In short: service your car according to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule – usually once a year or every 15,000–30,000 km, whichever comes first. Servicing on time keeps the car safe, prevents expensive faults and protects its resale value.
What does scheduled maintenance include?
The content of a scheduled service comes from the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and varies by model and mileage. A typical service includes:
- engine oil and oil filter change
- air, cabin and fuel filter changes according to the schedule
- inspection of brakes, suspension, tyres and lights
- check and, if needed, change of fluids (brake fluid, coolant)
- fault memory read-out and service indicator reset
- a report on the car’s condition and upcoming repair needs
Larger services also include, for example, spark plug replacement, timing belt replacement or an automatic and DSG gearbox oil change.
How often should a car be serviced?
The service interval is set by the manufacturer. In most cars it is either fixed (e.g. 15,000 km or one year) or a flexible long-life programme (e.g. Volkswagen Group LongLife, up to 30,000 km or two years). The car usually tells you on the dashboard when a service is due.
If you drive a lot of short trips, tow a trailer or drive a lot in winter, it pays to service the car more often. The engine does not have time to warm up properly and the oil gets dirty faster.
Why service on time?
- Safety: faults in brakes, tyres and suspension are found before they become dangerous.
- Savings: replacing a worn part in time costs less than repairing the damage it causes – a broken timing belt, for example, can destroy the whole engine.
- Warranty: a new car warranty requires servicing according to the manufacturer’s schedule. The service can also be done at an independent workshop, as long as the schedule and parts of matching quality are used.
- Resale value: a complete service history raises the car’s value and makes it easier to sell.
- Reliability: a well-serviced car starts in freezing weather and gets you there without surprises.
What does scheduled maintenance cost?
The price depends on the model, the engine, the scope of the service and the parts and oils needed. A small oil service costs clearly less than a major service that includes, for example, a timing belt or gearbox oil change. You get an accurate price when you tell us your registration number and mileage – at IVERA you always get a cost estimate before any work starts.
Scheduled maintenance at IVERA
We service all makes according to the manufacturer’s schedule and use original or equivalent-quality Fixus parts. We give a 24-month warranty on labour and 12 months on parts, and you can get a replacement car from €30/day during the service. Read more: scheduled maintenance in Espoo.
Read also
- Oil change interval – how often should engine oil be changed?
- Timing belt replacement interval and price
- Brake fluid change interval
Frequently asked questions
What does scheduled maintenance include?
The tasks in the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule: typically oil and filter changes, inspection of brakes, suspension, tyres, lights and fluids, fault memory read-out and service indicator reset.
How often should a car be serviced?
According to the manufacturer – usually once a year or every 15,000–30,000 km. With short trips and heavy use it pays to service more often.
Is the warranty kept if the car is serviced at an independent workshop?
The warranty requires servicing according to the manufacturer’s schedule with parts of matching quality. When these conditions are met, the service can also be done at an independent workshop.
Book a service or ask for a quote
Call or WhatsApp +358 40 196 8989 or email huolto@ivera.fi. Tell us your registration number and we will give you an accurate price estimate. We answer Mon–Fri 8–17 – in Finnish and English.
