You might have wondered how long a car service takes if you’ve ever left your car at a shop for repairs. It’s important to know the time frame so you can plan your schedule, whether you want to fit it in before work or leave it for the day.
The answer depends on a lot of things, like what kind of service you booked and how old and well-kept your car is. In this guide, we go over everything you need to know, from how long does a car service take to what can speed up or slow down the job, as well as useful tips to make the process less stressful.
Why Every Driver Needs to Have Their Car Serviced
Car service is more than just a regular chore; it’s the most important thing you can do to keep your car safe, efficient, and dependable. Regular services help:
• Find problems early on, before they need costly repairs
• Make your car last longer
• Keep the manufacturer’s warranty
• Increase the value of your car when you sell it
Not getting a service on time or at all can cause mechanical problems, safety issues, and lower performance.
Many manufacturers in Australia say that you should service your car every 6 months or 10,000 km if you use it regularly, but your logbook will tell you exactly when to do it.
Things That Affect car service time
One of the most common questions people have when they plan a car service is how long it will take. There isn’t one answer that fits all. There are a number of important things that affect how long a service lasts, such as the type of service and the time of year you book it. Knowing these things can help you plan your day better and avoid delays that you didn’t see coming.
Kind of service
The type of service your car needs is the most important factor that affects how long it takes.
• Minor or temporary service: This is often called a basic service. It usually includes changing the oil and filter, topping off fluids, and quickly checking the tires, lights, and brakes. It usually takes one to two hours to finish.
• Full service: This service is more thorough than a minor one. It includes all the basic checks as well as detailed inspections of the engine, transmission, steering, and suspension. Most of the time, it will take 3 to 5 hours.
• Major service: This is the most complete choice. It includes everything in a full service, plus changing spark plugs, checking or replacing the timing belt, checking the water pump, and other parts. This could take 5 to 8 hours or more, especially if repairs are needed.
In short, the more detailed and complicated the service is, the longer it will take.
Age and condition of the vehicle
You may need to pay more attention to an older car or one that hasn’t been well cared for. Parts may be worn out, rusted, or stuck, which makes it harder to take them off and put them back on. If you don’t take your car in for regular maintenance, technicians may also have to spend more time figuring out what’s wrong and getting the right parts.
On the other hand, a newer car that is well-maintained usually goes through service faster because there are fewer problems that come up unexpectedly.
Differences in model and manufacturer
When it comes to servicing, not all cars are the same. Some imported cars, high-performance sports cars, and luxury cars may need special tools and methods to work on.
For instance:
• European sports cars often have engine bays that are tightly packed, which makes it harder to get to parts.
• Some cars need to have big parts taken off (like the bumper or intake system) just to get to a certain filter or belt.
These extra steps make the service take longer. On the other hand, models that are more popular and have simpler designs are usually easier to service.
Experience and skill of a car mechanic
How long a service takes depends a lot on how skilled the person who works on your car is. A mechanic who knows your car’s make and model well and has a lot of experience can often do the job faster and more accurately than someone who doesn’t.
Many bigger shops have technicians who only work on certain brands, which makes them work faster. This can save you time, especially if your car needs special service.
Workshop resources and how well they work
Not all service centers work at the same speed. A modern, well-equipped workshop with advanced diagnostic tools and a well-organized workflow can finish jobs faster without cutting corners.
Some things that affect efficiency are:
• Having enough staff
• Having multiple service bays
• Being able to schedule and track services digitally
• Having access to quality parts on-site
A small garage with few workers and tools may still do a great job, but it might take longer to finish the same task.
Availability of parts
Even if the service itself is quick, it can be delayed if there aren’t enough parts on hand. If your service needs a part that isn’t in stock, you might have to wait hours or even days for it to arrive.
Many trustworthy service centers keep common parts on hand to avoid delays. It’s best to check that parts are available when you book your service for less common models.
Time constraints of year and seasonal demands
Service times aren’t only determined by the car; they’re also determined by the calendar. Mechanics are busier at certain times of the year, like
• Before the holidays: A lot of people get their cars serviced before Christmas or long school breaks.
• Time to register and inspect: In some places, seasonal safety checks can fill up workshops.
• Getting ready for winter: In places where it gets cold, workshops can get busy with changing tires and batteries for the winter.
If you book during these busy times, you might have to wait longer for both your appointment and the work to be done.
The issue at hand is
There are other things that affect service time besides the work itself. The age of your car and the time of year can both have an effect.
• Keep up with regular maintenance if you want things to go more smoothly and quickly.
• Make appointments for services during times when they are less busy
• Pick a workshop with knowledgeable workers and a lot of parts on hand.
You can better plan your time and avoid unnecessary delays the next time your car needs work if you understand these things.
How Long Different Services Typically Take
Here’s a breakdown of average service durations in Australia:
| Service Type | Average Time | What’s Included |
| Minor/Basic Service | 1–2 hours | Oil and filter change, fluid top-ups, tyre pressure check, visual inspection |
| Full Service | 3–5 hours | Includes minor service plus air/fuel filter replacement, suspension check, battery test, detailed engine inspection |
| Major Service | 5–8 hours (sometimes overnight) | Includes full service plus spark plugs, timing belt, water pump check, complete brake inspection, comprehensive diagnostics |
Minor or Basic Service – The Quickest Option
If you don’t have much time, a minor service is usually the best choice. It focuses on important checks for safety and performance. This shouldn’t take more than 1–2 hours for most mechanics.
Some common tasks are:
• Changing the oil and oil filter in the engine
• Adding fluids (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid)
• Checking the tire pressure and looking at the tires
• Check for wear on the brake pads
• Check the lights and indicators
Full Service
A full service usually takes three to five hours and should be done once a year or every 20,000 kilometers. This is a full maintenance check to make sure your car runs as well as it can.
Common things that are included:
• All minor service checks
• Changing the air filter and fuel filter
• Check the steering and suspension
• Test the battery and alternator
• Check the wheel alignment
• Check the exhaust system
Big Service – The Big One
A major service takes the longest, usually 5 to 8 hours. It is best to do it every few years or as the manufacturer’s logbook says. Your car might need to stay overnight sometimes.
Tasks often include:
• All full-service checks
• Changing the spark plugs
• Checking or replacing the timing belt
• Check the water pump
• Check the whole brake system and possibly replace it
• Check the engine management system
Extra Services That Add Time
Sometimes, you book a routine service but end up needing additional work. This can extend the time considerably.
| Extra Task | Added Time |
| Tyre replacement/rotation | 30–60 mins |
| Wheel alignment | 1 hour |
| Brake pad replacement | 1–3 hours |
| Air conditioning service | 1–2 hours |
| Engine diagnostics | 1–2 hours |
Real-World Service Time Examples
Example 1 – Sydney CBD Workshop
A 2021 Toyota Corolla had a full service in 4 hours, including a brake pad change. The customer booked for 9 am and collected the car by 1 pm.
Example 2 – Rural Queensland Garage
A 2014 Ford Ranger needed a major service. The mechanic kept it for 8 hours due to a timing belt replacement and sourcing parts from Brisbane.
Dealer vs Independent Workshop Service Times
| Aspect | Dealership | Independent Workshop |
| Technician training | Factory-trained | Varies, but often highly skilled |
| Tools and equipment | Advanced, brand-specific | General, may have universal tools |
| Booking wait time | Longer during busy periods | Often shorter |
| Service speed | Fast with enough staff | Can be slower if understaffed |
How Long Does a Car Service Take by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle Type | Minor Service | Full Service | Major Service |
| Small hatchback | 1–1.5 hours | 3–4 hours | 5–6 hours |
| Sedan | 1–2 hours | 3–5 hours | 5–7 hours |
| SUV | 1.5–2 hours | 4–5 hours | 6–8 hours |
| 4WD/ute | 2 hours | 4–6 hours | 6–8 hours |
| Luxury sports car | 2–3 hours | 5–6 hours | 7–9 hours |
Tips to Reduce Car Service Time
There are some things that affect how long it takes to service a car that you can’t control, but there are things you can do to make the process go faster and more smoothly. You can use these tips to cut down on delays and get your car back on the road more quickly.
Make your appointment early in the day
The time you choose can make a big difference. Mechanics can diagnose problems, order parts, and finish repairs without having to worry about cut-off times at the end of the day when they have morning appointments. On the other hand, afternoon drop-offs might mean that work has to be done the next day, especially if something goes wrong that you didn’t plan for.
If you can, try to get the first available time of the day. This way, your car gets worked on right away instead of waiting in line.
Talk about problems clearly
Your mechanic will be able to do their job better if they know exactly what to look for. When you make an appointment for service, be sure to tell them about any strange noises, warning lights on the dashboard, changes in how the car handles, or drops in fuel efficiency.
Giving information like when the problem happens (like only when the engine is cold, at high speeds, or when turning) can help find the cause faster. This clear communication cuts down on the time it takes to diagnose problems and stops checks that aren’t needed.
Keep up with scheduled maintenance
One of the best ways to cut down on service time is to get preventive care. When you take care of your car regularly, it has fewer problems that come up out of the blue. This lets the mechanic focus on routine checks instead of having to fix things that come up out of the blue.
You can make your next service go much faster by doing simple things like adding fluids, checking the pressure in your tires, and replacing worn parts before they break.
Pick a workshop that has everything it needs.
Different service centers may have different tools, equipment, and technology. A workshop with advanced diagnostic scanners, the right lifts, and tools made for the job can get things done much faster than a smaller garage with fewer tools.
For some makes and models, especially luxury or high-performance cars, special tools are often needed to do safe and effective repairs. Picking the right workshop makes sure your car is in good hands and cuts down on the chance of delays.
Stay away from busy service times
Like any other business, workshops have times when they are very busy. It seems like the end of the month, just before long weekends, and the weeks leading up to Christmas or school breaks fill up quickly.
Schedule your service for times when things are less busy if you can. Appointments in the middle of the week, when there aren’t any holidays, usually mean faster service and more available times.
Common Myths About Car Service Times
Myth 1: All services take a full day
Reality – Many minor services are done in under two hours.
Myth 2: Dealerships are always slower
Reality – Dealerships often have more staff, so they can be faster if scheduled right.
Myth 3: New cars don’t need much time
Reality – New cars are quicker to service, but logbook checks still take time.
Final Thoughts
When asking how long does a car service take, the answer depends on your car, the service type, and the workshop.
- Minor services – 1 to 2 hours
- Full services – 3 to 5 hours
- Major services – 5 to 8 hours
By booking smart, maintaining your car, and choosing the right workshop, you can minimize time without compromising quality. A proper service is worth the wait, keeping you safe and your vehicle running at its best.
1. How long does a basic car service take?
Usually 1–2 hours, covering oil changes, fluid checks, and basic inspections.
2. Why does a major service take longer?
It involves detailed checks, multiple part replacements, and safety tests, often taking 3–5 hours.
3. Can I wait while my car is serviced?
Yes, for short services. For major services or possible delays, drop the car off.
4. What can delay a car service?
Delays happen due to part shortages, unexpected repairs, peak-season bookings, or specialist work.
5. How often should I service my car?
Every 10,000 km or 6 months to avoid bigger, time-consuming repairs.
Read more about how to inspect a used car before buying it in Australia.
