How often do you need to service your car?

@gudheart (12659)
July 8, 2016 8:40am CST
I am new to the whole car maintenance thing, as my old car was and 'Old' car so I never really did frequent servicing on it. However I am determined to look after my Mimi aka Mini one car which has done 27000 miles. I have no idea how often I am supposed to service it? Is it every 10,000 miles? Any ideas? If not will have to contact the mini dealer.
11 people like this
17 responses
@snowy22315 (169966)
• United States
8 Jul 16
Modern cars don't need maintenace quite often as those in days gone by. I think for most vehicles it is every 5,000 miles, but you really need to go by the guidelines in your owners manual.
4 people like this
@pgiblett (6524)
• Canada
8 Jul 16
When I lived in the UK most distributors would set services at 12,000 miles. Here in Canada it is every 5,000 kilometers. I can't think of any reason other than profiteering.
1 person likes this
@gudheart (12659)
12 Jul 16
Oh right, Okay, I am hoping it is every 10,000.
@LadyDuck (458145)
• Switzerland
8 Jul 16
It is written in the manual. If you cannot find ask to your dealer. It is not the same for all the cars, so it's better that you check with your dealer. If you car is new, your service interval display (located in the center of the speedometer) will notify you of which service type you need. Each time the vehicle is started the display will show the mileage until the next service is needed.
4 people like this
@gudheart (12659)
9 Jul 16
Oh right, thanks for that. I am not sure if mine shows the mileage until next service but does have service indicators on there.
1 person likes this
• United States
8 Jul 16
You can call and ask your Mini Dealer when an oil change, or service should happen. Or in your cars manual there is a section where it'll tell you and tell you when you finished what, and write down the date to keep up with the maintenance. Now depending on the car like my 2016 Honda Accord Sport, we have 5,000 miles but the oil change doesn't go by miles. It depends on how you drive so when I called they said they cannot tell me when an oil change is needed, until the light notifying you oil change needs to be done..
2 people like this
• United States
9 Jul 16
@gudheart Yes, that'd be a safe thing to do!
1 person likes this
@gudheart (12659)
12 Jul 16
@infatuatedbby I will do on my days off :D
1 person likes this
@gudheart (12659)
9 Jul 16
Oh right. My car is second hand so not sure whether the maintenance has been filled in in the book. I will contact the dealership anyway to be safe.
1 person likes this
• United States
8 Jul 16
Look in the owner manual it should tell you when you change oil/etc. Cars are all different.
4 people like this
@gudheart (12659)
9 Jul 16
Okay, will do. thanks.
• West Haven, Connecticut
8 Jul 16
Ì change my oil every 5,000 miles and diesel filters ever 10,000
3 people like this
@gudheart (12659)
9 Jul 16
That must be quite often then?
1 person likes this
• West Haven, Connecticut
11 Jul 16
@gudheart every 4 months more or less
1 person likes this
@gudheart (12659)
12 Jul 16
@BACONSTRIPSXXX that is quite often! Thanks for the info
@JohnRoberts (109857)
• Los Angeles, California
8 Jul 16
Do you have a manufacturer's manual with your car? That will tell you when you need service check ups.
4 people like this
@gudheart (12659)
9 Jul 16
The book is quite big so not read through it all yet, I will check it, thanks.
1 person likes this
• India
8 Jul 16
here for my car i will do servicing on every 5000 km and major service at 15000km.
1 person likes this
• India
12 Jul 16
@gudheart it is good to keep our vehicle in good conditions always. because it has our life involved while driving.
1 person likes this
@gudheart (12659)
12 Jul 16
@sunilparthan I agree, I am scared enough of driving with crazy drivers out there, so I rather know my car is safe aswell to drive.
@gudheart (12659)
12 Jul 16
Oh right, thanks for the info. I think I will have to go for servicing soon.
1 person likes this
@pgiblett (6524)
• Canada
8 Jul 16
Car servicing is always an odd thing. Here in Canada the distributors want to see you about twice a year, but when we lived in the UK our new cars needed servicing only about once a year. I think many distributors want you to come in regularly, because it gives them income and has nothing to do with wear and tear on the car.
1 person likes this
@pgiblett (6524)
• Canada
12 Jul 16
@gudheart But I am sure the dealership will want to see you twice a year.
@gudheart (12659)
12 Jul 16
I am hoping it is only needed once a year.
1 person likes this
@mom210 (9036)
• United States
11 Jul 16
I just go when the little sticker on my window says to. I do not like to think about anything except getting in and driving.
1 person likes this
@gudheart (12659)
12 Jul 16
I was like that, but now I feel I should maybe service it more often to be safer on the road.
1 person likes this
@Inlemay (17714)
• South Africa
8 Jul 16
every 15000 km which would be 9300 miles
1 person likes this
@gudheart (12659)
12 Jul 16
Thanks for that. Mine has down around 7000 since last service.
1 person likes this
@shshiju (10342)
• Cochin, India
8 Jul 16
Every year there is a surely check up of every thing. If temporary repair needs then it do urgently.
2 people like this
@gudheart (12659)
12 Jul 16
I am hoping with a good make like BMW I would not need it as often.
1 person likes this
@shshiju (10342)
• Cochin, India
12 Jul 16
@gudheart But initial cost is high.
@DianneN (246838)
• United States
9 Jul 16
I'm not familiar with your car, so I'd ask your dealership or check the manual. Our cars have a light that comes on to remind us it's time for servicing. Enjoy your car!
1 person likes this
@gudheart (12659)
12 Jul 16
I read mine has that too, so I will look out for it.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325798)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Jul 16
Our cars have a maintenance book in the glove-box which details when cars should be serviced. But I guess in an older car the book might have disappeared.
2 people like this
@gudheart (12659)
9 Jul 16
I think I have mine somewhere, yes. I will look for it, thanks.
1 person likes this
@ilocosboy (45157)
• Philippines
8 Jul 16
I have no idea too... because i don't have a car, nyak.
2 people like this
@gudheart (12659)
12 Jul 16
I am not good with cars at all!
@simone10 (54189)
• Louisville, Kentucky
15 Jul 16
I'm sorry but I can't help as I haven't had a car in almost 8 years. I live with my brother and he takes me everywhere I need to go.
@amadeo (111948)
• United States
8 Jul 16
I always have my car service when it needs it.
1 person likes this
@gudheart (12659)
12 Jul 16
I am guessing you keep a note of when it needs servicing? Like every 6 months or so?
@Mike197602 (15487)
• United Kingdom
8 Jul 16
On the dash of a mini there is normally a service indicator that tells you when the car needs servicing. Normally it is annually or 10,000 miles. Had to edit the above due to typos I made when on my phone
1 person likes this
@gudheart (12659)
12 Jul 16
Thats great thanks. I will look out for it.
1 person likes this