car service intervals Page 17

Most modern cars in Australia want a service every 10,000–15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first; harsh use can shorten that.

Diesels and hard-worked turbos tend to stick to about 10,000 km, while some European schedules claim 20,000–30,000 km but are often trimmed for Aussie conditions.

EVs still need annual check-ups (tyres, brakes, cabin filter, coolant where fitted), and brake fluid is typically every 2 years; timing belts vary from roughly 60,000–160,000 km or 4–10 years.

Your logbook is the gospel, and capped-price servicing can keep costs predictable.

If you tow, do short trips, or live with dust and heat, follow the “severe” schedule and your mechanic will nod approvingly instead of frowning.