Pre-purchase inspections are not mandatory and getting one completed is entirely up to you. If you’re not mechanically minded, or just want that added peace of mind before you buy your next car, a pre-purchase inspection is a great idea.

A car diagnostic test including a full system scan, analysis and report can take anywhere between 15-30 minutes.

This test involves using a diagnostic scan tool to plug into your car and communicate with the various computers. The scan tool reads the data held in the computer to help the technician to discover and diagnose problems or errors.

No. Scan tool diagnostics test are completely safe and will not affect your warranty.

In addition to requiring you to fill out the appropriate paperwork and paying fees, most states in Australia will also require a safety or roadworthy inspection be completed prior to registering your vehicle. Check your relevant government transport website to find out more.

QLD - within 14 days

NSW - ASAP. If your vehicle is kept or garaged in NSW and doesn't have NSW registration then it is considered ‘unregistered’

VIC - No specified time

ACT, WA, SA, NT and TAS - For all these states, you have 3 months

Your fuel filter should be replaced at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer. Each car and fuel filter combination will have a different ‘life span’ which the manufacturer has worked out to ensure your car is operating as efficiently as possible.

It’s recommended that your air filter is changed every 10,000km to 15,000km. The air filter is a component that will be checked and replaced if needed by your local mechanic during regular service intervals.

Your cabin filter will be inspected (and replaced if needed) by your mechanic at the routine service interval stated by the manufacturer, so it’s best to keep your servicing up to date in order to continue the flow of fresh, clean air into your car.

Most manufacturers recommend your oil filter be replaced every time an oil change is performed. The exact intervals will vary depending on the make and model of your car. Your local mechanic will take care of it each time you book your car in for a service.

You can get your car serviced anywhere from an individual mechanical workshop or service centre, a major car servicing chain or a dealership. Mobile mechanics are also complete car servicing. AutoGuru can help you search, compare and book from over 1,700 fully qualified mechanics. Get fixed price, obligation-free quotes with the click of a few buttons.

Whilst there is no requirement, rule or law that says you must service your car before you sell it, it might be something you want to consider. It may increase buyer confidence knowing you've recently invested money into servicing the car.

There is no legal requirement in Australia to get your car serviced regularly, or even at all. It is, however, in your best interest to do so.

Yes! You can pay for your car service with Afterpay by booking with any participating mechanic on AutoGuru. Book a car service with Afterpay!

No. As long your car is serviced by a qualified mechanic and quality parts are used, your manufacturer’s warranty will not be affected. If you have purchased an extended warranty, you will need to confirm with the warranty provider.

Your safest bet is to use the engine oil grade determined by the car manufacturer, in order to maintain the best conditions for optimal engine protection. The only variance to that would be if an engine is dying and a different oil is used in an attempt to keep it alive a little longer.