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How often is it necessary to have my car serviced?
Jamie
From the "Ask Jack" archives - 23 April 2010
Depending on the age and fuel type of your vehicle can make a big difference.
If the vehicle is more than four years old and is petrol, then a regular service every 6 months or 10,000kms whichever comes first would be my recommendation.
By regular service I mean an engine oil change and filter every time. Other fluids (transmission, cooling system and brake fluid) should be checked and replaced depending on condition.
Most of the new vehicle distributors are currently extending their petrol servicing out to 12 months / 15,000kms.
Some makes such as BMW have a maintenance warning light system which will illuminate when a service is due.
Diesel powered vehicles can have service intervals as low as 3 months / 5,000kms however if the vehicle is not used off road or in dusty conditions that can be extended to 6 months 7500kms.
Once again the modern diesels can have service intervals the same as the new petrol's.
The key is a trusted service provider who will look after your interests and only do what is necessary each time the car returns for service.
This is just what I needed. I have been doing this but just wanted it confirmed that the time
between each service is correct. Thank you
your point re bmw, my mechanic suggests a service every 10,000km notwithstanding the maintenance warning which is about 25,000Km. any comment?