How Often Should I Service My Car in South Africa?
If you're unsure about how often to service your car, you're not alone. Many South African drivers wait until something goes wrong before visiting a workshop — but regular servicing is the key to keeping your car running smoothly, safely, and economically.
At Peers Auto Spares, we know that a well-maintained vehicle saves you money in the long run. In this guide, we’ll explain how often to service your car, what’s included in a typical service, and what parts you should regularly replace.
🛠️ Why Regular Car Servicing Is Important
Servicing your car isn’t just about checking the oil. It helps:
- Extend your engine’s life
- Improve fuel economy
- Prevent breakdowns
- Catch small problems before they become big (and expensive)
Think of it as going to the doctor for a check-up — even if nothing seems wrong, it's better to be sure.
🗓️ Service Intervals: How Often Should You Service?
In general:
| Type of Service | When to Do It (KM) | When to Do It (Time) |
|---|---|---|
| Minor Service | Every 10,000–15,000 km | Every 6–12 months |
| Major Service | Every 30,000–45,000 km | Every 2–3 years |
Note: Your owner’s manual gives the most accurate schedule. Diesel engines may require more frequent oil changes than petrol ones.
🔍 What’s Included in a Minor vs. Major Service?
🧰 Minor Service Typically Includes:
- Engine oil change
- Oil filter replacement
- Air filter inspection or replacement
- Spark plug check
- Tyre pressure and fluid top-ups
🔧 Need parts? Shop oil filters, air filters, and spark plugs at Peers Auto Spares.
🔧 Major Service Typically Includes:
- Everything in a minor service
- Replace fuel filter and air filter
- Replace spark plugs (if not iridium type)
- Check brakes, belts, suspension
- Coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid check
🚗 Driving Conditions Matter
South African conditions vary — and so should your service schedule. If you:
- Drive in dusty areas
- Take lots of short trips
- Sit in traffic daily
- Tow heavy loads or drive at high speeds
…then you may need to service your car more often than the average driver.
🧩 Common Service Parts You Should Replace
Here are the most important parts to change on schedule:
| Part | Recommended Interval |
|---|---|
| Oil filter | Every 10,000–15,000 km |
| Air filter | Every 15,000–20,000 km |
| Fuel filter | Every 30,000–40,000 km |
| Spark plugs | Every 30,000–50,000 km |
| Brake pads | When worn or every 30,000 km |
🛍️ Browse all service parts online — we deliver anywhere in South Africa.
🛒 Where to Buy Affordable Car Service Parts
At Peers Auto Spares, we offer:
- Filters for Toyota, VW, Hyundai, Ford, BMW, and more
- High-quality brands like GUD, NGK, Fram, and more
- Expert advice to help you choose the right fit
- Fast shipping and fair pricing
Whether you’re doing your own service or buying parts for your mechanic, we’ve got what you need.
📦 Order your full service kit today and save with bundle pricing.
🧰 Can You Service Your Own Car?
Yes — many basic service tasks can be done at home:
- Changing the oil
- Replacing the air or oil filter
- Swapping out spark plugs
All you need is a bit of time and a few tools. But if you’re not confident, get a professional to do it. Just make sure you bring your own parts to save on costs — and avoid cheap, low-quality spares.
✅ Final Thoughts
Regular servicing is the cheapest insurance you can get for your vehicle. It keeps your car running better, longer — and prevents you from being stranded on the side of the road.
At Peers Auto Spares, we make it easy for you to stick to your service schedule with:
- Affordable, quality parts
- Advice from experienced staff
- Parts that match your vehicle, guaranteed
🔧 Shop now for spark plugs, filters, brake pads, and all the essentials you need for your next service.
SEO Keywords: car service intervals South Africa, when to service my car, minor vs major car service, car maintenance checklist SA, service parts for sale, Peers Auto Spares, spark plugs and filters South Africa