What Is a Log Book Service?

When you purchase a new or late-model vehicle in Australia, the manufacturer provides a printed service schedule, traditionally kept in the glovebox as the vehicle log book.

A log book service is a comprehensive vehicle service that strictly follows the exact schedule, inspections, and component replacements laid out by your car's manufacturer for that specific age or kilometre milestone.

Here is what you need to know about what's included and your legal rights as a consumer.

What is included in a log book service?

Unlike a generic "basic oil and filter change", a log book service varies at each milestone (e.g. 15,000 km, 30,000 km, 60,000 km, or 100,000 km).

Depending on your car's specific schedule, a log book service includes:

• Factory-specified fluids and filters: Engine oil of the exact viscosity and grade, along with OEM or certified-equivalent oil, air, fuel, and cabin filters.
• Scheduled component inspections: Measuring brake pad and disc rotor thickness, inspecting suspension bushings, exhaust hangers, drive shafts, and steering linkages.
• Safety checks: Testing seatbelts, exterior lighting, wiper blades, tyre pressures, and battery health.
• Specific milestone replacements: Items like brake fluid flushing (typically every 2 years), spark plugs (every 40,000–100,000 km depending on iridium/platinum type), transmission fluid, and timing belts.
• Log book validation: Stamping and dating the physical log book or completing the manufacturer's digital service record, certifying that the schedule was adhered to.

Does skipping dealer servicing void your warranty?

This is one of the most common misconceptions among Australian car owners. Many drivers believe they must return to the official dealership where they bought the car to keep their factory warranty valid.

Under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), this is completely untrue.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) clearly stipulates:

1. You have the right to choose who services your car.
2. Independent, qualified mechanics can carry out log book servicing without voiding your statutory manufacturer's warranty.
3. The warranty remains fully valid provided the service is performed:
   • By a qualified trade mechanic
   • In accordance with the manufacturer's service schedule
   • Using genuine or certified high-quality original equipment (OE) matching parts and lubricants

Why keeping your log book up to date matters

Even once your factory warranty expires, maintaining a complete log book service history provides clear financial advantages:

1. Superior resale value

When you sell a used car, prospective buyers and trade-in valuers always ask for the log book. A complete history of stamped services demonstrates that the car was responsibly cared for, justifying a significantly higher sale price.

2. Preventing catastrophic component failure

Certain components — such as timing belts, water pumps, and transmission fluids — have strict replacement intervals. Failing to replace a timing belt on time can result in snapped valves and catastrophic internal engine destruction costing thousands of dollars.

3. Early detection of wear items

A thorough log book check catches minor oil leaks, worn suspension boots, or thinning brake pads before they cause secondary damage to other expensive assemblies.

Mobile log book servicing: Maximum convenience

You do not have to leave your car at a dealership for an entire day to maintain your warranty. Quick Fix qualified mobile mechanics complete thorough log book servicing directly at your residence or workplace, stamp your log book, and supply a detailed itemised invoice that fully protects your new-car warranty.