Car Servicing Interval - Time or Kilometre?

mmd on 22/03/2021 - 23:00
Last edited 23/03/2021 - 22:41

Another week, another car question.
I own a non high yield investment car. It is 6 years old and it has ~65k on the odometer.
Luckily work is close and its about a 20 minute drive, with a small amount on the freeway.
I had a look in the log book and its due for the 63month/105k service.
1 thing that need replacement is sparkplugs.

Should I get this done now or when it reaches 105k?

The manufacturer states to service every 9months/15k, whichever occurs first.
From my understanding, oil needs changing regularly, so I get that changed every 9 months.

My question is what items needs to be replaced by time and what items are replaced by km?

Edit: Some confusion regarding the question. I didn realise some cars have warranty that long. This is for AFTER your car warranty has finished.
I strongly advise to continue the servicing schedule during warranty just in case something happens
The car is 6 years old so it is outside of warranty.
It is a 86 so spark plugs apparently costs 1800 at Toyota. Haven't shopped around yet.
But would also like to know what other things are serviced by km.

Automotive

Comments

  • Clear on 22/03/2021 - 23:04
    +10

    My question is what items needs to be replaced by time and what items are replaced by km?

    Your logbook tells you both of these.

  • jimbobaus on 22/03/2021 - 23:05
    +2

    If you want to keep your car warranty, then you follow the book no exceptions.

    If the book says replace spark plugs at 105k then do it.

    and if it says 9m/15K kms … then which ever of these happens first is when you do it.

    • brendanm on 23/03/2021 - 07:34
      +3

      If you want to keep your car warranty,

      The car is 6 years old.

      • jimbobaus on 23/03/2021 - 07:39

        I skimmed….. I missed that part.

      • RockyRaccoon on 23/03/2021 - 08:26
        +1

        Could have 7 years

        • brendanm on 23/03/2021 - 08:42
          +1

          Sure can't, 9 month service interval means it's not a Kia.

          • errorius on 23/03/2021 - 10:00

            @brendanm: Most probably Holden

            • brendanm on 23/03/2021 - 10:35
              +1

              @errorius: Toyota 86 possibly.

              • mmd on 23/03/2021 - 22:33

                @brendanm: Correct and spark plugs are expensive to replace

                • brendanm on 23/03/2021 - 22:43

                  @mmd: If it were my car I wouldn't be doing the plugs til 100k.

                  • mmd on 23/03/2021 - 22:59

                    @brendanm: Cheers.
                    Anything else that is km based?

                    • brendanm on 24/03/2021 - 11:31

                      @mmd: Probably only the fuel filter off the top of my head.

    • [Deactivated] on 23/03/2021 - 07:48

      False. They have to show that the failure is due to not being serviced.

      I owned a 2015 car from new and owned it for 3 years.
      I did 4500km on it per year, and sold it at 3 years due to lack of use, for a total of 12500km on the odometer.

      There is absolutely no need to over-service something if it doesn't need it.
      I had it serviced at its 1000km, 6000km and right before I sold it at 12500km.

      Certain fluids and parts require changing due to a time factor, some due to usage, hence the usual schedules given by manufacturers to cover both.
      But if you actually know what does and doesn't need servicing, then you can avoid paying stupid amounts of money.

      • jimbobaus on 23/03/2021 - 15:04

        Well as someone who worked in the industry for many years and was also a witness in court for a customer taking Toyota to task for refusing warranty.
        I can tell you in court if you have missed a service they will side with the manufacturer. Its in your warranty terms that you must complete the service as per the logbook as long as the car is under its warranty. You do not need to have it serviced at a dealer, but if its in the book you have to do it if you want a leg to stand on when it comes to your warranty.

        • brendanm on 23/03/2021 - 22:44

          This is only true if the servicing that was missed relates to the warranty claim. Not replacing spark plugs has nothing to do with a diff noise for example, and does not void warranty on the diff.

          • jimbobaus on 24/03/2021 - 08:00

            @brendanm: Not at all, When the customer was in court, Toyota argued that the servicing had not been maintained as per the log book and provided evidence of such. As soon as this was proven the judge dismissed the customers claim.

            From what i saw it was pretty clean cut, failure to adhere to your servicing schedule is an "out" for the manufacturers

            • brendanm on 24/03/2021 - 08:35

              @jimbobaus: That's just false, and completely against consumer law as well.

              • jimbobaus on 24/03/2021 - 08:38

                @brendanm: Well i am just expressing what i saw in court.
                The judge simply shut down the claim when it was clear the servicing schedule had not been followed.

                • brendanm on 24/03/2021 - 09:05

                  @jimbobaus: Why would something like this even be in court rather than xcat? Why would a mechanic be there to give evidence?

      • mmd on 23/03/2021 - 22:43

        Certain fluids and parts

        Can you list which ones?

        • [Deactivated] on 25/03/2021 - 09:45

          Brake fluid breaks down (pun not intended) over time, becoming less affective, so it does pay to maintain as per timed scheduling, where-as brake pads/rotors is based on usage (generally speaking).

          The coolant system is a sealed system, so unless there is a leak (i.e. coolant hose leaking dropping fluid level, or head gasket in to coolant fluid), and everything is working as is, there's no need to replace coolant fluid if temperatures are as expected.

          Tire rubber breaks down as well, so even if they're as-new but old (usually 5+ years is a good guide) then they should be replaced.

          Just a couple of examples, and I encourage people to do their own research and make their own decisions regarding their car, and I take no responsibility for anybody making decisions on those examples above.
          If you're not confident in maintaining your vehicle, then I suggest going to a mechanic and sticking to the manufacturer's service schedule.

  • deme on 22/03/2021 - 23:05
    +1

    Just bring it to your dude and let him service it.

  • SF3 on 22/03/2021 - 23:06
    +1

    I had a look in the log book and its due for the 63month/105k service.
    1 thing that need replacement is sparkplugs.

    What does the log book say? 63month/105k service.

    Did you want to follow un-official advice? facebook/tiktok/OzB?

  • AustriaBargain on 22/03/2021 - 23:17
    -2

    If it's only six months old from new, I'd replace the spark plugs like the book tells you to at either 63 months or 105k whichever comes first. You really drove that much in just six months?

    • CMH on 22/03/2021 - 23:31

      six years old

  • oscargamer on 22/03/2021 - 23:34
    +7

    I don't get why people struggle with this.

    Every car has a requirement to get serviced by time or km , WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.

    So, if you do low km, you service by time. If you do high km, you service by km…. Because it says 'whichever comes first'

    And when you reach that next service, you replace what needs to be replaced, at that service.

    • Euphemistic on 23/03/2021 - 05:57
      +5

      Except when the car gets out of warranty. Then you can start saving valuable $ with the help of an experienced mechanic by not over servicing.

      Personally if I’m doing around average kms per year all services change to kms only.

      • mmd on 23/03/2021 - 22:47

        Have revised the post. Didn't realise some cars have warranty being 6 years old.
        The car is outside of warranty.
        Just wondering what other items are replaced by km, rather than time? Does this include spark plugs?

    • cille745 on 23/03/2021 - 09:13
      +1

      Possibly because he's specifically asked about spark plugs, not fluids that degrade due to time as well as mileage. It's a fair question, when you're out of warranty you don't always have to follow the book by the letter.

      • oscargamer on 23/03/2021 - 09:34

        The OP hasn't told us everything. As usual.

        Do they do 50km per day that takes 2 hours as they are stuck in city traffic or 50 km per day that takes 30 mins, as they are on fast roads.

        65k km on a city car may well be more wear and tear on the plugs than a 150k km country car.

        Manufacturers try and keep it simple for the average motorist, but that doesn't always help the simple motorist.

        • whitelie on 23/03/2021 - 12:46

          Luckily work is close and its about a 20 minute drive, with a small amount on the freeway.

          Sounds like enough information to me….I'd change them personally, one set of plugs in 6 years isn't a huge outlay but they'll also most likely be fine for another 30,000kms.

      • mmd on 23/03/2021 - 22:47

        Have revised the post. Didn't realise some cars have warranty being 6 years old.
        The car is outside of warranty.
        Just wondering what other items are replaced by km, rather than time? Does this include spark plugs?

  • avoidfullprice on 22/03/2021 - 23:48

    My question is what items needs to be replaced by time and what items are replaced by km?

    There are parts that need replacing if you use it too much due to wear and tear and also need replacing regular due to material degradation or simply not using it enough. Not all parts can be split into time based and millage based to save you cash.

    Regular inspection will help.

  • JimmyF on 23/03/2021 - 00:03
    -1

    I had a look in the log book and its due for the 63month/105k service.
    1 thing that need replacement is sparkplugs.

    Should I get this done now or when it reaches 105k?

    Has it been 63 months since you purchased it or have you travelled 105k since purchase? If yes to either of these, then YES get it done.

    The manufacturer states to service every 9months/15k, whichever occurs first.

    FYI the key words here are whichever occurs first ie time or distance and they apply to all serviceable items relating to your car.

  • pegaxs on 23/03/2021 - 07:05
    +2

    Keep the spark plugs and replace the rest of the car…

    • kolorijo on 23/03/2021 - 08:48
      +3

      not helping but too funny, snorted my coffee out of my nose lol

      • Euphemistic on 23/03/2021 - 09:22
        +7

        Keep the coffee replace your nose.

  • [Deactivated] on 23/03/2021 - 07:43

    The spark plugs will do more work and have more wear revving up through the gears to get to 65K km than if it did 105K of all day highway driving at 2000rpm.

    Trust the engineers that built the car to get it right for servicing needs.

    Platinum/Iridium/(insert next precious metal here) plugs are only used to combat lean fuel mixture in the engine, not to "last longer". Increased durability is a happy side effect.

    • Euphemistic on 23/03/2021 - 09:36

      Trust the engineers that built the car to get it right for servicing needs.

      While this is true, they select a service regime to minimise risk to the manufacturer. Ie the pick a conservative schedule that will maximise engine life under warranty when considering thousands of engines.

      Then you also need to consider that it’s possible the manufacturer wants you to over service a bit to sell more OEM parts via a dealer. They are probably recommending at least one or two extra services while the vehicle is in warranty. After all they are the ones that say you must only use OEM parts because nothing else is good enough. This is when we know that aftermarket parts work perfectly well.

      Still, your best guide is what the manufacturer recommends.

  • IMFrugl on 23/03/2021 - 08:55

    I avoid unnecessary changes to parts, but generally I would not stretch beyond 6 years for plugs as the threads could seize, and could be difficult to remove. On the other hand frequent changes could lead to damage when overzealous workers overtighten the plugs and damage the threads of your aluminium engine block. If you do it yourself, I'd recommend a more frequent change as you're able to endure cleanliness (no dirt, sand etc dropping into the spark plug hole), applying anti seize compound to threads and not overtightening the plugs.

    • pegaxs on 23/03/2021 - 09:38
      +2

      6 years… as the threads could seize

      Yeah, that's not how seizing works.

      overtighten the plugs and damage the threads of your aluminium engine block

      Plugs go in the head, not the block.

      applying anti seize compound to threads and not overtightening the plugs

      Don't apply anti-seize to spark plugs. This is what causes overtightening in most cases (See NGK website for more info on not lubricating plugs). Plugs should not be lubricated when installed and if you "must" put something on them, a dot (Literally a dot) of old engine oil is more than enough.

      • oscargamer on 23/03/2021 - 10:21

        What if you only have new engine oil? Can I use that instead?

        (I tend to dispose of my old oil - but I could get a drop of the old stuff from the dipstick if I had to)

        • pegaxs on 23/03/2021 - 10:33

          Don't use anything is the best method, that way you don't have to worry about adjusting the torque settings or what oil you use.

          And yes, if you absolutely must use something, fresh oil is ok. But just a dot. Open the lid, touch the oil on the cap, get a small amount and rub that on the threads… Too much could lead to over torquing the plugs.

          You can get some off the dipstick, but a whole "drop" is too much. Just touch the drop and get a small amount and use that.

          • oscargamer on 23/03/2021 - 10:45

            @pegaxs: I shall only touch the drop

            • RockyRaccoon on 23/03/2021 - 11:06
              +1

              @oscargamer: Nah just cut a lock of hair, fasten it to a pencil with a rubber band and use that to brush the plug threads.

              Use any excess to groom your hair before your next date.

              Win Win

  • dirtybigbjelke on 23/03/2021 - 09:29
    +1

    Timing belts if your car has one should be inspected and or replaced on a time interval. Broken belt can cost you a new engine.

    • md333 on 23/03/2021 - 12:38

      I recently got an mx-5 which actually does not specify a time interval for the belt, only 100,000km. So technically going by the book, it is still not due for a replacement at 99,000km and 22 years old.

      I do think I should change it, but letting it go for the moment as it is a non interference engine, so if it breaks it should just require a tow, not a new engine.

      Just thought its interesting as a rare case where going by the book is not the more conservative option.

  • Darayus on 23/03/2021 - 09:44

    Mate, bite the bullet and get your car fixed per the schedule log book guidance and get peace of mind. If you think dealership is expensive then check with local mechanic if he do it better price.

  • quebeck on 23/03/2021 - 11:26
    +1

    IINAM (I am not a mechanic), but short trips/start stops is harder on a car than a long highway drive.

    If you are starting your car every day to go to work and only driving short distances, then you should get your service done by time, since your start stop cycle (and heat cycle) count will be normal rate regardless of KMs driven.

    I personally would only push out the services if you started your car less than daily, and also if you kept your car garaged (to avoid UV/heat/humidity)

    • Euphemistic on 23/03/2021 - 11:31
      +1

      20min would seem long enough to warm up the car properly, especially with a short stint at freeway speeds.

      Problem short trips are when the engine doesn’t reach operation temps - less than 5 min.

      • quebeck on 23/03/2021 - 11:58
        +1

        Your idea is right, however I have one personal example of a car that drives around 15 mins suburban speeds twice a day, and that wasn't long enough to evaporate all the humidity in the system and rust formed on the dipstick.

        So it probably also depends on environmental conditions and what car it is.

  • the Unforgiven on 23/03/2021 - 20:08
    +1

    Oil & filter every 10,000 and plugs every 100,000 as those plugs will be platinum plugs. Timing belt every 100,000. Forget about the time, just go about the kms

    • mmd on 23/03/2021 - 22:51

      Many thanks for your suggestion.

  • TEER3X on 24/03/2021 - 08:44

    Oil will be much dirtier on a car that does 10,000kms on short trips vs a car that does 10,000kms on long trips. Short trips will deplete the additives quicker, this is why the recommendation is X amount of kms or X months, whichever is first.

  • saltypete on 24/03/2021 - 08:51

    Some components like oil are both time and mileage dependent, others are mileage only.
    If you are going to ignore the manufacturer’s service schedule you need to work out which is which.
    Incidentally, read your service schedule about extreme conditions. You may find that pattern of use includes this - stop/start short runs…
    FWIW one of mine is a low mileage city car, almost 10yo and less than 70,000. I change oil and filters, coolant and brake fluid based on time and then get servicing done as per mileage and do anything else as it comes up. Mines due for a mechanic service now and I reckon the original brake pads are about due for a swap.
    I’d have thought that spark plugs are a mileage thing, but with lots of stop/start and cold runs they may need to be changed sooner. A decent mechanic will know….

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