Beware the hidden issues of car servicing

Last updated on May 29th, 2025

We should always keep our vehicles in good shape but there are a few things you should know before booking to help avoid the hidden issues of car servicing.

The first one is to try to maintain regular services. With households feeling the pinch with rising cost of living, many Australian motorists are putting off car servicing.

While a short delay is unlikely to cause too much damage, letting the service go way past the due date could affect your warranty, particularly if it’s a new car. It could also end up costing you a lot more in the long run, including voiding your car insurance if the failure to maintain the vehicle means it is no longer roadworthy. This includes ensuring your tyres are safe.

But how do you avoid, or at least mitigate, other issues?

Locking in a set fee

Finding the right mechanic is key to the quality of the service. But also ensure you ask about costs upfront. Even when you do get the set cost, however, there is always a chance there will be more work required than a regular service allows.

 

 

If the mechanic contacts you regarding any other issues they have found while servicing the car, it is your decision whether or not to spend the extra money. If it is a safety issue, then you really have no choice, but always ask the mechanic if it’s something that can either wait until your next service or you have a bit more cash in the bank.

Many manufacturers also offer capped price servicing, which means you know what you will pay to maintain your car even before you’ve bought it. The time varies between manufacturers but can be up to six years or more. They don’t necessarily include everything you might expect, however, so ask before you sign on the dotted line.

Mechanics do overcharge so if you’re worried you might get stung, see if you can get fixed-price servicing from a reputable licensed mechanic. Word of mouth is often the best way to find someone you can trust. You can also check their credentials through the relevant vehicle authority in your state or territory.

The cost of car parts

Even if you know what you’re going to pay for the service, there’s a good chance – especially in older vehicles – that the mechanic will need to replace a car part or two. You can google the price of components as a guide to what they might cost but you also need to have faith your mechanic is doing the right thing.

Sometimes branded car parts are hard to come by but don’t be overly concerned about that affecting your warranty if they can’t be found. Using a generic car part will not affect the entire car warranty, just that part. And while it is no longer covered by the manufacturer's warranty, it's still covered under the Consumer Guarantees.

If your car is under an extended warranty, however, different rules may apply. According to Consumer Affairs Victoria, “Extended warranties may restrict your choice of mechanic and parts used or lock you into a service schedule with a specific dealer or group of dealerships.” Check with the consumer protection authority in your state or territory.

Counterfeit or inferior products are also aplenty on Australian roads, surging during the pandemic when the real thing was hard to come by, and showing no signs of slowing down. An investigation by news.com.au found that engine components were among car parts being bought at bargain basement prices from online platform Temu and other off-shore sites.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) says these inferior parts pose a direct threat to consumers, as they have not been approved by the vehicle’s manufacturer or tested to Australian safety standards. While it can be hard to know if you’re being sold counterfeit products, don't be afraid to ask your mechanic where they buy any car parts they fit to your vehicle and check the warranty.

 

 

Damage after the car service

What happens if you sent your car in for a regular service or repairs and it has come back with damage that wasn’t there before?

The first thing is to make sure you document the damage – take photos and write down what is different from when you left it with the mechanic. Then ring them to discuss the issue. It is possible someone junior was working on part of the servicing and caused some damage without realising. Or it is just an honest mistake that the mechanic is happy to rectify.

 

 

If you don’t get any joy, get another certified mechanic, such as your local car inspection service, to give you an honest assessment. If it is clearly something caused during the car service, go back to the original mechanic and ask them again to repair at no cost.

The same applies if your service has not met proper standards. Talk to the mechanic first, as escalating issues can become costly and sometimes it’s a simple misunderstanding.

You are protected under Australian Consumer Law, which provides guarantees and warranties on car servicing. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) offers support and advice about how to complain and what steps you can take to get redress.

If you feel you have been ripped off with your car service, make a complaint with us and we’ll help you handle it.