Car Service Schedule — What to Do at 10K, 20K, 40K km in India

Why regular service matters

Skipping service is a false economy. A ₹3,000 oil change prevents a ₹50,000 engine rebuild. Regular maintenance:

• Extends engine life by 50,000-1,00,000 km
• Prevents breakdowns (no roadside failures)
• Maintains resale value (service records prove good maintenance)
• Keeps warranty valid (manufacturers require proof of regular service)

Indian driving conditions are harsh: Heat, dust, stop-and-go traffic, and bad roads wear parts faster than in Europe or the US. This is why Indian service intervals are shorter.

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Service interval rule: 10,000 km OR 6 months

Whichever comes first.

If you drive 20,000 km/year, service every 10,000 km (every 6 months).
If you drive 5,000 km/year, service every 6 months (even if you have not hit 10,000 km).

Why time matters: Engine oil breaks down over time (heat, moisture, oxidation). After 6-12 months, oil loses its protective properties — even if you barely drove.

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What happens at each service interval

First Service (1,000 km or 1 month) — Free

Purpose: Break-in inspection after initial run-in period.

What gets done:

• Check for leaks (oil, coolant, fuel)
• Inspect brakes, lights, tyres
• Check all fluid levels
• Tighten bolts and fasteners (some may have loosened during break-in)
• No oil change yet (break-in oil has special additives)

Cost: Usually free (included with new car purchase)
Duration: 30-45 minutes

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10,000 km Service (Basic Service)

What gets replaced:

• Engine oil
• Oil filter

What gets inspected:

• Brake pads and brake fluid level
• Tyre pressure and tread depth
• Battery health and terminals
• Air filter (cleaned, not replaced yet)
• All lights (headlights, tail lights, indicators)
• Coolant level
• Windscreen washer fluid

Cost: ₹2,000-4,000 (depending on car and oil type)
Duration: 1-2 hours

Pro tip: This is the most important regular service. Never skip it.

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20,000 km Service (Basic Service)

Same as 10,000 km service:

• Engine oil change
• Oil filter replacement
• Inspection of all systems

Cost: ₹2,000-4,000
Duration: 1-2 hours

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30,000 km Service (Basic Service + Air Filter)

Same as 10,000 km service, PLUS:

• Air filter replacement (engine air filter gets clogged with dust)

Why air filter matters: A clogged air filter reduces engine efficiency by 5-10%, lowering mileage and power.

Cost: ₹2,500-5,000 (air filter costs ₹300-800)
Duration: 1-2 hours

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40,000 km Service (Major Service)

This is the first major service. More components get replaced.

What gets replaced:

• Engine oil
• Oil filter
• Air filter
• Spark plugs (petrol cars only) — worn spark plugs cause misfires and poor mileage
• Fuel filter (if recommended by manufacturer)

What gets inspected:

• Brake pads (may need replacement if worn to 3mm or less)
• Brake fluid (may need replacement if contaminated or old)
• Coolant level and condition
• Drive belts (check for cracks or fraying)
• Suspension bushings
• Tyre condition and alignment

Cost: ₹5,000-8,000
Duration: 2-3 hours

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50,000 km Service (Basic Service)

Same as 10,000 km service (back to basic).

Cost: ₹2,000-4,000

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60,000 km Service (Major Service + Brake Fluid)

What gets replaced:

• Engine oil
• Oil filter
• Air filter
• Brake fluid (absorbs moisture over time, reducing braking performance)

What gets inspected:

• Brake pads (likely need replacement by now if you drive in the city)
• Coolant (may need replacement after 3-4 years)
• Battery (check if it is holding charge; most batteries last 3-4 years)
• Transmission fluid level (automatics only)

Cost: ₹6,000-10,000
Duration: 3-4 hours

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80,000 km Service (Major Service + Coolant)

What gets replaced:

• Engine oil
• Oil filter
• Air filter
• Spark plugs (petrol)
• Coolant (engine coolant / radiator fluid)

Why coolant replacement matters: Old coolant loses its anti-corrosion and anti-freeze properties. Can cause radiator and engine damage.

Cost: ₹7,000-12,000
Duration: 3-4 hours

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1,00,000 km Service (Comprehensive Major Service)

The most extensive service. Almost everything consumable gets checked or replaced.

What gets replaced:

• Engine oil
• Oil filter
• Air filter
• Cabin air filter (if applicable)
• Spark plugs (petrol)
• Fuel filter
• Brake fluid
• Coolant

What gets inspected thoroughly:

• Brake pads and discs (likely need replacement)
• Suspension components (shock absorbers, bushings, ball joints)
• Drive belts (timing belt if not replaced at 60K-80K km)
• Clutch (manual cars — check for wear)
• Transmission (check for leaks, fluid condition)
• Exhaust system (check for rust or holes)

Cost: ₹10,000-20,000
Duration: 4-6 hours (full day)

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Additional replacements by time (not just km)

Some parts degrade by time, not distance:

Battery (every 3-4 years)

Car batteries last 3-4 years in India (heat kills batteries faster). Replace when:

• Car struggles to start (slow cranking)
• Lights dim when starting the engine
• Battery is 4+ years old (check date code on battery)

Cost: ₹3,000-8,000 depending on capacity

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Timing belt (every 60,000-80,000 km OR 5 years)

Critical: If the timing belt snaps, the engine can suffer catastrophic damage (valves hit pistons). Replacement cost: ₹20,000-50,000 engine rebuild.

Prevention: Replace timing belt at manufacturer-recommended interval (usually 60,000-80,000 km). Do not delay.

Cost: ₹5,000-12,000 (includes labor)

Note: Some modern cars have timing chains instead of belts. Chains last the lifetime of the engine and do not need replacement.

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Tyres (every 30,000-50,000 km OR 5 years)

See our tyre replacement guide for details.

Cost: ₹12,000-40,000 for 4 tyres

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Diesel-specific service items

Diesel cars have additional components that need service:

DPF cleaning (every 80,000-1,00,000 km)

What it is: Diesel Particulate Filter — traps soot from exhaust.

When to clean/replace: If you get a DPF warning light, or after 80,000-1,00,000 km.

Cost: ₹10,000-30,000 depending on whether it can be cleaned or needs replacement.

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AdBlue top-up (every 10,000-15,000 km)

What it is: Fluid that reduces NOx emissions in BS6 diesel engines.

When to top up: When the AdBlue warning light comes on (usually every 10,000-15,000 km).

Cost: ₹500-1,000 per top-up

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Service cost by car type (annual estimate)

Car type	Annual service cost (20,000 km/year)
Small hatchback (Alto, Wagon R)	₹8,000-12,000
Mid-size hatchback/sedan (Baleno, City)	₹12,000-18,000
Compact SUV (Nexon, Brezza)	₹15,000-22,000
Mid-size SUV (Creta, Seltos)	₹18,000-28,000
Luxury car (BMW, Audi, Mercedes)	₹40,000-80,000
Diesel cars	Add 20-30% to petrol costs

Does not include: Brake pads, tyres, battery, or major repairs.

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Free service packages (first 3 years)

Most manufacturers offer free service packages for the first 3-5 years or 50,000-1,00,000 km. This typically covers:

• Engine oil and oil filter
• Labor charges

Not covered:

• Parts that wear out (brake pads, tyres, battery, wiper blades)
• Air filter, spark plugs, coolant (some brands cover these, some do not)

Always ask: "What exactly is covered under the free service package?"

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Can I service my car outside the authorized dealer?

During warranty period (first 3-5 years): Service at authorized dealer to keep warranty valid. Manufacturer can refuse warranty claims if you service elsewhere.

After warranty expires: You can service anywhere. Multi-brand service centers (GoMechanic, CarDekho Gaadi Store) are 30-40% cheaper than authorized dealers and use genuine or equivalent parts.

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Warning signs you need immediate service (do not wait)

1. Engine warning light comes on
Get it checked immediately. Could indicate serious engine issues.

2. Grinding noise when braking
Brake pads are completely worn. Metal-on-metal contact damages brake discs.

3. Oil pressure warning light
Stop the car immediately. Driving with low oil pressure can seize the engine.

4. Overheating (temperature gauge in red zone)
Stop the car, let it cool. Driving hot damages the engine permanently.

5. Unusual vibrations or noises
Could be suspension, wheel bearings, or transmission issues. Get it checked.

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The verdict

Stick to the 10,000 km / 6 months service schedule. Do not skip services to save money — it costs more in the long run.

Track your service history. Keep all service receipts and stamped service book. This proves maintenance when you sell the car and increases resale value by 10-15%.

For major services (40K, 60K, 80K, 1L km): Budget extra — these involve more replacements and cost ₹5,000-20,000.

Regular service is not an expense. It is an investment that keeps your car running smoothly and protects its value.