Check your logbook first
Every car comes with a manufacturer's service schedule in its logbook, and that's the number that matters for your vehicle. Some cars are on 12-month or 15,000 km intervals; others are shorter. When the schedule and the "whichever comes first" rule disagree, go with whichever you hit first, distance or time.
Time vs distance
Both matter. Oil and fluids degrade with time even if you barely drive, so a low-kilometre car still needs its time-based service. A high-kilometre car will usually hit the distance interval first. Don't skip a service just because you haven't driven much, the time interval exists for a reason.
When to service sooner
Some driving is harder on a car and justifies shorter intervals:
- Lots of short trips that never fully warm the engine
- Towing or carrying heavy loads
- Frequent stop-start city traffic
- Dusty or off-road conditions
If that's your driving, talk to your mechanic about servicing a little sooner.
What happens if you skip services
Skipping or stretching services lets small problems grow. Old oil stops protecting the engine, worn parts don't get caught, and a cheap fix becomes an expensive one. On a car under warranty, missing scheduled services can also cause problems with a claim. Regular servicing is cheaper than the repair it prevents.
Signs your car needs a look before its service
Book sooner if you notice unusual noises, a warning light, a change in how it drives or brakes, or fluid on the driveway. See our diagnostics page.