What’s actually included in a standard car service in Auckland?
A “standard service” can mean an oil change and not much else, or a 10-point inspection with fluids and brake work — depending on the workshop. Here’s exactly what your money buys at Precision Automotive in New Lynn, and the questions to ask any mechanic before you hand over the keys.
The short answer
At Precision Automotive a Standard Service is from $155 and covers 5 items: oil & filter change, air filter inspection, complete visual inspection, fluid top-up & inspection and tyre pressures checked & adjusted. It’s the routine maintenance service for cars driven in normal Auckland conditions, every 10,000km or 12 months. Premium (from $299) and Ultra (from $399) build on it, and every line item for all three is below.
What’s in our Standard Service
- Oil & filter change — fresh manufacturer-spec oil and a new filter. Used oil and filter recycled properly.
- Air filter inspection — checked for dirt and damage. Auckland air quality and short trips make this worth watching; replacement is quoted if it’s due.
- Complete visual inspection — a look over the car for leaks, worn parts and anything drifting toward trouble.
- Fluid top-up & inspection — coolant, power steering, washer fluid, transmission (where dipstick-accessible). Any low fluid is investigated, not just topped.
- Tyre pressures checked & adjusted — set to the manufacturer’s placard pressures, including the spare.
What’s not included (and what it costs separately)
No tier covers parts that are wear-and-tear consumables nearing end of life. The most common add-ons:
- Spark plug replacement — typically $80–$180 depending on number of plugs and access.
- Brake pad replacement — front or rear, around $220–$380 per axle including pads and labour, parts brand-dependent.
- Cabin air filter — $45–$90 depending on access; often skipped by dealers but matters for AC odour and allergy season.
- Battery test & replacement — free test, replacement quoted on the day.
- Wiper blades — quoted on the spot.
We’ll always tell you what’s needed, quote it before we touch anything, and let you decide.
Comparing all three tiers on price? See how much a car service costs in Auckland.
Questions to ask any mechanic before booking: Is a brake fluid flush included, and on which tier? Are filters genuine or aftermarket? Will you show me the old oil and the worn parts? At Precision Automotive the answers are: on Ultra, your choice, and absolutely.
Premium and Ultra tiers — what changes?
Our three service tiers each build on the one before. Premium (from $299) is everything in Standard, stepped up to:
- Oil & filter change with oil flusher — a flushing agent runs through the engine before the oil change to clear sludge and contaminants from the galleries.
- Air filter replacement — a new filter (or cleaned where the unit supports it), rather than just a check.
- Complete safety inspection — the same checklist a Warrant of Fitness uses, so we catch anything heading toward a WoF fail before it gets there.
- Spark plug inspection — colour, gap and electrode wear checked. Replacement is quoted separately if needed (usually every 60,000–100,000km depending on make).
- Tyre rotation (if required) — front-to-rear rotation to even out wear, where the wear pattern shows benefit.
- Brakes checked, cleaned & adjusted — pad and disc wear measured, callipers cleaned, drum brakes adjusted. Replacements quoted separately.
It’s the right call for cars over 80,000km, ex-rental vehicles, or anything you’re unsure of the history on.
Ultra (from $399) is everything in Premium, plus:
- Brake fluid flush — brake fluid absorbs moisture from the atmosphere; flushing every 24 months keeps its boiling point high under heavy braking.
- Fuel system cleanser — added to run through the injectors and intake to maintain combustion efficiency.
Typically the right service before a long road trip, before selling, or when a car comes to us for the first time and needs a thorough baseline.
If you’re not sure which tier fits, just give us the year/make/model and rough kilometres and we’ll recommend.
How to book
Call (09) 827 0322 or use the online form. Mon to Fri, 8 to 5. Same-day for WoFs, advance booking for services so we can give your car the right slot on the hoist.
