You should service your car every 5,000–10,000 km or every 6 months for basic checks and once a year for a full service to keep it safe, smooth, and reliable.
Your automobile is not only a means of transportation. It is an everyday companion; it takes you to school, to work, and to visits with relatives. This is why car service is not only a good idea, but it is a must. However, how frequently should you service your car?
We can hear this question at Royal Prince Auto Care on a daily basis. In this case, we will go into the details to let you know what things to look out for during the regular servicing, when, and why.
Why Regular Car Service Is Important
An oil change is not the only thing that servicing does to your car. It maintains your engine in prime condition, your fuel consumption at a minimum, and your driving safe. It also prevents primary car repair services that are expensive in the long run.
Not servicing might not reflect issues immediately, but over the years, some build up. Before you know it, you have to make significant repairs like engine overhaul, suspension fix, or even replace the entire transmission.
How Often Should You Service Your Car?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best service schedule depends on the following:
- The car brand and model
- How often do you drive
- Your driving habits (city traffic vs highway)
- Weather conditions (hot UAE temperatures matter!)
- Your car’s age
But here’s a general rule:
| Service Type | Frequency |
| Basic Service (Oil change, filter check) | Every 5,000–10,000 km or every 6 months |
| Full Service (Brake check, fluids, AC, etc.) | Every 12 months or 15,000–20,000 km |
| Major Service (Transmission, timing belt, spark plugs) | Every 2–3 years or 40,000–60,000 km |
When in doubt, always refer to your car’s owner manual—or just bring it in for a quick car inspection at Royal Prince Auto Care.
Signs That Your Car Needs Immediate Service
Sometimes, your car will tell you it needs attention. Look out for these warning signs:
- Dashboard warning lights
- The engine sounds like knocking or grinding.
- Vibration or pulling while driving
- Delayed start or battery issues
- Reduced fuel economy
- The AC is not cooling well.
- Squeaky or soft brakes
When these things happen, it’s time to visit your trusted service center. A quick car electrical repair, car AC repair, or brake pad replacement can fix minor issues before they grow.
What Does a Basic Car Service Include?
Even a basic service covers a lot. At Royal Prince Auto Care, your basic service might include the following:
- Oil change with quality engine oil
- Air filter and fuel filter check
- Coolant and other fluid top-ups
- Battery health check
- Brake and tire inspection
- General safety check of lights and wipers
This is usually all your car needs every 5,000–10,000 km to stay in top shape.
What About Full or Major Services?
Every once in a while, your car needs a deeper look. A full service includes:
- Brake fluid replacement
- Wheel alignment and tyre change (if needed)
- Spark plug inspection
- Suspension system check
- Steering fluid and power steering inspection
- Battery replacement if aging
Primary services also look at:
- Gearbox/transmission system
- Engine timing belt or chain
- Engine repair or rebuild if wear is found
- Car detailing for complete exterior and interior care
These deeper services are often done annually or every 20,000–40,000 km.
Servicing New vs. Old Cars
When purchasing a brand-new car, you can be sure that servicing is more about maintaining a warranty and observing wear-in periods. An old car or a used car might require more attention.
On the older models, you can also think about additional services such as car polishing, paint protection film, or roof lining repair, in case the resale value is an issue that is important to you.
Seasonal Servicing in the UAE
The UAE weather is unique. The extreme summer heat affects car AC, batteries, tires, and engine performance.
That’s why it’s smart to schedule services before and after summer, especially to:
- Recharge or inspect the AC system.
- Check coolant levels
- Replace worn-out brake pads.
- Inspect the engine for overheating signs.
- Get your car wash and car spa for a clean, polished finish.
Our customers often book car ceramic coating or car wrapping as part of seasonal maintenance, too.
Quick Tips to Extend Service Gaps
If you want to go longer between services, here are tips to reduce wear:
- Drive carefully–no sudden stops and speedy starts.
- Never overload your car.
- Ensure inflation of tires to the right pressure status.
- High-quality fuel Use
- Have the car checked regularly, even when it is not full service.
And, listen to your car too. Odd noises, odors, or dashboard lights are indicators that it is time to take it in.
Final Thoughts
How frequently do you need to service your car, then? Ideally, twice a year, at least a basic service, and once a year, at least a complete service. Nevertheless, you must watch the way your auto looks and sounds.
Regular service, whether you are the owner of a brand-new hybrid or an older family SUV, will keep you safe on the road, use less fuel, and avoid hefty repair bills.
And, when you find yourself unsure about the status of your car-visit us here at Royal Prince Auto Care. We will cover all of that to ensure that you drive without any worries.