One of the factors that should be taken into account when budgeting for a vehicle is the car service costs. Aside from the car’s price, gas refills, and insurance, routine car maintenance is an essential task. Car maintenance can help keep your vehicle healthy and help you avoid repairs that cost an arm and a leg. An unserviced car might cost you a lot more in the long run. It might break down and leave you on the side of the road, in which case car towing prices are also added to the check (and having to pay for a rental while your vehicle is being repaired).
Knowing about average car maintenance costs and considering them in your budget is an excellent way to prepare yourself for owning a car. A serviced car will work for a more extended time and suffer a more minor dip in price. To help you budget for your car service, let’s look at how much you can expect to pay.
Factors affecting car service costs
It wouldn’t hurt to ask different mechanics to give you a quote since your bill can change based on various criteria. The type of car service you need, the make and model of your vehicle, and the mechanic labour prices are all determining factors.
Type of car service
A service interval is a recommended time of service for your vehicle, based on manufacturer guides on maintenance. Intervals are based on the mileage and age of the car in order to keep your automobile in its best shape. There are minor and major car services.
Minor car services are recommended every 7,500 kilometres or about every 4 months for all passenger, 4WD and light commercial vehicles. It usually involves minor repairs such as tyre air checks and surface inspections. Minor repairs do not include part replaces, so it’s usually more affordable.
Major car services are usually more time consuming as a mechanic will ensure all components of your car are working correctly. A complete tune-up is done every 15,000 kilometres or about every 12 months. Major services typically include brake and brake fluid checks, wheel adjustments, filter replacements, battery checks and other necessary replacements.
Car make and model
When it comes down to scheduled maintenance, different cars have different requirements. For example, the required spare parts might be harder to find for older models, or oil changes might cost more since different kinds of fluids might be needed. Older vehicles may require more frequent oil changes. Manufacturers offer different service intervals for their different car models, some every 12-month while others recommend 6-month maintenance visits.
Read your vehicle’s guides to find out about service visits needed and recommended requirements of your specific car model. That way, you can better understand the amount of money you need to set aside for regular repair shop visits.
There are times when your car cost too much to repair because it’s too old. We recommend upgrading to a newer model to avoid further significant costs and troubles down the road since it will save you money on repairs and fuel costs. Junk car removals can help you upgrade without any hassle. We buy old cars for cash. We also buy vans, trucks, 4wds, and Utes.
Mechanic
Labour rates charged by repair shops is another factor that affects the average costs of maintaining your vehicle. Choosing whether a dealership or a private mechanic is the best option to take care of your car depends on your personal needs, your type of vehicle and the circumstances. Popular car companies and brands offer their own services with capped prices, and the prices are different for each brand and car model. The best practice is to visit their websites to get your hands on more updated information
How can you keep your car service costs down?
If you look after your car, it will look after you and your pocket! You should repair your car on a schedule to extend its. Through this you will have to pay a bill that is actually more affordable than paying out for a new vehicle or engine! There are other ways you can keep the costs at a minimum during your car’s life and when it requires services. Using stock body parts whenever a replacement is due, keeping the AC off, so it works for longer, or even applying car vinyl wraps to protect the colour are just some of the ways you can keep your repair costs low. Your car’s maintenance needs also depend on how you drive it. You’ll need more maintenance if you frequently idle, tow heavy loads or drive in cold or hot weather.
Car service costs in Brisbane
The best way to find out about the latest prices for car maintenance is by getting a quote from your dealership or local garage. This will give a good idea of the expenses you will be facing. But knowing the average prices will help you develop a better plan based on your budgeting. Average car service costs in Brisbane are estimated between $188 to $270. But keep in mind this is only an average. Minor car services start at around $159, which, as we mentioned before, will increase based on mileage, model and size of your car. For example, minor vehicle service for 4WDs starts at $199. Major car services in Brisbane average at around $259, and the price for a 4WD begins from $299.
However, these are all starting prices, and other repairs and services will add to your check. Air conditioner breakdowns in hot summer weather, engine repair or replacements, tyre changes, brake and wheel adjustments, and oil changes are all costly in Brisbane, and if you own an old car, it might not be worth this much spending throughout the year.
There are other ways you can save money other than keeping the service costs down to a minimum. Maybe it’s time to upgrade to more economical cars and save more money on repairs for a car losing its value. We have a list of economical cars you can buy in Brisbane that might help you find what you need! Also, Cash for car Brisbane region can help you collect quick cash for your junk car and remove your car with free car removal services. Just contact us through our website, or give us a call at 0483-333-444.
