How Do I Know If My Car Needs To Be Serviced?
How Do I Know If My Car Needs To Be Serviced?
It's easy to forget about your next car service, especially when your vehicle still feels like it's running smoothly. But regular servicing isn't just about ticking a box. It's about safety, reliability, and protecting your vehicle's long-term value.
At New Town Toyota in East Victoria Park, we often get asked: "How do I know when my car needs a service?" The answer depends on a few key factors, including your car's log book schedule, time since your last service, dashboard warning lights, and how your car feels day to day.
When Should I Service My Toyota?
Toyota recommends servicing your vehicle every 12 months or 15,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. However, if you do a lot of short trips around suburbs like Victoria Park, South Perth, Belmont, or Cannington, your vehicle may benefit from more frequent checks. Stop-start city driving puts extra strain on your engine, brakes, and battery. If you're unsure when your Toyota is due, check your log book or give our service team a call. We can look up your vehicle's service history and let you know what's required.outlines how often your car should be serviced based on kilometres travelled. For example, every 10,000km or 15,000km depending on the make and model. If you drive regularly, you’ll likely reach these kilometre milestones before the time-based intervals come up. Servicing on schedule helps ensure vital parts like the engine oil, filters, and brakes are inspected and replaced before wear becomes costly.
Why Regular Servicing Matters in Perth
Perth's driving conditions can be tough on vehicles. Hot summers put extra strain on cooling systems and batteries, while dust and dirt from suburban roads can clog filters faster than you'd expect. Regular servicing helps catch small issues before they become costly repairs. For drivers in Como, Manning, Kensington, Bentley, and surrounding suburbs, keeping up with your service schedule also protects your Toyota's warranty and maintains its resale value.If your car sits idle for weeks or is only used for short trips, moisture can build up in the engine and brake systems. Servicing by time keeps these systems in good condition and prevents long-term damage. Tip: Check your last service sticker or reminder card on your windscreen. It will show both a month/year and a kilometre target. Whichever comes first means it's time to book in.
Signs Your Car Might Need a Service
Even between scheduled services, your car will often tell you when something isn't right. Here are some common signs Perth drivers should look out for.
1. Your car's dashboard has warning lights
If a warning light appears on your dashboard, don't ignore it. Whether it's the engine, oil, battery, or brake warning light, it's best to have it checked sooner rather than later. Our technicians use Toyota diagnostic equipment to quickly identify the issue.
2. Your car Is Making Unusual noises
Squealing brakes, knocking sounds, or a rattling exhaust can indicate worn components. If you're hearing something new when driving around Lathlain, Carlisle, or Rivervale, it's worth booking a check.
3. Reduced fuel economy
If you're filling up more often than usual, your engine may not be running efficiently. A service can identify issues like clogged filters, worn spark plugs, or tyre pressure problems.
4. Vibrations or pulling to one side
If your steering wheel vibrates or your car pulls left or right, it could be a wheel alignment issue or worn suspension components. This is especially common on Perth's busier roads like Shepperton Road and Great Eastern Highway.
5. Sluggish performance
If your Toyota feels slower to accelerate or less responsive than usual, it may be time for a service. This is particularly noticeable in stop-start traffic around Burswood, Kewdale, or heading into the CBD.
6. It's been more than 12 months
Even if your car feels fine, time-based servicing is important. Fluids degrade, filters clog, and components wear over time, regardless of how many kilometres you've driven.
Book Your Next Service with Confidence
Whether it's been a while since your last service or a warning light has appeared, our trained Toyota technicians are here to help.
Book your next logbook or express service at New Town Toyota, located just five minutes from Optus Stadium.
Toyota Servicing for Drivers Across Perth
We proudly service customers from East Victoria Park, Victoria Park, Lathlain, Carlisle, Rivervale, Burswood, Ascot, Belmont, Cloverdale, Kewdale, Redcliffe, Welshpool, Cannington, Queens Park, Wilson, Bentley, St James, Kensington, South Perth, Como, Karawara, Manning, Salter Point, Waterford, and Canning Bridge.
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