7 common car service mistakes that could cost you big

Let’s be honest – most of us treat car servicing as one of those ‘I’ll get to it later’ chores. Between juggling a work-life balance, family, and a never-ending to-do list, it’s easy to either forget about a service entirely or rush through it without much thought. But skipping details or putting off routine checks can end up costing you way more than just a basic fee. Today, we’re looking at seven common mistakes that could cost you big, and how to avoid them. 

1. Ignoring scheduled service intervals

One of the biggest mistakes drivers can make is skipping or delaying scheduled services. Those recommended intervals in your logbook aren’t just suggestions – they’re designed to keep your car running as safely and efficiently as possible. Missing a service might seem harmless, but over time, it can lead to things like engine wear and tear, reduced fuel economy, and expensive breakdowns. There’s nothing worse than breaking down and wondering if it could’ve been prevented by keeping up to date with your services! 

2. Overlooking the little warning signs

We’re all guilty of ignoring the little warning signs our car uses to communicate with us, such as a faint squeak, a slight pull to the left, or flashing warning lights that come on and off intermittently. While these signs might not seem urgent at the time, they might be pointing to bigger issues brewing beneath the surface. Some issues with cars can get worse very quickly, so ignoring them can lead you to spending more money fixing bigger issues. For example, if you ignore the signs that your brake pads are wearing down, you might find yourself paying for new discs as well as pads. If something feels off, get it checked. 

3. Trying to cut costs with cheap parts or dodgy services

While we all love a bargain, when it comes to car servicing, cheaper sometimes means playing a risky game. Using poor-quality aftermarket parts might save you a few dollars upfront, but can end up costing you thousands in the future. Cheap parts can wear out faster, cause performance issues, and even damage other parts of your car. And most don’t come with warranties, so when something goes wrong, you’ll often be left to fix it on your own. 

4. Neglecting fluid checks and top-ups

Many drivers assume that the fuel tank is the only fluid check they need to keep an eye on, but this simply isn’t true. Your car relies on lots of other fluids to keep everything running like a well-oiled machine, including: 

• Engine oil
• Brake fluid
• Transmission fluid
• Coolant
• Power steering fluid

Low or dirty fluids can cause a whole heap of problems, such as overheating, engine damage, and brake failure. Always check your levels before a big drive and replace them as and when needed. 

5. Forgetting about the tyres

Tyres are often the most neglected part of a vehicle, despite the fact that they’re the only components that actually touch the road! Common mistakes you might be making with your tyres include driving on uneven or low tread, forgetting to check tyre pressure, and not realigning wheels when needed. These issues can lead to poor fuel economy and shorter lifespans for your tyres, so we recommend checking your tyres once a month and always before long trips. 

6. Skipping air and cabin filter replacements

Air filters aren’t just about keeping your car running clean; they also affect the performance and air quality inside your vehicle. Air filters can become clogged over time, making the engine work harder to keep up. This can reduce the engine’s power and fuel economy before giving out entirely, leaving you with a hefty bill to replace it. Replacing your cabin and air filters is inexpensive and easy, so there’s really no reason not to!

7. Not keeping accurate service records

It might seem like such an inconsequential thing, but keeping clear and up-to-date records for your service history can save money in the long run. Not only do the records help you maintain the car’s resale value, but mechanics can also use them to spot recurring problems. They can also make sure you stay on top of the recommended frequency of maintenance, so you don’t have to worry about when your service is due and if you’ve missed it. Plus, if you ever need to claim a warranty repair or insurance payout, having solid documentation can help the process move along a lot smoother and faster. 

Find a car servicing expert near you!

Servicing a car isn’t a recommendation from the manufacturer – it’s a key part of keeping your car reliable, safe, and efficient. By avoiding these common mistakes, you should be able to save yourself from preventable breakdowns and stressful repairs. If you’re looking for a trusted team of experts, check out Wayne Park Servicing. With 37 years of experience and a reputation built on trust and loyalty, they’re more than capable of servicing your car to the highest standards.