How often should you service your car in Perth?

The Department of Transport (DOT), Western Australia, recommends that vehicles undergo regular maintenance and safety inspections to prevent them from experiencing a car breakdown. 

The cars in Perth should get services at least twice a year. Most Perth drivers use this fixed schedule without knowing how often their car needs service. They don’t consider factors such as whether their car is old, needs to travel a lot, or has heavy-duty usage.

This confusion among drivers in Perth leads to more damage and the need for costly repairs to the car. Here, in this article, we will explain what the average time duration for car service in Perth is and which factors can affect it.

Why Is Regular Car Service Important?

Regularly servicing your car at a specific time is vital, as this helps maintain your engine’s health, optimise fuel consumption, minimise repair expenses and ensure your car is safe on Perth’s roads. Apart from that, a good car service plan will also maintain your vehicle warranty from the vehicle manufacturer, as well as extend the life of your car.

7 Factors That Affect Your Car Service Schedule

The car maintenance service is often scheduled and mentioned in the vehicle’s manual by the manufacturer. It is either twice a year or after fixed kilometres driven, but it can be changed depending on the following factors. 

1- Time Between Services

Commonly, these cars require service every 6 or 12 months, as suggested by the manufacturer.

But, if your car is used, old, or damaged, it may need servicing more than twice a year. This happens even if you drive less, as old engine oil and worn fluids can affect the performance of your car over time.

2- Annual Mileage Covers

A good-condition car needs to be serviced after it has covered 10,000 miles minimum. 

Experts often suggest using the 30-60-90 rule of car maintenance. This says that 

• The car needs basic services after 30k miles
• Moderate services at 60k miles, such as certain parts replacement
• Major services include major system repairs after 90k miles. 

In short, drivers covering long-distance commuting, highway travel, and ridesharing usually need servicing more often, as these situations place more pressure on engine components and tyres.

3- Vehicle Model & Age

Every vehicle has different servicing needs. For example, the European cars need more frequent repair sessions focused on electrical and brake system repair. While an SUV, on the other hand, needs fewer repair sessions with a main focus on suspension and hose checks. 

Apart from that, newly manufactured cars with a warranty available need more frequent services as compared to new ones. 

4- Daily Driving Habits

Being a Perth resident and travelling daily in a car, your car may be prone to more wear and tear, engine dysfunction, and more fuel consumption. Hence, cars which travel more daily need frequent services at least every 3 months. 

5- Perth’s Harsh Climate Conditions

Perth is the centre of Western Australia and faces extreme climatic conditions, from hot and dry summers to wet and freezing cold winters. Here, the temperature reaches above 40 degrees and overheats the engine, causing cooling system failure, battery failure, etc. 

Due to this, your car will need more visits for car servicing to help in preventing its breakdowns in the middle of the road during hot weather.

6- Engine Performance

Your car engine that runs well even when it gets hot may need servicing immediately and more often. To prevent its replacement, regularly check engine problems, for example, for any unusual noises and increased fuel consumption, which indicate that your service is due soon. 

It is important to do it immediately to keep your car’s engine functioning efficiently. 

7- Where You Drive Most

The cars that drive on highways need to be serviced less often due to smooth roads, high fuel efficiency, and continuous driving. 

In contrast, vehicles that drive mostly on city roads usually require services more often due to rough roads and the start-stop effect because of heavy traffic. This is because rough roads caused more damage to brakes, suspension components, etc. 

While manufacturer guidelines provide general servicing intervals, Perth driving conditions can change how often your vehicle needs maintenance.

Recommended Car Service Schedule for Perth Drivers

Here is an expert’s recommended car service schedule for Perth drivers

Major Signs You Need Car Service

Although servicing is usually completed at scheduled intervals, your vehicle may show warning signs before the next service is due.

Some common signs include:

• Dashboard warning lights remain active while driving and are never turned off.
• Increase in fuel consumption even during normal driving.
• Frequent and more vibrations when applying the brakes.
• Squealing, knocking, ticking, and grinding sounds from the engine.
• The vehicle struggles to start in the morning, especially during colder weather.
• Smoke, burning smells, or overheating while driving during the summer
• Inconsistent and delayed in changing gears
• Heavier steering than normal
• The air conditioning system stops cooling properly

But, do you know, ignoring these signs can turn minor maintenance issues into expensive repairs?

What Happens During a Minor Car Service?

A minor service focuses on regular maintenance and everyday vehicle health. It helps prevent wear-related issues and keeps your vehicle running efficiently between major services.

A standard minor service may include:

• Engine oil replacement
• Oil filter replacement
• Fluid top-ups
• Brake inspection
• Tyre pressure checks
• Battery testing
• Safety inspection

Minor services are essential for those drivers who drive around Perth on a regular basis. Engines and brakes are put under stress by frequent driving, short trips and hot weather.

A car service Perth workshop may suggest more frequent services if you drive frequently or make regular trips in the city.

When Does Your Car Need Major Logbook Services?

Major logbook services are completed at specific mileage or time intervals recommended by your manufacturer. These services are more detailed and include vehicle inspections, diagnostics, and replacement of major components.

A major car service includes:

• Spark plug replacement
• Air filter replacement
• Transmission inspection
• Cooling system checks
• Suspension inspection
• Diagnostic scanning
• Brake fluid replacement

Major servicing helps maintain your manufacturer’s warranty and prevents larger mechanical failures.

How Perth Driving Conditions Affect Your Vehicle

The frequency of your vehicle’s servicing needs can be affected by driving conditions in Perth.

For example, the pressure of long-distance commuting on engines, tyres and cooling systems. Brakes and transmissions are worn more often due to stop-start commuter traffic in the city. 

The hot climate in Perth can also result in battery deterioration and potential overheating. And corrosion may also occur at a higher rate in coastal climates.

That is why more vehicles in Perth are inspected and serviced more often than those in other parts of the world that have milder climates.

Side Effects Of Skipping a Car Service in Perth

Skipping regular servicing can lead to serious mechanical issues over time. Ignoring the car service schedule can result in

• Reduced fuel efficiency
• Engine sludge build-up
• Overheating problems
• Battery failure
• Brake wear and safety risks
• Suspension damage
• Poor engine performance
• Expensive repair bills
• Transmission wear
• Unexpected roadside breakdowns

Feeling Like Your Car Needs Servicing?

Get Your Car Serviced at Schon Automotive

Why Perth Drivers Trust Schon Automotive for Reliable Car Servicing?

We provide reliable and professional car repair services in Perth. We have experienced mechanics, advanced diagnostic tools, and honest customer service to deliver reliable results.

We Offer 

• Affordable logbook servicing in Perth starting from $149
• Advanced diagnosis tests to quickly identify any issue 
• Brake, suspension, and transmission repairs by experienced technicians
• Fast turnaround times with honest quotes and transparent pricing
• Servicing and repairs for all makes and models

So, schedule an appointment now!

And book your next service or inspection with our experienced Perth mechanics!

FAQ 

1. Is it necessary to service your car every year? 

Yes, it is necessary to service your car every year at least.

2. How often do you really need to service your car?

Your car needs services once or twice a year, but it also depends on many factors, such as kilometres covered, driving habits, car model and age, and engine performance. 

3. What is the 30-60-90 maintenance schedule?

According to this rule, your car needs 

• Basic services after 30k miles
• Moderate services at 60k miles, such as certain parts replacement
• Major services, for example, major system repairs after 90k miles. 

4. What are the signs my car needs a service?

Some of the signs indicating your car needs a service are 

• Dashboard warning lights remain active
• Vibration an unusual noise from the engine 
• High fuel consumption 
• Car shaking while applying the brakes
• AC stops cooling 

5. What maintenance does a car need at 90,000 miles?

At 90,000 miles, your car, along with basic services and certain part replacement, may need the repair of certain operating systems, such as the brake system, cooling system, and transmission system.