Car service: Get a free quote • Fast response
Car service
Whether you just need a simple oil change or a comprehensive service, finding the right auto repair shop can be difficult. Who can you trust? What should the service cost?
What if the auto repair shop finds other problems during the service? Here you’ll find answers to everything you need to know about car servicing.
We can also get you a free, no-obligation quote from an auto repair shop in your area.
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What does car servicing cost?
The price of car servicing varies depending on the type of car, make, mileage, model year and what needs to be done during the service. A small service with an oil change, check of filters and fluids typically costs between NOK 2.000-4.000 for a regular passenger car.
A small service focuses more on basic maintenance, while a major service includes more checkpoints and often involves the replacement of parts. A larger, more comprehensive service typically costs from NOK 5.000-9.000.
Some auto repair shops offer service packages at a fixed price, while others charge by the hour. The cost of any parts that need to be replaced is always additional.
Many new cars have included service for the first few years, so check if this applies to your car before booking an appointment at an auto repair shop.
What affects the price of car servicing?
- Car make and model: Some cars, especially premium brands, have higher service prices due to higher skill requirements and more expensive parts.
- Age and mileage: Older cars with high mileage often need more extensive servicing.
- Type of service: A large service with many components to be replaced will be more expensive than a small service.
- Additional repairs: If the auto repair shop finds worn parts or other faults that need to be fixed, the bill can quickly become higher than expected.
- Choice of auto repair shop: Branded auto repair shops are often more expensive than independent repair shops. The hourly rate also varies from auto repair shop to auto repair shop.
What is included in a car service?
A car service is a comprehensive check and maintenance of your car to ensure optimal performance, safety and extend the life of your vehicle. Although the exact content of the service may vary slightly based on car make, model and age, most auto repair shops will go through the following main points:
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Oil change:
Changing the engine oil and oil filter is one of the most important parts of the service. This ensures proper lubrication and protection of the engine. -
Air filter:
The air filter is changed to ensure that only clean air enters the engine, which is crucial for optimal combustion and performance. -
Fuel filter:
Changing the fuel filter prevents impurities from reaching the fuel system and potentially damaging the engine. -
Ignition system:
Spark plugs and ignition cables are checked, and replaced, if necessary, to maintain proper combustion and avoid engine management issues. -
Brake system:
Brake discs, brake pads and brake fluid level are checked. Brake fluid is topped up or replaced as required. This is critical for the car’s stopping power and overall safety. -
Tires and wheels:
Tire pressure, tread depth and general condition of the tires are checked. Wheels can also be balanced and rotated for even wear and the best possible grip. -
Steering system and chassis:
Shock absorbers, springs, steering system and suspension are checked for play, damage and wear. This is important for stable driving behavior and comfort. -
Cooling system:
Coolant is checked for correct level and quality. The system is also inspected for any leaks that could lead to overheating. -
Electrical systems:
Battery, lights, horn, windshield wipers and other electrical equipment are tested for correct function. Weak batteries or defective bulbs are replaced. -
Exhaust system:
The exhaust system is checked for leaks and rust. A clogged exhaust can cause dangerous exhaust fumes in the cabin and engine problems. -
Air conditioning:
For cars with AC, check the refrigerant level, the condition of the compressor and test the system for efficient cooling. -
Miscellaneous checks:
The level and quality of power steering oil, gear oil and other specific fluids are checked and topped up. -
General inspection:
The vehicle is reviewed for visible signs of problems, such as rust, loose parts or abnormal wear points. -
Maintenance work:
Finally, any minor repairs or adjustments uncovered during the service are carried out.
A service may also reveal the need for other repairs or replacements. Modern cars are often equipped with a smart service alert that calculates the optimal time for service based on driving patterns and conditions. Some cars distinguish between major and minor servicing or have specific intervals for replacing certain components. Always check your car’s owner’s manual or service alerts to know what is recommended for your particular car.
What is included in a small car service?
A small service, also known as service A, is a less comprehensive maintenance check that focuses on maintaining your vehicle’s overall reliability. During a small service, the following points will often be reviewed:
- Changing the engine oil and oil filter, which ensures proper lubrication and protection of the engine.
- Inspection of the air filter and replacement of the cabin filter to maintain good air quality.
- Thorough check of the brake system, including checking the brake fluid level.
- Checking tire pressure and general condition of tires for optimal performance and safety.
- An overall visual inspection of the vehicle to catch any visible issues.
A small service is less expensive than a large service but is just as important for taking care of your car. Regular small services help to extend the life of your vehicle and prevent bigger problems from developing.
What is included in a major car service?
A major service, also referred to as service B, is a more comprehensive overhaul of your car. It is typically carried out every two years with a minor service, or after a certain number of kilometers driven. This service usually includes everything from a minor service, as well as several key maintenance points:
- Replacement of spark plugs and possibly also ignition cables for optimal engine performance.
- Replacing the fuel filter to protect the fuel system from impurities.
- Inspection and replacement of other important filters, such as the air filter and cabin filter.
- Thorough check of the steering system, suspension and shock absorbers.
- Checking the cooling system, including thermostat and coolant quality, to avoid overheating.
A major service is more time-consuming and therefore more expensive than a minor service, but it’s essential to address key components that are subject to wear and tear over time. By following recommended major service intervals, you’re investing in your vehicle’s long-term reliability and performance.
How often should my car be serviced?
Service intervals vary from car to car, depending on several factors:
- Manufacturer’s recommendations – most have a separate service schedule for each model.
- Age and mileage – newer cars often have longer intervals than older ones.
- Engine and fuel type – diesel engines and advanced gasoline engines may have their own intervals.
- Driving pattern – many short trips, cold climates and dusty environments require more frequent servicing.
Typically, minor and major service is carried out every other time at intervals of approximately 12 months. This means that if you have carried out a minor service one year, you will normally have to carry out a major service the following year.
The intervals for a minor service (incl. oil change) are often every 10,000 – 20,000 km, while a major service is performed every 30,000 – 60,000 km.
Many new cars have a service indicator that calculates the optimal service interval based on driving patterns and conditions. Some parts, such as the timing belt, have their own replacement intervals regardless of service.
Always check your car’s owner’s manual and follow the service warnings in the car to know what applies to your particular car. Regular servicing is important anyway to avoid unnecessary wear and tear and expensive repairs, as well as to maintain your car’s value.
What happens if you don’t service your car?
Delaying or skipping servicing may seem like a way to save money in the short term, but it will almost always pay off in the long run. The consequences of lack of maintenance can be:
- Increased wear and tear and shorter lifespan of key components such as the engine, gearbox and transmission.
- Higher fuel consumption and poorer performance when the engine and parts are not working optimally.
- Sudden breakdowns, e.g. engine damage due to lack of oil or faulty water pump.
- More expensive repairs when minor faults go unnoticed and develop into serious damage.
- Reduced safety when brakes, tires or lights fail, for example.
- Zero value on warranties that require a documented service history.
- Lower value on sale.
Regular servicing costs a little, but protects your car and your wallet from expensive surprises and extends the life of your car. Get a reminder from your auto repair shop or keep an eye on your car’s service alerts so you don’t have to worry about the consequences of missing a service.
How do you check the service history?
Having an overview of your car’s service history is valuable both for you as an owner and for potential buyers if you ever want to sell your car. The easiest way to check the service history is to look in the car’s service booklet, which is usually kept in the glove compartment. This is where the auto repair shop should have the stamp for each service performed. Newer cars often store the service history electronically in the car’s computer system. This information can be retrieved by an auto repair shop with special diagnostic tools.
Another way to track services is to go through your car’s paperwork and look for receipts or invoices from previous workshop visits. If you can’t find these, contact the dealer or auto repair shop that performed the service, as they can often find the history in their own systems.
Some car manufacturers also offer digital solutions where the owner can log in and view the service history themselves, either via an app or on a website. When buying a used car, it’s always a good idea to ask the seller for documentation of completed service.
Is a brand workshop more expensive?
There can often be a significant price difference between branded repair shops and independent auto repair shops. The reasons why brand workshops are often more expensive include
- Specialized expertise on specific car brands.
- Access to the car manufacturer’s specialized diagnostic tools and repair procedures.
- More expensive, original spare parts direct from the car manufacturer.
- Higher hourly rates to cover the costs associated with dealership status.
In return, dealerships will often be able to carry out more complex troubleshooting and repairs, and some offer extended warranties on genuine parts. For newer cars with advanced technology and specific service needs, this can offset the higher price.
For simpler services and repairs on older cars, a less expensive independent auto repair shop may offer more value for money. They are more likely to use non-original spare parts, which often work just as well at a lower price.
Can you service your car yourself?
For the technically savvy, it’s perfectly possible to carry out simple service and maintenance tasks yourself, such as
- Changing engine oil and oil filter
- Changing the air filter and cabin filter
- Filling washer fluid and coolant
- Checking and adjusting air pressure in tires
- Checking and topping up brake fluid and power steering oil
The advantages of doing the job yourself are that you save money on workshop bills, while getting to know your car better. There are many good online guides for the most common tasks.
More advanced tasks such as changing timing belts, spark plugs, wheel bearings and brakes, as well as troubleshooting electronics and engine management, require specialist skills and tools and should be left to professionals. The same applies to work included in any new car warranty.
Using an authorized auto repair shop also offers other benefits:
- Documentation that the service has been carried out professionally, important in the event of subsequent sales/complaints.
- The auto repair shop has the necessary specialized diagnostic tools.
- Identifies potential faults and wear and tear before they become a problem.
- Stamp in the service booklet
How do I get a quote for car service?
To get a quote for car servicing, you need to get in touch with an auto repair shop near you that offers this. There are often many auto repair shops to choose from, which can make it difficult to know who you should actually contact.
We want to save you time and make the process of finding a good auto repair shop easier for you. We work with auto repair shops all over the country and can easily put you in touch with a repair shop in your area.
Fill out the form on our site with some information and we’ll forward your inquiry to the auto repair shop that can best help you. Our service is free and non-binding. The auto repair shop in question will contact you shortly to make an appointment.
