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When was the last time you serviced your car?
If you can’t remember, you’re probably overdue. At OttoXpress, we’ve seen firsthand how skipping routine car servicing can turn a small issue into a big, expensive mess. Whether you’re driving a petrol-powered Corolla or a sleek Tesla Model 3, understanding your car service interval is non-negotiable.
Let’s break it all down.
Why Car Servicing Matters
Car servicing is not just about ticking a box or keeping up appearances. It’s the foundation of your car’s health. Regular servicing keeps your brakes responsive, your fluids clean, your engine humming, and your safety intact. In Nigeria, with our heat, dust, and pothole-strewn roads, these checks are even more vital.
What Is a Car Service Interval?
A car service interval refers to how often your vehicle should undergo a professional checkup and maintenance routine. This interval varies based on your car’s make, model, age, and how you drive. Most manufacturers recommend:
- Full Service: Every 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first)
- Interim Service: Every 6 months or 6,000 miles for high-mileage drivers
But there’s more nuance to it, especially when you consider electric vehicles (EVs).
Standard Intervals for Petrol and Diesel Cars
Most traditional vehicles in Nigeria follow a basic servicing schedule:
| Service Type | When to Do It | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Maintenance | As needed | Oil & filter changes, coolant top-ups, basic checks |
| Interim Service | Every 6 months or 6,000 miles | Oil change, filter, brake check, 50-point inspection |
| Full Service | Every 12 months or 12,000 miles | Comprehensive system checks, air filters, spark plugs, safety components |
| Manufacturer Service | Per vehicle manual | Performed by approved dealer with manufacturer parts and software updates |
Driving long distances daily or enduring Lagos traffic every morning? You’ll want to keep to these intervals. But if your car sits idle for weeks at a time, servicing it every 6 months still matters. Fluids can harden, batteries can drain, and parts can wear even when unused.
Car Service Intervals for Electric Vehicles
Electric cars have fewer moving parts than traditional engines, which means longer car service intervals. Still, they’re not maintenance-free:
- Kia e-Niro: Every 10,000 miles
- Nissan Leaf: Every 18,000 miles
- Tesla Models: On-demand, with software alerts
- BYD Atto 3: Every 12 months or 20,000 km
- Volvo EVs: Every 2 years or 30,000 km
The average? Around 12 months or 20,000 km, though it varies by brand. Bottom line: check your owner’s manual.
Don’t forget: EVs also need brake inspections (thanks to regenerative braking), coolant checks, battery health reviews, and software updates.
How Driving Habits Affect Service Frequency
Your driving habits directly influence your car service interval:
- Daily Lagos commutes in stop-and-go traffic? You’re likely stressing your engine more.
- Occasional weekend driver? Your car may still need servicing to avoid fluid issues and battery drain.
- Rough road adventurer? Your suspension, tires, and underbody need regular checks.
High-mileage drivers often need interim servicing every 6 months to stay ahead of wear and tear.
What You Gain from Regular Servicing
Neglecting service is like skipping doctor checkups. It may feel fine today, but tomorrow could be trouble.
Benefits of regular servicing include:
- Extended engine and battery life
- Better fuel economy
- Higher resale value
- Protected manufacturer warranty
- Safer driving experience
It’s not just about ticking boxes. It’s about keeping your vehicle roadworthy, valuable, and safe.
What Should You Do?
- Check Your Manual – It holds your car’s DNA. Every make and model is different.
- Stick to the Schedule – If your car is due, don’t delay.
- Book with Professionals – At OttoXpress, our expert mechanics ensure nothing is overlooked.
Don’t ignore the signs: noisy brakes, sluggish starts, or warning lights. They’re your car’s way of saying, “Service me now.”
Why Choose OttoXpress for Your Car Servicing?
At OttoXpress, we make car servicing easy, professional, and affordable. Whether you’re driving a Benz or a BYD, we’ll get you sorted:
- Convenient booking and reminders
- Locations across Surulere, Ikoyi, and more
- Transparent pricing and expert diagnostics
Book your car service today and drive with confidence.
