Have you ever wondered if skipping a single service check really matters? After all, your car seems fine. It’s running, the brakes work, and nothing sounds unusual. But here’s the truth: falling behind on your car’s service schedule doesn’t just risk wear and tear. It shortens the lifespan of your vehicle, costs you more over time, and can even void your warranty.
Keeping on top of servicing is more than just ticking boxes. It’s the foundation of keeping your car safe, reliable, and efficient. The good news? It’s not as hard as people make it out to be.
Why Regular Servicing Actually Matters
Plenty of drivers assume that if a car feels fine, it is fine. Unfortunately, that’s not how cars work. Many issues don’t show symptoms until they’ve become expensive problems. Regular servicing helps spot those hidden faults before they snowball.
Here’s what consistent servicing protects you from:
● Engine damage – Missing oil changes can lead to engine sludge and eventual failure.
● Brake failure – Worn brake pads or fluid leaks won’t always show obvious signs until it’s too late.
● Fuel inefficiency – Dirty filters or poor spark plugs can quietly burn through your fuel budget.
● Warranty risks – Skipping scheduled maintenance often voids warranties, meaning you’ll pay out of pocket.
Regular checks don’t just protect your car’s parts. They also protect your budget.
Understand Your Car’s Service Intervals
Service schedules are based on time, mileage, or both. Some vehicles require a car service every 10,000 kilometres. Others may go up to 15,000 or 20,000, depending on the model and how it’s used. But kilometres alone aren’t the only factor. Time matters too.
If you drive very little, you might think services aren’t needed as often. However, oil degrades over time, tyres age even if unused, and rubber components can crack. So even low-use vehicles need regular check-ins.
There are two main service types to know:
Logbook Service
This follows the schedule set by your vehicle’s manufacturer. It’s usually every 6 to 12 months or a certain number of kilometres. It’s designed to keep your car in top shape for warranty purposes.
General Service
These are periodic checks that might include oil and filter changes, tyre rotation, fluid top-ups, and other maintenance basics. These can be done in between logbook services or as needed, based on driving conditions.
What Gets Missed When You Don’t Track It
Life gets busy. It’s easy to forget that a service is due. The problem is, your car won’t remind you until something’s wrong. Here’s what often gets overlooked without a system in place:
● Fluid levels – Coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid. They all matter, and they all degrade.
● Tyre rotation and alignment – Skipping this leads to uneven wear and shorter tyre life.
● Battery health – Modern batteries can fail without warning if not tested regularly.
● Timing belts – These are expensive to fix if they break. Routine checks prevent sudden failure.
When services are skipped, these small things become expensive fixes. Worst case, they create safety risks.
Simple Habits to Stay on Track
Staying on top of your service schedule doesn’t mean obsessively checking your odometer. With the right habits, it becomes automatic.
Here are some practical tips to make sure you never fall behind:
● Check your manual – Keep it in your glove box and refer to the service schedule regularly.
● Set reminders – Use your phone’s calendar to alert you every 6 or 12 months. Include your expected mileage if you drive often.
● Track mileage regularly – Write down your odometer reading once a week or when refuelling.
● Keep a logbook – Even just a notebook in the glove box to track services, part replacements, and dates.
● Use your rego date – Link your service reminder to your registration renewal. It’s easy to remember.
When Driving Habits Call for More Frequent Servicing
Not all cars wear the same way. If you’re regularly in heavy traffic, drive short distances, tow loads, or go off-road, your vehicle works harder. That means parts wear out faster.
In these cases, stick to the shorter end of your service schedule. Some manufacturers even list “severe conditions” schedules for these types of use. It’s worth checking, because pushing your car harder means it needs more care.
Signs You’re Overdue for a Service
If you’ve lost track of time or kilometres, your car may already be trying to tell you something. Pay attention to these warning signs:
● Engine feels sluggish
● Poor fuel economy
● Unusual sounds or vibrations
● Warning lights
● Rough idling or stalling
● Brakes feel soft or squeaky
If any of these pop up, book a service as soon as possible. Delaying only makes the problem worse.
Take Control of the Routine
Staying on top of your service schedule doesn’t need to be overwhelming. It’s about building small habits that keep you ahead of problems, not chasing after them.
You don’t need to be a car expert. You just need to stay aware, follow the plan, and listen to your vehicle. Regular servicing is one of the few things in car ownership that genuinely pays for itself, in terms of performance, reliability, and peace of mind.
