Car servicing shouldn’t feel like a guessing game, but for many drivers, it certainly does. Between conflicting advice, well-meaning “experts,” and countless horror stories about unnecessary upsells, it’s no wonder so many car owners feel unsure about what their vehicle actually needs and what’s just an added extra.
There is a lot of misinformation floating around in the automotive world. Some of it is outdated, some of it is misunderstood, and some of it has been passed down like gospel despite being completely untrue.
In this guide, we’re busting some of the most common car service myths and explaining what really matters when it comes to maintaining your vehicle, including how to tell the difference between genuine, value-adding recommendations and unnecessary upselling.
With the right knowledge, you can book your next car service with confidence, clarity, and control.
Not everyone can simply service an automobile. Many people may have grown up with a family member tinkering away on their own car; as such, many folks may claim to know a thing or two about servicing a motor vehicle. The reality is they likely know nothing.
Beyond personal projects performed at home or quick fixes done by professionals at Autobarn or Supercheap Auto, DIY repairs are not advisable for vehicles intended to be driven publicly. Authentic servicing must be conducted by fully trained auto mechanics holding at minimum a VACC Automotive Certificate III and accredited by the AFSACS.
Because car repairs have such a high skill ceiling, this has naturally led to a healthy dose of skepticism, curiosity, and speculation. There are quite a few car myths floating around out there, and you have probably fallen for a few yourself!
Here are just some of the many tall car tales making the rounds, along with the real story about what may be going on under the hood.
Perhaps routine servicing recommendations and log book repairs have led to this myth taking root, but the truth is that not every car service is the same. Services can vary significantly per job depending on a variety of factors, including the age of the vehicle, the nature of work being performed, the types of parts needed, the desires of the client, and the skill of the mechanic.
Cars are complex machines composed of multiple systems working in tandem—no two systems operate the same, and each requires a unique, specifically trained skill set to operate on. Of course, if your mechanic is as skilled as they ought to be, then they will be equipped to handle multiple types of vehicles and multiple kinds of repair services.
While no two services are ever really the same, the duty of care and attention to detail ought to be, and you can expect that from a mechanic repair shop that has been operating locally for over twelve years.
This is easily one of the more well-travelled myths—you probably heard your Mum tell you this! Perhaps you have been warned many times before that if you get your car serviced anywhere other than the dealership, then you will void your warranty… or worse.
The truth is, you can have your car serviced by any qualified and authorised repairer or mechanic at any accredited location without voiding your vehicle’s warranty. As long as the service complies with the manufacturer’s specifications and uses dealership-approved parts, then your warranty will remain intact with no cause for concern.
This ultimately gives you the freedom to choose a local service provider around Melbourne for your regular car maintenance and repairs, allowing you greater flexibility and ease of mind, no matter where you live and drive.
This is simply wishful thinking. Imagine not going to the doctor when you feel something wrong with your body or health. Would you put off seeing a medical professional until something “goes wrong”? You could wait until things get really bad, but then you’re more likely to end up in the hospital instead of the GP’s office…
Comparing car servicing to health and wellness is a bit of a stretch, but it’s not too off the mark! Many car owners assume they can wait for major problems to appear and become unavoidable before scheduling a routine service. In reality, preventive maintenance is key to ensuring the long-term reliability and performance of your vehicle. And when your mechanic recommends preventive maintenance, they are not simply trying to upsell you. In fact, they’re trying to save you money.
Waiting for warning signs to appear usually leads to far more expensive car repair services in the future, so be proactive!
Sometimes, preventative repairs and maintenance may come across like trying to upsell you on unnecessary services. When things start to get expensive, it’s easy to dismiss extra considerations as a sneaky way to charge more money.
But this isn’t real upselling. It’s just bad business
Untrustworthy mechanics will try to squeeze you dry of as much cash as possible, often relying on untransparent pricing methods and overcharged parts and labour that don’t appear on a quote or invoice. But a trustworthy, reliable, local mechanic like the teams at S.S.C. Mechanics is only ever looking out for your best interest. That’s why we are openly transparent about our prices and will never charge you for anything that has not been discussed with you beforehand.
We may try to upsell some worthwhile accessories your car may need, but these are only extras added on to your service—there is no expectation that you have to accept additional services or products.
Some regular mechanic upselling may include some of the following items:
Your mechanic may offer to flush out some of your fluid-dependent systems for you while working on your car. If they seem super dirty, this may help alleviate other issues. It’s also super quick to perform!
An annual undercoating and rustproofing application can keep your car’s exterior and undercarriage protected from rust and physical damage. Rocks and stones can create chips in paint, which may leave the metal unprotected, so this may be a good add-on if you’re concerned about the longevity of your investment
On some engines, a timing belt failure can cause the valves to hit the pistons, requiring a very expensive repair. If your fan or serpentine belt is starting to crack, it’s best to replace it. This can be done quickly by your mechanic while he’s digging around inside, looking for any other issues.
The exhaust system is an often-overlooked safety component on cars. If the exhaust leaks, then there is the potential for other occupants in the car to suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal. If your mechanic detects an exhaust leak, it’s best to get it repaired as soon as possible when offered.
These are just some upsells your mechanic may offer that are not part of your routine service; they add extra value to your experience, but are not required, nor are you automatically charged for their inclusion.
At the end of the day, most car service myths exist because vehicle maintenance can feel confusing, technical, and easy to mistrust. But once you understand what real servicing looks like and what genuine upselling actually means, you’re in a much stronger position as a car owner to make more informed decisions.
The best advice we can offer is choosing a local mechanic who values transparency, clear communication, and long-term vehicle health over quick wins. An honest mechanic will explain why a service is recommended, give you a choice, and never surprise you with hidden costs.
If you’re looking for straightforward advice and reliable car servicing across Tullamarine and surrounding suburbs, book your next service with S.S.C. Mechanics. We’ll help you separate what your car needs from what’s simply optional, so you can drive away confident, informed, and in control
SSC Mechanics services vehicles across Tullamarine and nearby Melbourne suburbs.
S.S.C Mechanics provides professional mechanical repair services for Melbourne’s north-west. We provide car safety checks for all kinds of makes and models.
Based in Airport West, our customers come from various surrounding locations, including:
And more locations surrounding Melbourne’s North-West!
If you’re searching for a reliable car service near you, our workshop supports drivers across the north-west of Melbourne.
Give us a call today on (03) 9338 9573 to discuss how we can help you.
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