How the schedule is worked out
Each item has a typical interval in kilometres and in months — for example, an oil service roughly every 15,000 km or 12 months, or brake fluid about every two years. The tool compares your car’s age and mileage with those intervals and estimates where it sits in each cycle. A higher share of city driving shortens the interval for items such as brakes, oil and tyres. Diesel and petrol cars get their own items, such as a fuel filter or spark plugs.
Cost ranges are typical European garage prices for parts and labour, adjusted for the labour costs in your country. Main dealers, premium brands and larger engines often cost more.
Make the results more accurate
- Check your service book or invoices for when each item was last done — that beats any estimate.
- Follow the manufacturer’s schedule if it differs: it is specific to your engine.
- Treat timing belts with care: if you have no record of a change on a belt-driven engine, ask a garage.
- Never wait for a schedule if you notice a warning light, a noise or a change in braking.
Related reading: maintenance items that matter by mileage, timing belt vs chain and how often to change engine oil.
Want the details? Read how Car Ahead calculates its estimates, or browse the other free tools.