When to service your car and why it is important
Servicing your car might seem like just another chore. You know you should do it, but it’s easy to put off until something goes wrong. The truth is, regular servicing keeps your car running smoothly, protects your wallet, and can even save your life. In this article, we’ll cover when you should bring your car in for a service and explain why it matters – and how you can trust the professionals at Carro Care when it comes to servicing your car.
When to perform a car service
Every car comes with a manufacturer’s service schedule. You’ll find it in the owner’s manual or on the service booklet. It usually lists intervals by mileage or time, whichever comes first. For most cars, that means:
- Every 10,000 km or every 6 months
- Every 20,000 km or every 12 months
- Major service every 40,000 km or every 24 months
Why service intervals matter – and what usually fails at each one
You’ve probably seen it in your car manual: “Service every 10,000 km or every 6 months, whichever comes first.” But why do these numbers matter so much? Can’t you just wait until something feels off? Not really — and here’s why.
Your car is a machine made of thousands of moving parts. Over time and distance, these parts wear down, get dirty, or go out of sync. Servicing at the right intervals prevents small issues from turning into expensive (and dangerous) failures. Let’s break it down:
Every 6 months or 10,000km – Minor car service
This is the most basic, but also the most important service. Think of it like brushing your teeth. It’s regular, quick, and prevents long-term problems.
What’s typically done:
- Engine oil and oil filter change: Old oil thickens, loses its protective properties, and can cause engine wear or overheating.
- Top-up of fluids: Brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid.
- Basic checks: Lights, tyre condition, brakes, wipers, battery health.
What might fail:
- Engine wear from dirty oil.
- Battery drainage or corrosion buildup.
- Brake pad wear if you do a lot of stop-and-go driving.
- Tyres wearing unevenly due to alignment or inflation issues.
Skipping this can reduce fuel efficiency, performance, and even lead to early engine damage.
Every 12 months or 20,000km – Intermediate car service
This level digs a little deeper. Even if your car “feels fine,” parts may be wearing out without obvious signs.
What’s typically done:
- All items from the 10,000km/6-month service.
- Air filter replacement: A clogged air filter affects engine performance and fuel efficiency.
- Cabin air filter check: If dirty, it affects air-conditioning airflow and cabin air quality.
- Brake inspection: More detailed than before—checking brake discs, lines, and fluid condition.
- Suspension check: Look for worn-out bushings, shocks, or leaks.
- Wheel alignment and balancing (if needed).
What might fail:
- Air filters get clogged with dust and debris.
- Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and becomes less effective.
- Shock absorbers may begin to show early signs of wear.
- Suspension components may loosen or crack.
Every 24 months or 40,000km – Major car service
This is your car’s full body check-up. It’s more expensive, yes—but also critical for long-term reliability and safety.
What’s typically done:
- Everything from previous intervals.
- Spark plug replacement: Old plugs cause misfiring, poor fuel economy, and rough idling.
- Fuel filter replacement: Prevents dirt from clogging injectors or damaging the fuel pump.
- Brake fluid replacement: It’s hygroscopic (absorbs moisture) and can boil under hard braking.
- Coolant flush: Coolant degrades and loses its ability to protect the engine from overheating or freezing.
- Transmission fluid check/replacement (for some cars).
- Timing belt inspection or replacement (if applicable and based on manufacturer’s schedule).
What might fail:
- Ignition issues due to worn spark plugs.
- Overheating if coolant is old or low.
- Sluggish gear changes if transmission fluid is degraded.
- Timing belt failure — this is critical, because if it snaps, it can cause major engine damage.
Why time-based service matters too
Even if you don’t drive much, time affects parts. Rubber seals, hoses, and belts can dry out or crack. Fluids absorb moisture or lose effectiveness. Batteries slowly discharge even when not used. That’s why the “every 6 months” rule still applies even if you haven’t hit 10,000 km.
These intervals are not set in stone and can vary depending on your driving style, road conditions, and the age of the vehicle. If you do a lot of city driving with frequent stops, or if you often carry heavy loads, you might need to service more often.
Common signs your car needs an immediate check
- Dashboard warning lights
If the check engine light or oil pressure warning pops up, don’t ignore it. These alerts can point to serious issues that worsen over time.
Read more: Important dashboard symbols - Strange sounds or smells
Grinding brakes, squealing belts, or burning smells could be early signs of failing parts. Catching them early often means a cheaper fix. - Reduced performance
If your car feels sluggish, struggles to accelerate, or shifts roughly, it’s time for a professional inspection. - Vibration or pulling to one side
These symptoms may indicate wheel alignment issues, worn suspension components, or brake problems. They affect safety and tyre life. - Fluid leaks
Puddles under the car aren’t normal. Coolant, oil, brake fluid, or transmission fluid leaks must be checked immediately to prevent bigger damage.
Why regular car servicing matters
Safety first
A well-serviced car handles better and stops more predictably. Brake pads, tyres, steering, and suspension all get inspected and replaced if needed. That ensures you, your family, and other road users stay safe.
Better performance and fuel economy
Clean filters, fresh oil, and correctly tuned engines burn fuel more efficiently. That means smoother acceleration and lower fuel costs over time. Even small gains in efficiency add up over thousands of kilometres.
Longer car life
Replacing wear-and-tear parts prevents them from causing additional damage. For example, old engine oil becomes acidic and can corrode internal parts. Fresh oil and regular checks help protect your engine for the long run.
Higher resale value
A full service history is one of the first things a buyer asks for. It proves you took care of the car. At resale time, a documented service record can add significant value and speed up the sale.
Avoiding costly repairs
Small faults often become big failures when left unchecked. A simple oil change is cheap; replacing a seized engine is not. Regular servicing helps spot issues early and keeps repair bills manageable.
What happens during a service at Carro Care
1. Periodic maintenance
- Fully synthetic engine oil replacement for optimal engine health
- OEM oil filter change to protect your engine
- Comprehensive vehicle health check to catch issues early
2. Air-conditioning services
- Refrigerant refilling to keep the AC running cold
- Compressor fluid top-up for system efficiency
- Cleaning & filter replacement to improve air quality
3. Brake services
- Brake fluid replenishment for responsive braking
- Thorough brake pad cleaning to prevent wear and tear
- Brake system diagnostics to detect any hidden issues
4. Tyre services
- Tyre replacement with high-quality options
- Wheel alignment and balancing for a smooth ride
- Tyre rotation and inspection to prevent uneven wear
5. Body and paint services
- Vehicle resprays and reconditioning for a brand-new look
- Dent and scratch repairs to fix minor damages
6. Car interior upholstery
- Full interior detailing and refurbishment for a clean and polished finish
- Leather restoration and repair for a premium feel
- Cushion and seat refurbishing to bring back comfort
Easy steps you can take to keep your car healthy between services
- Check tyre pressures monthly and inspect tread depth
Read more on how to do this here. - Top up washer fluid and check oil level every couple of weeks
- Listen for unusual noises and inspect under the hood for leaks
- Avoid harsh driving habits like heavy acceleration or braking
- Keep your car clean, inside and out, to prevent rust and corrosion
Stay safe and service your car on time
Servicing your car on time protects your safety, improves performance, and saves money in the long run. With a reliable partner like Carro Care, you get professional expertise, genuine parts, and transparent service—no hidden fees or surprises.
Stick to the recommended schedule, watch out for warning signs, and take those extra steps between visits. Your car will thank you with a smoother, safer ride—and you’ll enjoy peace of mind every time you hit the road.
