-based servicing to increase pricing transparency for car maintenance and repairs.

Major Vs Minor Services

Car services can be categorised into major and minor services, depending on the service your vehicle may require. This can also affect the cost because of the nature of the repair work performed.

• Major car services: These include a thorough tune-up of your vehicle such as:
  • Engine oil testing and replacement
  • Filters testing and replacement
  • Spark plugs repair and replacement
  • Brakes inspection
  • Suspension tests
  • Wheel alignment
  • Flush and change fluids in the car
  • Road test and safety inspection
  • Battery load tests and other checks

Major services are planned based on the distance your car has travelled or the car’s age. It is recommended that significant servicing be performed every three years or 30,000 km. If your car is older, the maintenance cost may increase due to the need for additional replacements.

• Minor car services: These include surface inspections and minor repairs, such as checking and inflating the car’s tyres, refilling the radiator fluid, and other similar services. Usually, these minor repairs and maintenance are covered in long-term service agreements. Moreover, these services do not involve replacing spare parts, using specialised equipment, or doing time-consuming maintenance. Minor servicing should be undertaken every six to twelve months or 10,000 km.

The Mechanic

The ultimate cost will depend on the mechanic’s hourly rate and whether you choose a private or dealership repair. Getting your car serviced by an independent car mechanic may void the manufacturer’s warranty, as some car manufacturers require servicing to be done at their authorised dealerships only.

The ACCC stated that car owners should choose someone who repairs their car so that the service meets the manufacturer’s specifications. As a result of the implementation of fixed pricing services, dealerships and private mechanics are now required to provide cost transparency.

The Mileage

The mileage of your vehicle is another crucial factor that affects the cost of car service. As previously stated, your automobile will require minor maintenance every 10,000 km and the cost will increase with higher mileage, especially at the 60,000 km mark and beyond. Higher mileage may require additional maintenance tasks, repairs or part replacements, which can impact the overall cost of car service.

Private Dealership or Independent Mechanic Service

Choosing between a private dealership or an independent mechanic for your car service can also affect the cost. This depends on your requirements and circumstances. With the establishment of pricing caps, a dealership will be less expensive than a private mechanic.