How Often Should You Service a Car?

Regular servicing is one of the simplest ways to keep a used car reliable, and one of the easiest things to put off. A missed service rarely causes a problem straight away, but small issues that go unnoticed tend to become bigger, more expensive ones over time.

Our on-site workshop in Hamilton services all makes and models, not just cars bought from us. Here's how often you should be servicing a used car, and what's actually involved.

The Short Answer

We recommend servicing every 10,000km or once a year, whichever comes first. That's a general guide though, and the exact interval for your specific make and model is in the car's service book or owner's manual. Regular servicing catches small issues early and helps a used car stay reliable for longer, and if your car has a mechanical warranty, staying within its required interval is what keeps that cover valid.

WOF vs Service: What's the Difference?

A WOF

• A legal safety check required to keep your car registered
• Checks things like tyres, brakes, lights and structural condition
• A pass or fail against a minimum safety standard

A Service

• A maintenance check for your car's mechanical health
• Covers oil changes, fluid top-ups and general wear items
• Helps prevent problems that could later cause a WOF fail

What a Typical Service Includes

Oil and Filter Change

Fresh oil and a new filter keep the engine running smoothly and help it last longer.

Fluid Levels

Brake fluid, coolant and other fluids are checked and topped up as needed.

Safety Items

Brakes, tyres and lights are checked, similar to a WOF but as part of routine maintenance.

General Inspection

A once-over for anything that's wearing down or showing early signs of a problem.

How Often Different Cars Need Servicing

• Most petrol cars: Every 10,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first
• Hybrids: Similar intervals to petrol cars, with the hybrid system checked as part of the service
• High-kilometre drivers: May need servicing more often than once a year, based on distance rather than time
• Cars that mostly sit around town: Still benefit from an annual service even if they're well under the kilometre interval

Your car's exact interval is in its service book or owner's manual, and it's worth following that rather than a general rule of thumb.

Why Regular Servicing Matters for a Used Car

A used car has already had its first owner, which means small maintenance issues can be easy to miss if you don't know its full history. Staying on top of servicing from the point you buy it is one of the best ways to keep a used car reliable and catch anything early, before it becomes a bigger repair.

It's also worth thinking about servicing when you're choosing which car to buy in the first place. Some models are simply cheaper and easier to maintain than others. Our guide to the most reliable used cars in NZ covers models known for holding up well over time.

What Happens If You Skip a Service?

• Small issues can grow. A minor oil or fluid issue caught early is a lot cheaper to fix than the damage it can cause if it's left
• It can affect your WOF. Well-maintained brakes, lights and tyres are less likely to cause a fail
• It can affect resale value. A complete service history reassures buyers and can make your car easier to sell later
• It can affect a mechanical warranty. If your car has a mechanical warranty, servicing within the warranty's required interval is usually what keeps it valid

Servicing and Your Mechanical Warranty

If your car comes with a mechanical warranty, keeping to its required service interval matters just as much as keeping the car itself running well. Most warranties are conditional on servicing being carried out within a set distance or time window, so a missed or late service can put your cover at risk. Check your warranty documents for the exact interval that applies, or ask our team if you're not sure.

WOF, Servicing and Repairs in Hamilton

As an MTA workshop, our on-site workshop handles WOFs, servicing and repairs for all makes and models, not just cars bought from us. Visit us 7 days a week at 20 Arthur Porter Drive, Hamilton, or call (07) 849 0083 to book.

Car Servicing FAQs

• How often should I service my car?
  We recommend a service every 10,000km or once a year, whichever comes first. Your car's service book or manual will have the exact interval for your specific model.
• What's the difference between a WOF and a service?
  A WOF is a legal safety check that confirms your car meets a minimum standard. A service is a maintenance check that looks after the car's mechanical health, such as oil changes and fluid top-ups, and helps prevent problems before they cause a WOF fail.
• Do I need to service my car at the same place every time?
  You're free to choose where you service your car. If you have a mechanical warranty, though, you need to keep your services within the warranty's required interval to keep it valid, so check what your specific warranty requires.
• What happens if I skip a service?
  Skipping services can let small issues turn into bigger, more expensive ones, and it can also affect your car's resale value if there are gaps in the service history.
• Do hybrids need servicing more often?
  Not usually. Hybrids generally follow similar service intervals to petrol cars, though the hybrid battery and system are checked as part of a proper service.
• Can I get a WOF and a service done together?
  Yes. Our on-site workshop can do your WOF, service and any repairs in one visit, which saves you time.
• Do I need to service within a certain interval to keep my warranty valid?
  If your car has a mechanical warranty, yes. Most mechanical warranties require services to be carried out within the warranty's specified interval, so missing that window can affect your cover. Check your warranty documents, or ask us if you're not sure what applies to your car.

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