Better Budget: Car Servicing

When you're juggling a mortgage, rates, insurance, and all the other costs of homeownership, car servicing can feel like yet another drain on the budget. But skipping services or overpaying at a dealership are both mistakes that cost you more in the long run. A bit of knowledge goes a long way towards keeping your car healthy without blowing the budget.

How Often Does Your Car Actually Need a Service

Most manufacturers recommend a service every 12 months or every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. Your owner's manual spells out the exact schedule for your model, and sticking to it matters more than most people realise. Miss a service window and you risk voiding any remaining warranty, plus you lose out on catching small problems before they become expensive ones. If you've bought a used car and don't have the manual, you can usually find it online or ask your mechanic what interval suits your vehicle.

Understanding Service Tiers and What You're Paying For

Not every service is the same, and understanding the tiers helps you avoid paying for work you don't need. A basic service covers oil and oil filter changes, a visual inspection, and fluid level checks. At an independent workshop, expect to pay somewhere between $150 and $250 for this. An intermediate service adds air filter checks, more thorough brake and suspension inspections, and usually runs $250 to $400. A full or major service includes spark plugs if they're due, transmission fluid, and a comprehensive safety check, costing anywhere from $400 to $700 or more depending on the vehicle.

The key thing is knowing which service your car is actually due for. Some workshops will push a full service every time when a basic one would do. Check your manual for the scheduled maintenance at your current kilometre reading and hold them to it.

Dealership or Independent Mechanic

This is where real savings live. Dealerships charge $120 to $180 per hour for labour and use genuine manufacturer parts. They have access to manufacturer diagnostic systems, which can matter for newer vehicles still under warranty. But once your warranty period is up, there's rarely a compelling reason to keep paying dealership prices. Independent mechanics typically charge $80 to $120 per hour and can source quality aftermarket parts that do the same job at lower cost. For out-of-warranty vehicles, you can often save 20 to 40 percent by going independent.

Look for workshops with MTA (Motor Trade Association) membership and solid online reviews. A good independent mechanic who gets to know your car over time is worth their weight in gold. They'll tell you what actually needs doing rather than running through a checklist designed to maximise the invoice.

Sorting the Essential From the Upsell

Every car needs its oil and filter changed on schedule, and brake inspections should never be skipped. These are non-negotiable. But when the workshop starts suggesting fuel system cleaners, engine flushes, or cabin air purifiers, take a step back. Most of these are upsells with limited real benefit for a well-maintained vehicle. If your car runs fine and you're servicing it regularly, a $50 engine flush is just padding on the bill. Ask your mechanic to explain why they're recommending any extras, and don't be afraid to say no.

The Big Ticket Items That Actually Matter

Timing belt replacement is one of those costs that makes people wince, typically $500 to $1,200 depending on the car. But a timing belt failure can destroy the engine entirely, turning a $700 job into a $5,000 problem or a written-off vehicle. Check your manual for the replacement interval, usually somewhere between 80,000 and 120,000 kilometres. Some newer cars use timing chains instead, which generally last the life of the engine. Knowing which one your car has saves unnecessary worry.

Keep Your Service Records

This is a small habit that pays off down the track. Complete service records genuinely increase your car's resale value because buyers can see the car has been looked after. Keep every invoice, make sure your service book gets stamped, and store digital copies somewhere safe. When it comes time to sell or trade in, a full service history can add hundreds or even thousands to the price you get.

Spending Smart, Not Just Spending Less

The goal isn't to spend as little as possible on your car. A $300 service today can prevent a $3,000 repair next year. The goal is to spend appropriately: get quotes from two or three workshops before booking, understand what service level your car actually needs, and don't pay for unnecessary extras. When you're managing a household budget alongside a mortgage, every dollar matters, and car maintenance is one area where a bit of homework genuinely pays off.