What’s Involved in a Car Service?

When you book a “car service” in Australia, you’re usually booking a routine maintenance visit designed to keep your vehicle safe, reliable and efficient. While every workshop has its own process, a good standard service is more than just an oil change—it’s a structured inspection that aims to prevent breakdowns and catch wear early.

Oil and filter (the core of most services)

Fresh engine oil protects against heat, friction and sludge build-up. During a service, the old oil is drained, the oil filter is replaced, and the engine is refilled with the correct grade and specification oil for your make and model. Many vehicles also have a service reminder that’s reset once the job is completed.

General safety checks

A standard service typically includes a thorough safety inspection, such as:

• Brakes: pad/shoe wear, disc/drum condition, fluid level and any obvious leaks
• Tyres: tread depth, wear patterns, pressures, and a quick look for punctures or sidewall damage
• Steering & suspension: play in joints, bush wear, leaking shocks, and abnormal noises
• Lights & electrics: headlights, indicators, brake lights, horn, and warning lights on the dash
• Wipers & washers: blade condition and washer operation for clear visibility

Under-bonnet checks

Your mechanic will usually inspect and top up (if needed) key fluids and items, including:

• Coolant level/condition
• Brake fluid level/condition
• Power steering fluid (where applicable)
• Windscreen washer fluid
• Drive belts, hoses and air intake components for cracks or leaks
• Battery condition/terminals and charging health, especially before hot weather or long trips

Under-vehicle inspection

With the vehicle raised, it’s easier to spot oil leaks, coolant seepage, exhaust issues, torn CV boots, damaged undertrays, and other problems you can’t see from the driveway.

Road test and reporting

Many services include a short road test to check braking feel, steering pull, vibrations, and general drivability. A clear report should explain what was checked, what’s OK, and what may need attention soon—so you can plan maintenance rather than being surprised later.

Minor vs logbook vs major

A “minor” service is the routine oil-and-checks visit. A logbook service follows the manufacturer’s schedule for your kilometres/time (important for warranty). A major service is a larger interval where items like spark plugs, brake fluid, coolant, transmission service or filters may be due.

What you can expect to be recommended: depending on condition and schedule, you may be advised on air and cabin (pollen) filters, tyre rotation and balancing, brake fluid or coolant testing, and battery replacement if it’s weak. Some cars also benefit from a quick diagnostic scan to confirm there are no stored fault codes.

At Your Local Mechanical (YLM), we service to your vehicle’s requirements and how you drive, and we’ll walk you through what’s been done and what’s coming up next.