It’s a question we hear almost as often as ‘are we there yet?!’. Let’s unpack how long a car service takes and take a moment to explore the incredible local spots you can enjoy while you wait.
How long does a car service take?
How long a car service takes depends on the make and model of your vehicle and what kind of service is due. As a general rule, if your car is serviced regularly and running in optimal condition, a basic service will take between 1 and 2 hours and a logbook service will range from between 2 and 4 hours.
Log book services are performed every 10,000 kms or 12 months (whichever comes first), and are designed to examine your vehicle in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements. Different manufacturers require different service items, so there will be some variance in how long a car service takes from vehicle to vehicle, and from service to service.
More complex work or repairs may take longer, but we understand how important it is for you to plan your day so we’ll give an estimate of how long your service will take when you book, and give you plenty of notice if we come across something that might take a little longer.
Wondering what is included in a car service in Australia? Check out what’s being done in this time.
How can I avoid a lengthy car service?
The best – and most cost-effective – way to avoid a lengthy car service is to maintain a regular service schedule. While many prestige and European car dealers point to long service intervals as a selling point to encourage drivers purchasing new vehicles to return to the dealer network, we’ve observed much higher rates of major component failures (resulting in longer service times and excessive servicing costs) in vehicles serviced so infrequently.
Our experience over many years has demonstrated that servicing every 10,000 km or 12 months (whichever comes first) allows us to keep an eye on your vehicle’s major components (such as its transmission, power steering, cooling system and differential) so we can advise you to service them before they result in any lengthy repairs or excessive costs.
Things to do while you wait
If you’ve got places to be and work to do, we have a number of loan cars and a Mercedes Vito Van to keep you on the move, all free of charge! Ask when you book your service to secure your complimentary loan vehicle. Otherwise, there’s plenty of things to see and enjoy in the local area while you wait. Our convenient location in South Melbourne gives you easy access to some classic ‘Melbourne’ treasures and things to do in Port Melbourne, Albert Park and surrounds.
Coffee and brunch
We’re well and truly spoiled for choice at Cox Auto from a caffeine-lover’s perspective, with coffee specialists St Ali located nearby in both South Melbourne and Port Melbourne – drop in for a latte, and stay for brunch with the folks who have shaped Melbourne’s cafe culture in recent years. Stroll a little further and you’ll find another favourite of ours for leisurely brunch or lunch at Dundas and Faussett in Albert Park.
Lunch
In a hurry? Grab a quick bite or coffee from , or head to Andrew’s Hamburgers in Albert Park to discover the Melbourne institution that’s been flipping the best burgers since 1939! If you have a little time up your sleeve and a taste for seafood, book at a table at Rubira’s in Port Melbourne to enjoy a menu featuring some of the freshest seafood and best produce available. It’s one of Port Melbourne’s best restaurants!
Gastro pub meals and family favourites
If steak is your go-to (and it sure is ours!), make sure to check out the mouthwatering prime cuts on offer at the Railway Club Hotel in Port Melbourne. Enjoy a gastro pub meal in a beautiful contemporary and stylish setting at O’Connells or The Montague in South Melbourne; or enjoy the simply breathtaking views of Melbourne from the Albion Rooftop. The courtyard at the Railway Hotel is a great spot to while away an hour or two, as is the relaxed atmosphere of ‘our local’ and dear neighbours – the – for something closer to the workshop.
Book a service today
When you bring your pride and joy to Cox Auto, we’ll meet your logbook servicing needs and provide you and your car with a premium service experience unmatched by dealerships. From our welcoming shopfront, to the flexibility to prepay for easy pick-up, we are here with the best of modern processes and good old-fashioned family service to care for you and your car.
We’ll provide you with an estimate of how long your car service will take when you book, allowing you to ponder what to do and where to eat while you wait! Book an appointment or call the workshop today on 03 9071 0146.
