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What’s better for your car: Major service infrequently or Minor service frequently? 

The Real Question Every Driver Faces

Every driver wants their car to last, but few agree on how often it should be serviced. Some swear by a minor service every six months. Others wait for a “major” service once every year or two. The truth lies somewhere between, depending on how and where you drive.

Servicing is about prevention. Regular attention keeps oil clean, fluids fresh, and small faults from turning into expensive failures. Skipping or stretching intervals might seem to save money, but it quietly shortens your car’s lifespan.

Manufacturers design their schedules to protect every major component, not to sell more services. These intervals are tested under thousands of hours of use, so ignoring them means taking chances with the reliability and value of your car.

What a Minor Service Covers and Why It’s Worth Doing Often

A minor service is the most frequent form of maintenance. It keeps your car’s vital systems running efficiently between major inspections.
Typical inclusions:
  • Engine oil and oil filter replacement
  • Fluid top-ups (brake, coolant, power steering, washer)
  • Battery, tyre, and wiper checks
  • Visual inspection of belts, hoses, and exhaust
  • Road test and safety assessment
Minor services take about one to two hours. They catch small issues like oil leaks or uneven tyre wear before they escalate.
Why minor services matter:
  • Fresh oil reduces friction and extends engine life
  • Regular inspections keep safety systems working
  • Technicians can identify developing faults early
When it’s not enough:
If your car has done over 40,000 km, missed its last major service, or shows warning lights, a minor check will not reset its maintenance cycle. At that point, deeper servicing is required.

What Makes a Major Service Different

A major service goes beyond routine maintenance. It’s the deep reset that keeps your car healthy for years.

It typically includes:
All minor service items
Spark plug and fuel filter replacement (where applicable)
Brake fluid and coolant flush
Air and cabin filter replacement
Transmission oil change (if due)
Suspension, steering, and drive belt inspection
Full diagnostic scan and software updates
The goal is to restore your car to peak condition, replacing components that degrade with time, not just kilometres.

Modern cars have complex electronics that require periodic recalibration. Chandos Autos uses professional scan tools to identify and clear hidden faults that basic services miss.

Major vs Minor: Which Is Better and When?

Neither service type is better — they serve different purposes. Think of them as a team:
  • Minor services keep your car clean, lubricated, and safe in the short term.
  • Major services reset critical systems and prevent expensive repairs.
The worst mistake is skipping both or relying on one alone. Waiting until the car “feels off” usually means it’s already too late.
Common myths:
  • “My car runs fine, so I don’t need a major service.”
    Hidden wear often doesn’t show symptoms until failure.
  • “I’ll just do minor services more often.”
    Fluids like coolant and brake fluid degrade chemically, not by kilometres alone.
  • “It’s cheaper to skip one and catch up later.”
    Missed services often cost more in repairs than they save.

Comparison Table: Major vs Minor Service

<td style="border:1px solid #ccc; padding:8px;"

FeatureMinor ServiceMajor Service
Oil & filter replacement✓✓
Air & cabin filtersOptional✓
Spark plugs✗✓
Coolant & brake fluid flush✗✓
Transmission service✗✓ (if due)
Diagnostic scanBasicComprehensive
Time required1–2 hours3–6 hours
Recommended intervalEvery 10,000–15,000 kmEvery 40,000–60,000 km

How to Balance Service Frequency and Cost

Servicing too infrequently risks expensive failures. Servicing too often wastes time and money. The best approach is consistency — alternating minor and major services according to your logbook.
For most Australian drivers:
  • Minor service every 10,000–15,000 km or 6 months
  • Major service every 40,000–60,000 km or 24 months
City driving: Frequent short trips don’t allow oil to reach full temperature, so contaminants build faster. Stick to the shorter end of each interval.

Highway driving: Longer trips are easier on engines, so you can safely follow the upper range.

Hidden savings:
  • Fewer major repairs over the life of the vehicle
  • Better fuel economy
  • Higher resale value
  • Continuous warranty protection
According to the RACV, vehicles with consistent servicing can retain 8–10% more resale value than those with irregular maintenance.

How Chandos Autos Approaches Every Service

Chandos Autos follows manufacturer schedules exactly, ensuring your warranty and reliability remain intact.

Their service process includes:

  • Using OEM-approved oils and fluids for each vehicle make
  • Following digital and printed logbook requirements
  • Checking every safety-critical component
  • Running full diagnostic scans for modern models
  • Providing transparent reports and recommendations
The team’s diagnostic tools and technical training match those found in dealerships, allowing them to service both everyday cars and high-end European vehicles with confidence.

Checklist: Is Your Car Overdue for More Than a Basic Service?

Ask yourself these questions before your next booking:

  • Has it been over two years or 40,000 km since your last major service?
  • Do you have records for your last coolant or brake fluid change?
  • Have you noticed reduced fuel economy or sluggish performance?
  • Are there any dashboard lights or unusual noises?
  • Has your service book skipped any pages?
If you answered “yes” to one or more, your car likely needs more than a minor check.

FAQs

Over time, yes. Minor services don’t replace fluids or parts that age chemically, like coolant or brake fluid. Skipping major services risks internal damage.

Even low-mileage cars need yearly checks because fluids degrade and seals dry out.

They include more labour, fluids, and part replacements. However, they prevent far more expensive breakdowns.

Chandos uses OEM-grade parts and approved equivalents that meet or exceed manufacturer standards.

Yes. Independent workshops can perform warranty-safe servicing if they follow the manufacturer’s logbook, use correct parts and fluids, and record the work properly.

Book Your Next Service with Chandos Autos

Balancing service frequency is about long-term protection, not guesswork. Chandos Autos helps you stay on schedule with honest advice, transparent pricing, and qualified technicians who understand modern vehicles.

Book your next service or visit the workshop to discuss your logbook schedule. Reliable servicing starts with a workshop that treats your car like its own.

Book Now
Call: 03 9584 3232

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