Whether you’re an Australian car owner or a tourist, you may be wondering how much it costs to service your vehicle in Australia.
The cost of getting a professional mechanic to service your car depends on a variety of factors. These include the make and model of the car, the type of service required, and the location where it is being performed.
Read on as we detail how to estimate the price of servicing your car in Australia to better prepare yourself for your maintenance costs.
Factors that Influence Car Servicing Costs
As mentioned above, there are a few main factors when it comes to calculating the cost needed to service a car.
Vehicle Make & Model
The make and model of your car play a very important role when determining your car servicing costs. Generally speaking, modern vehicles are more expensive to service than older ones due to their complexity which can require specialized tools and parts.
As you can imagine, modern vehicles have more specialised equipment and advanced technology which also includes more panelling in the engine and throughout the interior. This requires more time to gain access to the components that may need testing, repair or replacement.
Type Of Service
Next, there are different types of services each of which requires varying levels of expertise and time. The most common types of car services are minor and major.
A minor service may include an oil change, air filter replacement and general safety checks while a major service can involve replacing brakes or other more expensive components like spark plugs or timing belts.
Location, Location, Location
Location is also a key factor when determining car service costs. Prices vary significantly from state to state. Plus city labour rates compared to regional areas prices can vary greatly.
For example, a basic oil change may cost $50-$100 in a country town but may cost $150 in a capital city like Brisbane.
Furthermore, many independent garages offer more competitive prices than large dealership networks so it pays off to shop around for the best deal before scheduling your next appointment.
Discounts & Loyalty Programs
Finally, there are other factors that can affect how much you pay for your next car service. Discounts available through loyalty programs, pensioner rates or applicable manufacturer’s warranties often hold a great deal of savings if you are willing to utilise them.
You may also find some mechanics who offer special deals or discounts if you purchase additional services from them at the same time. So always ask about any promotions they might have available before committing to any one mechanic or garage.
Unexpected Repairs
Another thing that can increase the cost of a service is when additional issues are identified.
For example, your car may be driving fine and you take it in for its next service as you have driven the suggested amount of kilometres since the last service. During the service, the mechanic discovers that your tyres are almost bald and require urgent replacement.
If you accept to replace the suggested parts, this of course adds additional cost to your final service bill.
Should I Get My Scheduled Service Or Wait Until An Issue Arises?
It’s always best to follow your manufacturer’s recommended servicing schedule even if nothing appears to be wrong with your vehicle. Regular maintenance will help prevent more costly repairs down the road, and it may also help you avoid issues that could lead to large repair bills.
On top of that, regular service visits can improve the overall performance of your vehicle and extend its lifespan. Not to mention that improved efficiency can result in less fuel consumption which saves money.
Furthermore, if you drive your vehicle to the point that it totally dies then you may have no option other than to request that it be removed from the side of the road where it died.
Conclusion
Car servicing costs can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors such as make/model/age of the vehicle, type of service required and location where it is being serviced.
If you are unsure what services are required for your specific make and model, it’s best to consult with a professional mechanic or check with your manufacturer directly.
While some people may think they only need to get their car serviced when an issue arises, it is actually cheaper in the long run if you get your car serviced as per the schedule as you can prevent larger more expensive issues from occurring.
