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How Often Should You Service Your Car?

K & T Ballina Mechanical • October 6, 2021

There is a lot of confusion over precisely what a service involves, and a full rundown of every point would be enough to fill a small book, so here's a quick rundown.
 
Your mechanic will do visual inspections of all your car's central parts, including the
brakes and suspension, as well as your gears and drive train. They'll also replace and refill all your major fluids, including oil, brake fluid and power steering, as well as your filters too.

How Often Should I Get My Car Serviced?

Many garages will recommend that you get your car serviced every year, but it really depends who you ask. A yearly service will catch anything significant that's gone wrong before your car stops dead, but by that point, the damage could already have happened. If you've been driving around on worn or broken parts, this could lead to some really nasty bills in the future.
 
Instead, we recommend a service every six months or every 10,000 km. However, If your vehicle is on the older end, or if you often drive it in heavy-duty conditions, like on unsealed country highways or off-road, servicing every 5,000km or three months is a better option.


By doing this, you're saving money in the long term, as it's much more likely we'll catch any problems that your car has before they go seriously wrong. Not only that, but to potential buyers further down the line, having your car serviced frequently will make it a much more attractive deal, as it will be obvious that you have been taking care of it.

Signs Your Car Is Due For A Service:

Sometimes, you might need to arrange for a service outside of your regular schedule. This can happen if you drive an older vehicle, especially if it has missed several previous services.


When driving, look out for the following signs that your car might need a service soon:

  • The oil light comes on
  • Your breaks are less responsive than usual
  • Your car has a weak start
  • Changing gears feels sluggish
  • Your car loses power when parked
  • The engine makes unusual sounds

If you notice any of these issues, contact us to find out if it’s something serious or if your vehicle just needs a quick once-over to get it safely properly again.

How Much Does It Cost?

As with any car, the amount the service costs depends on the car's make, model and age. However, a typical service usually costs something in the region of $160 to $240. Newer cars tend to cost less to service because they're less likely to wear or become damaged, while rare or imported cars can cost more to service because parts are harder to find.

How To Service Your Vehicle At Home:

While it’s possible to service your car at home, you’ll need tools, experience, and enough time.


A typical minor service involves:

  • Inspecting for general wear and tear
  • Checking the tyres
  • Replacing engine oil and changing air filters
  • Changing brake pads and checking brake fluid
  • Changing antifreeze and transmission fluid
  • Inspecting belts and hoses

Major services generally include more complex checks, like repackaging wheel bearings and changing trans line oils.


If you don’t have the time or know-how to service your car at home, contacting a trusted mechanic is the ideal choice. At K & T Ballina Mechanical, we offer honest, reliable, and competitively priced servicing across the Ballina region.

Why Choose K & T Ballina Mechanical?

At K&T Ballina Mechanical, our number one priority is making sure that your car is running in optimal condition all through its life so you don't get landed with any hefty repair bills. We're highly rated and trustworthy mechanics who have years of experience servicing cars of all kinds to the highest standards. We're also well known for our customer service, and we'll keep you up to date with everything regarding your service so there are no surprises when it comes time to pay the bill.


Are you looking for a reliable, high-quality mechanic to service your car? Put your trust in K & T Ballina Mechanical and book your service today!

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