Car servicing: service schedules, new car warranty and independent garages

What does a car service involve?

A service is preventive maintenance according to the manufacturer's service schedule. The schedule states at what intervals, in time or mileage, different parts should be checked or replaced. There are often minor and major services that alternate.

Typical tasks include changing the engine oil and oil filter, replacing the air filter and cabin filter, checking brakes, tyres, lights, fluids and suspension, and reading fault codes. At certain intervals, items such as spark plugs, brake fluid or the timing belt are added.

New car warranty and independent garages

Many people believe the car must be serviced at a franchised dealer for the new car warranty to remain valid. Under the EU competition rules for the motor vehicle sector, you can normally choose an independent garage without affecting the warranty. The condition is that the service is carried out according to the manufacturer's service schedule and specifications, using original parts or parts of matching quality, and that the work is documented.

Warranty repairs and recalls, on the other hand, are normally carried out by an authorised workshop. Read the terms of your warranty and ask the manufacturer or dealer if anything is unclear. Always keep receipts and make sure the service is entered in the car's digital or paper service record.

What affects the price?

The cost of a service varies a great deal. Ask for a quote for your car and your service interval.

• Car model, engine and the type and amount of oil required
• Whether it is a minor or major service according to the schedule
• Extra tasks such as timing belt, brake fluid or spark plugs
• Choice of original parts or equivalent parts
• The workshop's hourly rate

Car servicing does not qualify for ROT or RUT deductions.

Preparing for the service

• Find out which service interval the car is due for and when it was last serviced
• Note any noises, warning lights or problems you have noticed
• Bring the service book or details of the digital service record
• Decide in advance how much the workshop may do without contacting you

Your rights as a consumer

The Consumer Services Act (Konsumenttjänstlagen) also applies to car repairs and servicing. If the workshop has given an approximate price, as a general rule it may not be exceeded by more than 15 per cent. If the workshop finds faults that require additional work, they must contact you and get your instructions before the work is done, unless it concerns small or necessary measures at a low cost.

The price information can be given orally or in writing, but written information is easier to refer to. Many workshops follow the industry's general terms and conditions for car repairs. In the event of a dispute, you can get guidance from Hallå konsument and turn to the National Board for Consumer Disputes (ARN).

What should the quote include?

• Which service is to be carried out according to the schedule
• Parts and oils with specifications, and whether they are original or equivalent
• Labour time or a fixed price
• How additional work will be handled
• That the service is stamped or registered in the service record

Questions to ask and common mistakes

Ask the workshop whether they have access to the manufacturer's service data, whether they can register the service digitally for your make of car and what warranty they give on the work.

Common mistakes are postponing the service for too long, choosing the cheapest oil that does not meet the manufacturer's specification, not keeping receipts and missing the timing belt change at the right interval.

Compare service quotes via Fixtorget

Enter your registration number or car model, mileage and the service you need. Workshops can send a cost specification that you approve in the portal, and any additional work is sent as a supplementary specification that you decide on before it is carried out.

Frequently asked questions