How Often Should You Service a Low-Mileage Car?
July 14, 2025
Just because your car isn’t clocking up the kilometres doesn’t mean it can skip regular servicing. Low-mileage vehicles still experience wear and tear from time, weather, and inactivity, particularly in areas like Campsie where changing conditions can affect unused vehicles. A qualified mechanic at Kar Pro Tyre & Auto will tell you that many issues in rarely driven cars, such as battery drain, fluid breakdown, or perished rubber components, can be prevented with regular checkups.
In this guide, we’ll explain how often you should service a low-mileage car, why time-based servicing matters more than you might think, and what simple steps you can take to keep your vehicle reliable, safe, and roadworthy. Let's get started!
Maintaining a low-mileage car can be more challenging than it seems, especially when following service schedules. While many car owners believe that infrequent use means less frequent servicing, manufacturers have clear guidelines that emphasise the importance of regular maintenance, regardless of the kilometres driven.
Most vehicle manufacturers recommend servicing your car every six to twelve months, irrespective of how many kilometres you've driven. This time-based recommendation ensures all components stay safe and functional.
For many cars, especially those under warranty, a six-month service interval is suggested. This interval helps in the early detection of potential issues and ensures that the warranty remains valid. Regular checks during these services include oil changes, fluid top-ups, and inspections of brakes and tyres.
Some manufacturers extend their service intervals to twelve months for certain models. This is more common with newer vehicles that may have advanced technology and materials designed to last longer between services. However, even with these advancements, a yearly service is crucial to maintain vehicle health.
The recommended service intervals can differ between newer and older vehicles, primarily due to advancements in automotive technology and evolving manufacturer standards.
Modern cars often come equipped with enhanced onboard diagnostics and more durable materials, allowing for longer intervals between services. However, these vehicles still require regular checkups to ensure software updates are applied, electronics are functioning, and the wear and tear on components is within safe limits.
Older models typically require more frequent servicing. As parts age, the likelihood of wear increases, necessitating closer monitoring and more regular maintenance to prevent issues before they become serious problems. This is important for maintaining engine health, fluid levels, and the overall reliability of the vehicle.
Time-based servicing is a critical component of vehicle maintenance, particularly for low-mileage cars. Here’s why it matters:
Regular vehicle servicing is crucial for maintaining the health and longevity of your car, even if it is a low-mileage vehicle. Skipping these essential checkups can lead to various issues that may affect your car's performance and your safety on the road. Below, we discuss the specific problems that can arise when regular servicing is neglected.
One of the critical aspects of car maintenance is ensuring that the engine oil is in good condition. Even if your car isn’t driven much, the oil can still degrade. This issue occurs due to contamination, moisture accumulation, and the breakdown of additives, which can severely affect your engine’s performance. Without regular changes, oil can’t lubricate properly, causing friction and engine wear. This can cause overheating, reduced efficiency, and costly engine damage.
A car's battery can deteriorate even when the vehicle is not frequently used. Lack of regular driving can lead to battery drain as the alternator, which recharges the battery while the engine runs, isn’t engaged enough. As time passes, this can result in a dead battery. Furthermore, skipping servicing means missing out on checks for electrical faults that could cause unexpected failures. Electrical systems are integral to modern vehicles, controlling everything from starting the engine to running the infotainment system. Neglecting these systems can lead to significant repair costs and inconvenient breakdowns.
Stationary cars are prone to tyre flat spots and rubber deterioration, leading to discomfort and potential safety issues. Exposure to the elements and the natural ageing process can cause these materials to crack and degrade, leading to leaks, blowouts, or other failures.
Skipping regular servicing increases the overall risk of unexpected breakdowns. Many potential issues can be identified and addressed during routine maintenance before they become serious problems. For example, fluid levels, belt conditions, and brake systems are all checked during a service. Ignoring these checks can lead to sudden failures, which put you at risk on the road and result in more expensive repairs compared to the relatively low cost of routine servicing.
When it comes to keeping a low-mileage vehicle, the adage "use it or lose it" often holds true. While these cars may not face the wear and tear of frequent use, they are still susceptible to specific issues that can arise from long periods of inactivity. Understanding and addressing these potential problems can help ensure the longevity and reliability of your vehicle. Below are some key maintenance items that should be prioritised for cars that aren’t driven often.
Doing this ensures that the oil retains its viscosity and ability to protect the engine effectively. Over time, oil can become contaminated with moisture and other particulates, which can lead to engine corrosion and reduced efficiency if not addressed.
A car that sits idle for extended periods can experience battery drain, as various systems continue to draw small amounts of power even when the vehicle is off. To avoid being greeted by a dead battery, regularly check the battery's health. A multimeter can be used to measure the voltage; a healthy battery should read around 12.6 volts when fully charged. Consider investing in a trickle charger or battery maintainer to keep the battery charged between uses. Regularly cleaning the battery terminals and ensuring they are tightly connected can also prevent power loss and corrosion.
When a car sits for long periods, rust can build up on the brake rotors, and brake pads can become stuck to the rotors. This can lead to reduced braking efficiency and even brake failure. Regularly inspecting the brakes for rust and ensuring they move freely is essential. If you notice any unusual sounds or a spongy brake pedal upon driving the car, it’s important to have a professional inspect the braking system promptly.
Proper tyre pressure is crucial for safe handling, fuel efficiency, and tyre longevity. It is recommended to check tyre pressure at least once a month and adjust it to the manufacturer's specifications. Additionally, inspect the tyres for signs of dry rot or cracking, which can occur when a vehicle is stationary for extended periods. Rotating the tyres every six months can also help prevent flat spots and ensure even wear.
Even when not in use, a car's fluids can evaporate or become contaminated, which can affect the vehicle's performance and longevity. Regularly check the levels of essential fluids such as coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windscreen washer fluid. Top them up as necessary to ensure your vehicle operates smoothly when you do take it out for a spin. Coolant is key to preventing overheating and corrosion, so inspect it regularly.
Maintaining a low-mileage vehicle may seem straightforward, but it requires specific care to ensure all components remain in optimal condition. Below, we outline essential practices to help you keep your low-mileage car in excellent shape between services.
Even infrequent drivers should take their car out regularly because it serves several key purposes, like the following:
The battery is one of the most affected components in a low-mileage car due to inactivity. Here’s how you can maintain it:
Proper storage is critical for low-mileage vehicles to prevent deterioration when they are not in use:
Even if you’re not driving your car often, time doesn’t stand still for its components. Skipping regular servicing can lead to problems that catch you off guard and cost you more in the long run. To keep your low-mileage vehicle running smoothly and safely, stick to time-based service intervals and stay proactive with simple upkeep. Haven’t driven in a while? Don’t wait for a problem to show up! Book your next service with Kar Pro Tyre & Auto and let our team keep your car running like new.
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