How Long Do Car Maintenance Take? The Ultimate 2025 Guide for Australian Drivers

charlielojera
Oct 9
6 min read

Mechanic with white gloves uses a socket wrench to repair a car engine in a garage. Bright, organized workspace visible in the background.

Keeping a car in great shape is one of the smartest investments any driver can make. Regular upkeep keeps your vehicle safe, efficient, and reliable, but one question many Australian car owners still ask is: “How long does car maintenance take?”

It’s a fair question. Nobody likes being without their car for longer than necessary. Some tasks take just a few minutes, while others might keep your vehicle in the workshop for half a day. In this 2025 guide, we’ll break down how long different maintenance tasks really take, what affects that time, and how to plan your car’s upkeep smartly, without wasting a single hour.

Why the Time of Maintenance Matters

In today’s busy world, time is a valuable resource. Most drivers delay basic maintenance because they assume it’ll take all day. But understanding how long each task actually takes can help you:

Plan better — so your schedule doesn’t clash with your car’s needs.
Avoid surprises — by knowing which services are quick and which require more time.
Save money — because timely maintenance prevents bigger, more expensive repairs.

Neglecting upkeep may not seem like a big deal at first, but over time, even a small delay in an oil change or brake inspection can cause larger issues. Knowing the timing helps you stay consistent, and consistency is key to vehicle longevity.

What Is Car Maintenance?

Before diving into durations, let’s clarify what “car maintenance” actually means.

Car maintenance is the routine care and checks performed on your vehicle to keep it in good condition and prevent problems. This can include:

Checking and replacing engine oil
Rotating or balancing tyres
Inspecting brakes, batteries, and filters
Cleaning essential parts like air filters
Checking lights, coolant, and fluids

It’s not the same as car servicing, which usually refers to a scheduled inspection done by a professional mechanic. Maintenance, on the other hand, can be a mix of DIY and professional care, it’s the ongoing effort that keeps your car roadworthy.

How Long Do Different Types of Car Maintenance Take?

Here’s the part every driver wants to know, the actual time each maintenance task takes.

Quick DIY Maintenance (5–15 Minutes)

Some maintenance jobs are so easy that you can do them in your driveway or garage. These tasks might seem minor, but they play a big role in preventing problems down the road.

Task	Average Time	Description
Check tyre pressure	5–10 mins	Use a portable gauge or petrol station inflator.
Refill washer fluid	3–5 mins	Keeps your windscreen clear and safe.
Inspect wiper blades	5 mins	Replace if streaking or squeaking.
Check oil level	5 mins	Prevents low oil damage to your engine.
Inspect lights	10 mins	Check headlights, tail lights, and indicators.

Smart Tip: Combine these quick checks every two weeks, it only takes 15 minutes total, but it helps you catch issues before they become expensive.

Routine Maintenance (30–90 Minutes)

These are tasks that need to be done regularly, every few months or every 10,000–15,000 km, depending on your vehicle and driving habits.

Task	Average Time	Description
Oil and filter change	30–60 mins	Keeps your engine lubricated and efficient.
Brake pad inspection/replacement	1–2 hours	Ensures safe braking and prevents rotor damage.
Battery check and replacement	30 mins	Avoids unexpected breakdowns.
Tyre rotation	30–45 mins	Extends tyre life and improves balance.
Coolant top-up	15–30 mins	Prevents overheating during long drives.

Realistic Tip: If you book these during off-peak hours (mid-morning or mid-afternoon), most Australian service centres can get them done within the same day.

Major Maintenance (3–6 Hours or More)

This is when your car undergoes a full or major service, often after 40,000–60,000 km. It involves a deeper inspection of mechanical and electrical systems.

Task	Time	Description
Transmission service	3–5 hrs	Fluid replacement and system checks.
Timing belt replacement	4–6 hrs	Requires disassembly; crucial for engine timing.
Suspension repair	3–5 hrs	Replacing shocks, struts, and bushings.
AC servicing	2–4 hrs	Re-gas, clean, and leak test for efficiency.
Full vehicle inspection	Half a day	Covers every major system for safety and performance.

Mechanic Insight: If your car is a newer model, maintenance times can be shorter thanks to modern designs and easier access points. Older cars often take longer due to corrosion or outdated parts.

What Affects How Long Maintenance Takes

Not all maintenance tasks take the same amount of time, even for similar vehicles. Several factors can influence the duration:

Vehicle Type and Age – SUVs and older cars often take longer due to complex layouts.
Condition of the Car – Poorly maintained cars require extra cleaning or part replacements.
Mechanic’s Experience – Skilled technicians work faster without cutting corners.
Parts Availability – Waiting for replacement parts can delay completion.
DIY vs. Workshop – Doing it yourself may take longer if you’re learning, while workshops have specialized tools.

Pro Tip: Always ask your mechanic for an estimated completion time before dropping your car off. Most Australian workshops give you a clear timeline, and many even offer SMS updates when your car’s ready.

How to Save Time During Maintenance

You can’t always control how long a job takes, but you can definitely avoid unnecessary waiting.

Here’s how:

Book appointments online — It saves queuing and guarantees a time slot.
Combine services — Pair oil change with tyre rotation or brake check.
Keep a maintenance record — Mechanics finish faster when they know what’s already been done.
Choose reputable workshops — Well-organized garages finish work efficiently.
Go during off-peak hours — Avoid weekend rush; weekdays are faster.

Many Australian service centres also offer express maintenance packages, designed to complete key services in under 90 minutes.

DIY vs. Professional Maintenance: Time Comparison

Task	DIY Time	Professional Time	Verdict
Oil change	60–90 mins	30–45 mins	Pro is faster and cleaner.
Brake pad replacement	2–3 hrs	1–1.5 hrs	Best left to a mechanic for safety.
Air filter change	15 mins	10 mins	Easy to do at home.
Battery change	30 mins	15–20 mins	Depends on access and tools.

Tip: Start with small DIY tasks like wiper or filter replacement. They build your confidence without risking safety.

Why Regular Maintenance Saves Time in the Long Run

Skipping maintenance may seem like a time-saver, but it usually backfires. Ignoring an oil change or coolant flush today can lead to a breakdown that leaves you stranded for hours (or even days).

Regular care means:

Fewer breakdowns
Shorter workshop visits
Better performance
Lower repair costs

You can’t avoid maintenance altogether, but with consistent habits, you’ll spend far less time dealing with emergencies later.

Realistic Car Maintenance Timeline (For an Average Australian Driver)

Frequency	Task	Duration
Every 2 weeks	Check tyres, oil, and lights	10–20 mins
Every 3 months	Top up fluids, clean filters	30–60 mins
Every 6 months	Oil change, rotate tyres	1–2 hrs
Every 12 months	Full inspection, AC check	Half day
Every 2–3 years	Brake pads, battery	2–3 hrs
Every 5 years	Timing belt, transmission service	4–6 hrs

Following this routine keeps your car in excellent condition without eating up your schedule.

Why Time Varies Between Workshops

Different service centres have different levels of efficiency. For example:

Dealerships may take longer because they follow strict procedures and inspections.
Independent mechanics can often complete tasks faster at lower cost.
Express service stations (like Ultratune, JAX Tyres & Auto, or Mycar Australia) focus on quick turnaround.

Choose your service provider based on convenience and reliability, not just speed.

How to Know If Maintenance Is Taking Too Long

Sometimes, a “two-hour job” turns into an all-day wait. This can happen for valid reasons — but it can also be a sign of poor communication.

Ask questions like:

“What’s the current status of my car?”
“Are there any parts you’re waiting for?”
“Can you give me a completion estimate?”

A professional workshop will always keep you updated.

The Value of Preventive Maintenance

Preventive care might seem time-consuming, but it actually reduces downtime over your car’s lifespan. For example:

Regular oil changes prevent engine damage.
Proper tyre maintenance reduces punctures.
Battery checks prevent morning startup issues.

Think of it this way, a 30-minute oil change can save you from a 3-day engine repair later.

Conclusion: Time Well Spent

So, how long do car maintenance take? Anywhere from five minutes to half a day, depending on the task.

Quick DIY tasks: a few minutes.
Regular checks: 1–2 hours.
Major servicing: half a day.

But every minute you invest in maintenance extends your car’s life and reliability. The key is consistency, not convenience, a little time now avoids a lot of trouble later.

In 2025, with smarter workshops, online bookings, and efficient tools, maintaining your car in Australia has never been easier or faster.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How often should I do maintenance on my car?

Most vehicles need basic checks every 2–4 weeks and a full inspection every 6–12 months, depending on mileage and use.

2. What’s the difference between a service and maintenance?

Maintenance includes regular small tasks (like checking tyres or oil), while a service is a professional inspection done at scheduled intervals (e.g., every 10,000 km).

3. Does maintenance take the same time for all cars?

No. Time varies based on car model, age, and condition. For example, compact cars are usually faster to service than large SUVs.

4. How do I know when my car needs maintenance?

Watch for signs like warning lights, strange noises, rough idling, or decreased fuel efficiency. Your car’s logbook also includes maintenance intervals.