Having a properly functioning car is important for several reasons. First, it guarantees your safety on the road. Additionally, a good-condition car will save you money as it is more fuel efficient. These benefits will guarantee your car’s reliability and convenience.
For your car to serve you better, you must take it for service routinely. You don’t have to wait until it breaks down or experience issues to take it to the garage.
Most folks get wary of hiring a vehicle service out of fear of being overcharged, and it’s normal. However, Australia’s most reliable vehicle service companies are honest and will serve you for a reasonable price.
This guide will zero in on the aspects that will affect the cost of your car service in Australia to help you estimate the fair charges.
How Much Does a Car Service Cost?
In Australia, the cost of maintaining an automobile may range anywhere from $150 up to $550 for a logbook service.
However, the price is mainly determined by the make and model of the vehicle, the kind of service required, and the particular repair shop that was chosen.
Some manufacturers have proposed “capped price servicing” as a way to make things simpler for automobile owners. As long as specific requirements are met, subscribers of this program might have the cost of their vehicle’s maintenance limited at predetermined prices. The advantage is that those who own vehicles will be aware, in advance, of the total cost that will be incurred.
The Average Car Service Costs Across Australia
The cost of vehicle service in Australia might change depending on several variables, including the location of the driver’s home.
Costs associated with auto repairs are heavily influenced by proximity to the customer. See the breakdown of service prices by Australian state in the table below.
| State/Territory | Average car service cost |
| Australia Capital Territory |
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| New South Wales |
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| Northern Territory |
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| Queensland |
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| South Australia |
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| Tasmania |
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| Victoria |
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| Western Australia |
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The cost of automobile servicing will be much higher in the vehicle service businesses located in or around Sydney, the Australian capital. For instance, the cost of changing your oil and oil filter in Sydney is $150; however, in Melbourne, the charge is between $200 and $250.
Talk to the technician about the cost of doing a complete service on your vehicle to better understand what to anticipate when the bill for the work is finally presented to you.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Your Car Service?
Several elements determine the price of automobile servicing. The number of kilometers driven, the technician fees, the make and model of the automobile, and the type of service your car needs are among the most critical factors.
Here are the main factors that will determine the cost of your car service:
The Car’s Make and Model
The automobile’s year, model, and manufacturer may significantly impact the total cost of automotive servicing. The price tag is affected by how easy it is to get certain parts and how good they are overall. Some types of automobiles need a particular sort of engine oil, transmission fluids, or other items that are relatively easy to get.
If your vehicle is included in the Capped Price Servicing program, you will be informed how much the service will cost before you have it done. If, on the other hand, you are not covered by this sort of maintenance, it is in your best interest to consult with many mechanics to choose which choice is most suitable for your needs.
The Type and Timing of the Service
There are two forms of service depending on the kind your automobile can need. Here is a quick synopsis of each:
- Minor services – This service is needed if you need a quick repair, a check of your engine, or even just a tweak to the pressure in your tires. They don’t take much time and may be completed using scavenged materials and components. You should perform these checks and maintenance every 6-12 months or every 10,000 kilometers.
- Major services – When you have a major service, a mechanic checks every part of your automobile to ensure it’s running well. Major services include an inspection of the brakes, an evaluation of the engine oil, a check of the suspension, an examination of the wheels, an examination of the filters, a check of the batteries, and other general inspections.
Major repairs are often planned based on how many miles your car has been driven or how old it is. It is recommended that substantial maintenance be performed every three years or 30,000 kilometers. If your vehicle is getting older, you can expect to pay more for maintenance and repairs since more parts need to be replaced.
The Mechanic
The cost will be determined by the mechanic’s hourly labor rate. However, the ultimate cost may also be determined by whether or not you choose to use the services of a dealership or a private mechanic.
However, there are some misunderstandings regarding dealerships versus independent mechanics. It is a common belief that going to a technician who is not affiliated with the manufacturer would render the warranty null and void. This is partially accurate since certain car dealerships will not honor your contract if the repair on your vehicle was performed elsewhere.
On the other hand, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said that automobile owners should be allowed to pick who conducts repairs on their cars so long as the work is up to the level set by the manufacturer. It is strongly recommended that you maintain a record of any maintenance performed by a private technician.
If anything goes wrong with the vehicle while the warranty is still active, you will have documentation to show that the necessary maintenance was done on it.
It is a common misconception that dealerships will charge you more, but this is not the case. The primary reason for this is the implementation of limited prices for service. The amount of cost transparency that is currently prevalent among automobile owners and technicians is more than it has ever been.
The Mileage
After a few years of use, a vehicle may have lost some of its shine, and some parts might not work as well as they used to. On the other hand, a brand-new car with a gleaming finish will always catch people’s attention.
Your automobile will become older and wear out faster as you drive it more often, particularly the plastic components of its interior. You will need to take it to a repair shop more frequently for maintenance and repairs. Your vehicle won’t have the same spark or smoothness it had when you first bought it after five years of consistent usage. Because of this, you will inevitably have to spend more money on its maintenance and repairs.
However, the most effective strategy is to begin from the very beginning by making provisions for as much care and maintenance as is practicable. It will prevent your automobile from damage, and you will save a significant amount of money on maintenance costs compared to someone who does not properly care for their car.
But there is a reality you need to bear in mind: the pace at which your automobile depreciates as it ages and the expense of maintaining your car also increases. By doing routine maintenance, you can lower costs, but you won’t be able to eliminate them.
Bottom Line
The cost of a car service can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the type of service being performed, the make and model of the vehicle, and the location of the service. Generally, a basic oil change can cost as little as $20, while more extensive services, such as a full engine overhaul, can cost several thousand dollars.
It is always a good idea to shop around and get quotes from different mechanics or dealerships before deciding where to have your car serviced. It may also be helpful to check the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals and schedule to ensure that you get the service that your car needs at the appropriate times.
