How Often Should You Service Your Car?
Service intervals explained — distance vs time, "severe" driving conditions, and how to work out the right schedule for your car in Nairobi.
By Lionized Autocare ·
The honest answer is: as often as your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends for the way you actually drive. That sounds obvious, but many drivers either stretch services too far or pay for work that isn’t due yet. Here’s how to work out the right interval.
Start with the service book
Every manufacturer publishes a maintenance schedule, usually in the owner’s handbook or service book. Intervals are given as a distance or a time period — whichever comes first. For example, a schedule might say “every 10,000 km or 12 months”.
The “whichever comes first” part matters. A car that only does short trips may take two years to cover 10,000 km, but its oil still ages, absorbs moisture and loses its protective properties. Time-based intervals exist for exactly that reason.
“Normal” vs “severe” driving
Many schedules include a shorter interval for severe operating conditions. These typically include:
- Frequent short journeys where the engine never fully warms up
- Stop-start traffic and long periods idling
- Dusty or unpaved roads
- Towing or carrying heavy loads
- High temperatures
A lot of everyday driving in and around Nairobi ticks several of those boxes. If yours does, the shorter interval is usually the sensible choice.
Minor and major services
A minor service (sometimes called an interim or oil service) focuses on the engine oil and oil filter, plus safety checks of brakes, tyres, lights and fluid levels.
A major service adds items that are due at longer intervals — air and fuel filters, spark plugs, cabin filter and other fluids, depending on the vehicle. Your schedule tells you which service is due at which mileage.
Signs your car needs attention before the next service
Don’t wait for the calendar if you notice:
- A warning light on the dashboard
- New noises from the brakes, suspension or engine
- The car pulling to one side
- Higher fuel consumption than usual
- Oil or coolant spots where you park
Warning lights in particular are worth checking promptly — our guide to signs your car needs computer diagnostics explains why.
Keep a record
A complete service history helps you plan maintenance, spot recurring problems and get a better price when you sell. At Lionized Autocare every job is recorded against your vehicle, so you can see what was done and when.
Not sure what’s due?
Send us your make, model, year and current mileage and we’ll tell you which service applies. When you’re ready, book a car service or ask about a preventive maintenance plan if you rely on your vehicle for work.
