How Often Should You Service Your Car?

Start with the manufacturer's schedule in your owner's manual — it is the baseline. Then consider whether your usage matches the assumptions behind it.

Severe-use conditions are common here

Short trips, heavy traffic, high ambient temperatures, dusty air and long idling periods all count as severe use. Most manufacturers publish a shorter interval for exactly these conditions.

Time matters as well as distance

A car driven only a few thousand kilometres a year still needs its oil and fluids changed. Degradation continues whether the vehicle is moving or not.

Filters deserve attention

Air and cabin filters clog faster in dusty environments. Both are inexpensive and both affect how the car runs and how the cabin feels.