Ever wonder why car service costs are different in every workshop? One mechanic charges $200 while another one charges $1500, and you are now confused which one charges the right price. No worries, this question comes to every car owner's mind. This detailed guide is all about how much car service should cost.
First of all, the price of car service depends on the type of car, model, mileage and even where you are getting car service. So, now stop guessing or comparing random quotes; we will break every cost of service. Stay connected.
How Much Do You Have to Spend on Car Service?
The car service cost widely depends on the car model, type and more, but let's see how much you have to spend on car service:
Basic Car Service Cost
A basic car service costs around $80 – $200. In this, only essential maintenance is done. It includes:
- Engine Oil Change
- Basic Fluids Top up
- Oil filter replacement
- Tyre & Brake inspection
This type of maintenance or service is good for keeping the car running smoothly.
Interim Car Service Cost
The estimated cost for an Interim car service is about $150 – $300. It goes more in-depth compared to basic service, including:
- Oil & Filter change
- Tyre Rotation
- Brake Inspection
- Suspension check
- Fluid & Battery Test
Major Car Service Cost
A major service goes more deeply, and its estimated cost is about $300 – $600 for normal cars and $800 – $1200+ for luxury cars. This service includes:
- Full engine oil change
- The air filter and cabin filter are clean
- Full diagnostic scan
- Spark plug replacement
- AC System check
- Brake cleaning & full inspection
- Wheel Alignment and Balancing
- Detailed inspection of belts, suspension & exhaust
What Factors Influence Car Service Cost?
Not only one, but many factors really influence the car service cost, let's see:
Car Type & Brand
Luxury cars and top car models service is expensive compared to normal car models because these cars need premium parts and skilled technicians. As OEM parts are more costly compared to genuine products, that's why car type and brand affect car service cost.
Mileage
The mileage of the car also affects the car service cost. The more miles, means more need for repair and replacement of car parts. Here are some major items that drive with mileage:
- Brake Pads & Rotors
- Belts & Hoses
- Suspension Components
- Fluids
Workshop Type
Those service centers which are fully authorized are charged more compared to an independent garage. This is because authorized service centers have all types of brand certificates and warranties.
Parts & Oil Quality
The oil type and parts that are used in the car service also affect the cost of car service because high-quality car oil is more expensive, and OEM-approved car parts are also very expensive.
Add-ons Find During Service
Sometimes, during car service, multiple add-ons or extra faults are found that also affect the service cost. It can cause a large problem in the car, which is why repairing it is important.
How can you Avoid Overpaying for Car Service?
If you really want to avoid overpaying for car service, then follow these major considerations:
- Compare Multiple Quotes: Always consider one thing that never settles for one price without researching multiple. As it is discussed that every workshop has its own charges, that's why compare multiple quotes and choose the right one.
- Schedule Regular Maintenance: If you skip regular maintenance, then it can lead to bigger problems and the need for major service. That's why I always try to schedule regular maintenance.
- Stick to the Manufacturer's Recommendations: Every manufacturer designs the maintenance schedule, and that's why always be completed in a workshop that also considers manufacturer recommendations.
- Use Genuine Parts: Genuine and OEM-approved parts may feel costly at starting, but they prevent frequent replacements. That's why always use genuine and OEM-approved parts in your car that last longer.
FAQ about How Much Car Service Should Cost
Q. Is the electric car service less costly?
Yes, Electric car service costs less because there is no need for engine oil, spark plugs, fuel filter and timing belts.
Q. When should we take a major car service?
It is recommended you take major car service safety every 24 months or 20,000–40,000 miles.
Q. What type of maintenance can we do on our own?
Here are some maintenance tasks that you can do on your own:
- Checking engine oil
- Inspecting tire pressure
- Cleaning and replacing the air filter
- Checking coolant level
- Clean battery terminals
Q. How often should we get regular service for my car?
You should take regular service of your car after every 10,000–15,000 km. This frequency can vary depending on the car model and type.
Q. What if we skip the regular services for my car?
Skipping the regular servicing can seem normal at first, but it can lead to:
- Engine damage
- Brake failure risk
- Faster wear and tear of parts
- High repair bills
- Lower resale value


