How Much Does an Average Car Service Cost in Melbourne?

What is the Cost of a Car Service?

Factors Affecting the Cost of Your Car Service

• Car’sMake and ModelCar 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 partsmay 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 orall-wheel drive. Some cars may have planned maintenance requirements based on their model, which canimpact the overall servicing expenses. The service intervals of different car models range from 6 to 12months. It is best to check your vehicle logbook for servicing recommendations.
• Preferred Intervals for Specific ServiceYour car’s age, mileage, and scheduled service also play a crucial role in determining the servicingcosts. 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-priceservicing, and menu-based servicing to increase pricing transparency for car maintenance and repairs.
• Major Vs Minor ServicesCar services can be categorised into major and minor services, depending on the service your vehiclemayrequire. 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 isrecommended that significant servicing be performed every three years or 30,000 km. If your car isolder, 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 andinflating the car’s tyres, refilling the radiator fluid, and other similar services. Usually, theseminor repairs and maintenance are covered in long-term service agreements. Moreover, these services donot 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 MechanicThe ultimate cost will depend on the mechanic’s hourly rate and whether you choose a private ordealership repair. Getting your car serviced by an independent car mechanic may void the manufacturer’swarranty, as some car manufacturers require servicing to be done at their authorised dealershipsonly.
• The MileageThe mileage of your vehicle is another crucial factor that affects the cost of car service. Aspreviously stated, your automobile will require minor maintenance every 10,000 km and the cost willincrease with higher mileage, especially at the 60,000 km mark and beyond. Higher mileage may requireadditional maintenance tasks, repairs or part replacements, which can impact the overall cost of carservice.
• Private Dealership or Independent Mechanic ServiceChoosing between a private dealership or an independent mechanic for your car service can also affectthe cost. This depends on your requirements and circumstances. With the establishment of pricing caps, adealership will be less expensive than a private mechanic.

Conclusion: