A regular car service is an important factor in keeping your automobile on the road, running safely and smoothly. A car service can also help to maximise your car’s overall lifespan and potentially increase its resale value when it comes time to sell.
Servicing can range from a routine once-over, comprising topping up of fluids and an oil and filter change, to a more comprehensive inspection, testing a variety of components, which can take hours.
Compare Outstanding Value Car Insurance with Canstar
Looking for great value car insurance for you and your family? Each year, we release our car insurance awards, including winners for Insurer of the Year, Outstanding Value, and Most Satisfied Customers. As part of our award results, we also publish our Outstanding Value Star Ratings, covering car insurance for different age groups. Below are our top-rated providers in the drivers aged 30-49 category. Click here to view our complete car insurance Star Ratings for all age groups.
Comprehensive Cover: Drivers 30-49:
| Provider | Star Rating |
Car Insurer of the Year |
  |
 |
|
 |
 |
See here for our ratings methodology. The table above is an abridged version of our research. For the full results of our latest Car Insurance Ratings and Award, click here.
AA Auto Centre
AA Auto Centre has 38 locations across the country, and offers four levels of service, for both petrol and diesel cars, using either standard or advanced oil.
| Service Package | Details | Price* |
| AA Bronze Service | A 26-point service that includes an engine oil change, oil filter replacement and fundamental item and fluid checks. | Standard Oil – AA member: $239; non-member: $259
Advanced Oil – AA member: $319; non-member: $339 |
| AA Silver Service | A 32-point annual service, includes all features of the Bronze Service in addition to interior cleaning and checks of wheel bearings and seatbelt condition. | Standard Oil – AA member: $269; non-member: $299
Advanced Oil – AA member: $349; non-member: $379 |
| AA Gold Service | A 40-point annual service, covering the same components as the Silver Service, plus extra checks on engine management system, air con, brakes and tyre rotation, if needed. | Standard Oil – AA member: $329; non-member: $369
Advanced Oil – AA member: $409; non-member: $449 |
| AA EV Service | A 32-point annual service, covering: brake, cooling, and reduction drive/gear drive fluid levels, park brake and brake pad inspection, tyre inspection/rotation and cabin clean.
|
AA member: from $149; non-member: from $169 |
Advantage
Midway through 2023, Beaurepaires and Advantage The Tyre Professionals merged, rebranding under the new name Advantage Tyre Solutions. Together, Kiwi-owned Advantage operates over 60 retails stores nationally. It offers a range of different service packages, along with products and services focused on tyres, wheels, batteries, oil, wheel alignment and wheel balancing.
| Service Package | Details | Price* |
| Car Tyre Maintenance Package/SUV/4WD Tyre Care Package | Wheel alignment, wheel balancing and tyre rotation, along with a six-point safety check. | Car Tyre Maintenance Package: $199
SUV/4WD Tyre Care Package: $217 |
| Shell Helix Ultra Service Package | Changing the oil filter, draining dirty oil from the engine and replacing it with Shell Helix Ultra motor oil, and an 18-point safety check. | $239 |
| Shell Helix Ultra Service Package with Wheel Alignment | Covering the same components as the Shell Helix Ultra Service Package, plus a wheel alignment for either a passenger car, or an SUV/ ute/4WD/van-type vehicle. | $299 |
| Shell Helix Ultra Deluxe Service Package | Changing the oil filter, draining dirty oil from the engine and replacing it with Shell Helix Ultra motor oil, along with a wheel alignment and tyre rotation for either a passenger car, or an SUV/ute/4WD/van-type vehicle, a headlight restoration on both headlights, replacement wiper blades and an 18-point safety check. | $399 |
| Shell Helix Ultra Oil Change | Changing the oil filter, draining dirty oil from the engine and replacing it with Shell Helix Ultra motor oil. | $159 |
Midas
Midas runs over 20 stores around the country, and provides customers a variety of service options for different vehicles. Its range of service packages are designed to focus on key vehicle maintenance areas.
| Service Package | Details | Prices from* |
| Basic Service | Check and set tyre pressures, check and top-up under-bonnet fluids, lubricate doors and chassis (where applicable), replace engine oil filter up to $27, replace engine oil up to 4.5 L standard oil and reset service/maintenance light (subject to tooling/data availability). | $224.95 |
| Smart Service | Check and set tyre pressures, check and top-up under-bonnet fluids, lubricate doors and chassis (where applicable), replace engine oil filter up to $29, replace engine oil up to 4.5 L standard oil and reset service/maintenance light (subject to tooling/data availability), along with a Midas Peace of Mind Inspection, a 33-point visual inspection, checking fluids, under bonnet, under vehicle, brakes and tyres. | $284.95 |
| Premium Service | Check and set tyre pressures, check and top-up under-bonnet fluids, lubricate doors and chassis (where applicable), oil flush or fuel additive, perform engine management system scan (subject to tooling/data availability), replace engine oil filter up to $29, replace engine oil up to 4.5 L standard oil, reset service/maintenance light (subject to tooling/data availability) and rotate tyres, along with a Midas Peace of Mind Inspection. | $384.95 |
| Diesel Service | Check and set tyre pressures, check and top-up under-bonnet fluids, check diesel fuel filter and drain water from fuel separator (when equipped), lubricate doors and chassis (where applicable), replace engine oil filter up to $37, replace engine oil up to 4.5 L standard oil and reset service/maintenance light (subject to tooling/data availability), along with a Midas Peace of Mind Inspection. | $374.95 |
| Euro Service | Check and set tyre pressures, check and top-up under-bonnet fluids, lubricate doors and chassis (where applicable), perform engine management system scan (subject to tooling/data availability), replace engine oil filter up to $30, replace engine oil up to 4.5 L synthetic oil, reset service/maintenance light (subject to tooling/data availability) and rotate tyres, along with a Midas Peace of Mind Inspection. | $394.95 |
| Log Book Service | Check and set tyre pressures, check and top-up under-bonnet fluids, checks and inspections of vehicle as per the vehicle logbook, lubricate doors and chassis (where applicable), perform engine management system scan (subject to tooling/data availability), replace engine oil filter up to $30, replace engine oil up to 4.5 L synthetic oil (using oil specified by vehicle manufacturer), reset service/maintenance light (subject to tooling/data availability) and rotate tyres, along with a Midas Peace of Mind Inspection. | $374.95 |
Oil Changers
Oil Changers oversees 14 locations, and provides a variety of different services (in addition to the services outlined below) catering to different vehicle requirements. Note that it does not do repairs, only fluid servicing.
| Service Package | Details | Price* |
| Oil and Filter Service Package | Helping to prolong engine life, with fresh oil cooling, sealing, lubricating and cleaning the engine properly, helping quieten noisy engines, with regular filter changes keeping contaminants out. | From $109.95 |
| Engine Flush | Delivering better performance and fuel economy, reduced emissions and longer engine life. | From $39.95 |
| Automatic Transmission | Removes 99.9 per cent of the fluid in the transmission system, including the torque converter and transmission cooler, extends transmission life by providing resistance to oxidation, sludge formation and varnish, reduces risk of premature transmission failure, promotes smooth shifting, and reduces wear and scouring of clutch plates. | From $179.95 |
| Manual Transmission | Extends transmission life by providing resistance to oxidation and sludge formation, reduces risk of premature transmission failure, promotes smooth shifting and reduces wear. | From $64.95 |
| CVT Transmission Service | Extends transmission life by providing resistance to oxidation and sludge formation, reduces risk of premature transmission failure, promotes cooling, smooth shifting and reduces wear. | From $149.95 |
Pit Stop
Pit Stop has over 40 stores around the country, providing a range of products and services, specialising in general vehicle repairs, brakes, suspension and vehicle servicing, and offering various service packages.
| Service Package | Details | Price* |
| Express | An oil and filter change and a 15-point check, with a top-up of washer fluids and coolant. | From $199 |
| Extensive | An oil and filter change, computer and systems health check, 25-point check and essential fluid top-ups, with top-up of washer, coolant, brakes, power steering and clutch fluids, lubrication of door hinges, tyre treatment, and road test and report. | From $239 |
| Elite | An oil and filter change, computer and systems health check, 30-point check, essential fluid top-ups, brake fluid change, brake component clean and component adjustments, with top-up of washer, coolant, brakes, power steering and clutch fluids, replace brake fluid (flush), clean (dedust) brake components, brake adjustment (as necessary), lubrication of door hinges, rotate tyres (if required), tyre treatment, vacuum footwells, and road test and report. | From $359 |
| Eurocar | An oil and filter change, computer and systems health check, 25-point check, essential fluid top-ups, with top-up of washer, coolant, brakes, power steering and clutch fluids, lubrication of door hinges, tyre treatment, and road test and report. | From $319 |
| 4x4s, utes & vans | An oil and filter change, computer and systems health check, 25-point check, essential fluid top-ups, with top-up of washer, coolant, brakes, power steering and clutch fluids, lubrication of door hinges, tyre treatment, and road test and report. | From $369 |
| Hybrid | An oil and filter change, computer and systems health check, 25-point check, essential fluid top-ups, with top-up of washer, coolant, brakes, power steering and clutch fluids, lubrication of door hinges, tyre treatment, and road test and report. | From $239 |
| EVs | A 22-point check, computer and systems health check, essential fluid top-ups, with top-up of washer, coolant and brakes fluids, lubrication of door hinges, tyre treatment, and road test and report. | $129 |
VTNZ
VTNZ has over 100 branches nationwide, providing a range of services, including Warrant of Fitness (WoF), Certificate of Fitness (CoF) and vehicle condition assessments, along with regular basic servicing.
| Service Package | Details | Price* |
| Maintenance Check | Looks at 14 major features that aren’t part of a WoF, across the engine, drive belts, radiator, oil, engine coolant and clutch fluids, battery, tyres, emergency kit, wiper blades and windscreen. | $49 ($28 when added to WoF) |
| Safety Assessment | Checks the key safety elements of a usual WoF assessment, including windscreen washers and wipers, engine oil level and condition, lights, steering, tyre condition, brake operation, steering and suspension, glazing, the interior vehicle condition, airbags, anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control, speedometer, safety belts, structural condition, exhaust, the exterior vehicle condition and fuel system. | $65 |
*Basic prices correct as of 13/06/2024. Further information on pricing can be found at service centre websites. This should be used as a starter guide and not considered an actual quote.
How often should I service my car?
How often you should service your car is usually explained in your car logbook or owner manual. Your car manufacturer will usually recommend maximum times and distances to leave between servicing intervals, considering factors such as the age, make and model of your vehicle.
But as a general rule of thumb, professional servicing is recommended every 12 months or 10,000km (whichever comes first), but this may vary. If you have an older car, you might choose to service it more regularly, such as every 5000km.
When working out what’s best for your car, you need to take into consideration:
- Its make, model and year
- How often you use it (kilometres travelled)
- Your normal type of driving, such as city or country driving
You should also pay attention to the things you can do yourself in terms of basic maintenance between services. This includes checking tyre pressure and engine oil levels and ensuring all the car’s lights are operational, etc.
Of course, if you notice any issues in between services (such as warning lights coming on, or irregular noises) it’s important to get the problem looked at sooner rather than later.
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How to choose a service centre
When it comes to choosing a service centre, it’s worthwhile shopping around. Find a business that you feel comfortable with, that is convenient for you, offers competitive pricing and caters to your needs.
Some factors to consider include:
- Qualifications/experience – what sort of qualifications and experience do the mechanics hold? Do they have particular areas of expertise?
- Word of mouth/reviews – does the service centre come via the recommendation of a friend or colleague, and what are the online reviews like?
- Scope of services – what different types of services are provided, and is servicing provided for your make and model of car? Do you require specialised servicing?
- Appointment – is an appointment required, and can you book online? What are the waiting times generally like?
- Pricing – how does the pricing compare to other service centres in the area?
It’s important to keep in mind that there are a range of options available, and if you’re looking for a new service provider, or thinking of switching providers, you should actively seek out a best deal.
Compare Outstanding Value Car Insurance with Canstar
Looking for great value car insurance for you and your family? Each year, we release our car insurance awards, including winners for Insurer of the Year, Outstanding Value, and Most Satisfied Customers. As part of our award results, we also publish our Outstanding Value Star Ratings, covering car insurance for different age groups. Below are our top-rated providers in the drivers aged 30-49 category. Click here to view our complete car insurance Star Ratings for all age groups.
Comprehensive Cover: Drivers 30-49:
| Provider | Star Rating |
|
Car Insurer of the Year |
|
|
|
|
|
See here for our ratings methodology. The table above is an abridged version of our research. For the full results of our latest Car Insurance Ratings and Award, click here.
About the author of this page
This report was written by Canstar’s Editor, Bruce Pitchers. Bruce has three decades’ experience as a journalist and has worked for major media companies in the UK and Australasia, including ACP, Bauer Media Group, Fairfax, Pacific Magazines, News Corp and TVNZ. Prior to Canstar, he worked as a freelancer, including for The Australian Financial Review, the NZ Financial Markets Authority, and for real estate companies on both sides of the Tasman.
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