Written by Speed Service
Honest, hands-on advice from our workshop at 99 Cross Keys Rd, Salisbury.
We review our guides as workshop advice and Australian road rules change.
The short version
Short on time? Here's what this guide covers — scroll on for the detail.
- What is logbook servicing?
- The warranty myth
- What you need to do to stay covered
- Why choose an independent workshop?
Not sure where your car's at? We'll check it for you — call 0481 309 775.
If you have bought a new or near-new car, you have probably been told, or simply assumed, that you must return to the dealership for every service or you will void your warranty. It is one of the most common myths in motoring, and it costs Australian drivers a lot of money in dealer servicing they don't actually need.
The good news is that the law is firmly on your side. Here is what logbook servicing really involves and what your rights actually are.
What is logbook servicing?
Every new car comes with a service schedule set by the manufacturer, usually printed in a logbook or stored digitally. It lists exactly what needs to be done and when, typically at set intervals such as every 12 months or every 10,000 to 15,000 km, whichever comes first. Logbook servicing simply means carrying out those manufacturer-specified checks and replacements at the right intervals and stamping the book to record it.
A logbook service is more structured than a basic oil change. Depending on the interval, it can include engine oil and filter, air and cabin filters, brake inspection, fluid top-ups and changes, spark plugs, and a long list of safety and condition checks.
The warranty myth
Here is the key point: under Australian Consumer Law, a manufacturer cannot force you to service your car at their dealership to keep your warranty valid. Doing so would be tying the warranty to the use of their service network, which is not permitted.
Your rights in plain English
An independent workshop can carry out your logbook servicing without voiding your new-car warranty, as long as the work follows the manufacturer's schedule, uses quality parts and fluids that meet the manufacturer's specifications, and is properly recorded and stamped in your logbook.
Rather have us take a look?
We do this sort of work every day at our Salisbury workshop. Bring the car in for an honest assessment and a clear quote before anything happens — no surprises, no pressure.
What you need to do to stay covered
- 1Service the car on time, at the intervals set out in your logbook (by both time and distance, whichever comes first)
- 2Use parts, oils and fluids that meet or exceed the manufacturer's specifications
- 3Make sure the work is recorded and the logbook is stamped with the date, kilometres and details
- 4Keep your invoices and receipts as proof of what was done
Do those things and your warranty stays intact. The ACCC has been clear on this, and reputable independent workshops handle manufacturer logbook servicing every day.
Why choose an independent workshop?
- Often more affordable than dealer servicing for the same scheduled work
- You deal directly with the mechanic working on your car
- Local and convenient, no need to travel to a dealership across town
- The same quality parts and the same logbook stamp
One thing worth knowing: if a specific part fails and is covered under warranty, the manufacturer may still repair that part for free, but they may ask you to show the car has been serviced to schedule. That is exactly why keeping stamped records and receipts matters.
Get your logbook done locally
At Speed Service in Salisbury, we carry out manufacturer logbook servicing to schedule, using quality parts that meet your car's specifications, and we stamp your book so your warranty stays protected. It is local, straightforward and usually easier on the wallet than the dealer. Call us on 0481 309 775 or drop into 99 Cross Keys Rd to book in.
Frequently asked questions
Will servicing my car at Speed Service void my new-car warranty?
No. Under Australian Consumer Law, your warranty stays valid as long as the car is serviced to the manufacturer's schedule with quality parts that meet specification, and the logbook is stamped. We do exactly that.
Do I have to use genuine dealer parts?
Not necessarily. The parts and fluids must meet or exceed the manufacturer's specifications, but they do not have to be branded dealer parts. Quality aftermarket parts that meet spec are fine and keep your warranty intact.
What happens if I miss a service?
Servicing late or skipping a service can affect a warranty claim, because the manufacturer expects the schedule to be followed. Stick to the intervals by time and kilometres, whichever comes first, and keep your records.
