What Should Be Included in a Car Maintenance Plan? 10 Things to Look For

A car maintenance plan can make vehicle costs easier to manage.

Instead of dealing with every maintenance expense separately, you pay a regular amount for a set of services and benefits.

But not every maintenance plan works the same way.

One plan may focus mainly on servicing. Another may include inspections, roadside assistance, tyre benefits or discounts on repairs.

So how do you know if you're getting good value?

The monthly price is only one part of the decision.

Before joining a car maintenance plan, check exactly what you're getting.

Here are 10 things worth looking for.

1. Scheduled Servicing

Regular servicing should be near the top of your list.

Your car needs servicing based on its manufacturer's recommended time and kilometre intervals.

A good maintenance plan should make it easier to stay on schedule.

Check whether servicing is included and exactly what the service covers.

Don't assume every maintenance plan includes the same service items.

2. Safety Checks

A vehicle can develop problems between services.

That's why safety checks can be useful.

A proper safety inspection can look at important areas such as:

• Brakes
• Tyres
• Steering
• Suspension
• Lights
• Other safety-related components

If a plan includes regular safety checks, find out how often they're provided and what's covered.

3. Pink Slip Inspections

If your vehicle requires a Pink Slip for registration renewal, check whether the inspection is included in the plan.

For NSW drivers, this can be a useful benefit because the inspection is something you'll need to arrange when your vehicle is due.

It's also worth checking what happens if the vehicle requires repairs before it passes.

4. Tyre Benefits

Tyres are one of the biggest maintenance expenses for many drivers.

They wear every time you drive.

A maintenance plan may provide tyre-related benefits, depending on the plan.

These could include discounts or other support when your tyres need attention.

If you drive high kilometres, this part of a plan can be particularly useful.

5. Wheel Alignment and Tyre Rotation

Tyre maintenance isn't only about replacing worn tyres.

Wheel alignment and tyre rotation can also help manage tyre wear.

If your maintenance plan includes these services, check how often they're available.

Regular tyre checks can help identify uneven wear before it shortens the life of your tyres.

6. Battery Checks

A battery can appear fine right up until the day the car won't start.

Regular battery checks can identify a battery that's losing performance before it leaves you stranded.

If a maintenance plan includes battery checks, find out whether battery replacement is included or whether you receive a discount instead.

Those are two very different benefits.

7. Diagnostic Services

Modern vehicles rely on electronic systems to monitor engine performance and other components.

When a warning light appears, a diagnostic check can help identify the cause.

A maintenance plan that includes diagnostic support can be useful when something unexpected happens.

Again, check the details.

Find out whether diagnostics are included or whether the plan simply provides a discount.

8. Roadside Assistance

A maintenance plan can cover the predictable side of car ownership, but breakdowns can still happen.

Roadside assistance can provide help if your vehicle won't start or you experience another roadside problem covered by the service.

If this benefit is included, check:

• What situations are covered
• How often you can use it
• Whether there are distance limits
• Whether there are other conditions

The details matter.

9. Discounts on Repairs

No maintenance plan can prevent every mechanical problem.

That's why repair discounts can be useful.

If your vehicle needs work outside the regular services included in your plan, a discount may reduce the cost of certain repairs.

Check which repairs qualify and whether there are any limits.

10. Discounts on Tyres

If you regularly replace tyres, tyre discounts can make a difference over time.

The value will depend on how often you buy tyres and what type of tyres your vehicle requires.

Don't choose a plan solely because it advertises a tyre discount.

Look at the entire package.

What Isn't Included Matters Too

This is one of the most important things to check.

Before joining a maintenance plan, look at the exclusions as carefully as the inclusions.

Ask:

• Which services are included?
• Which repairs aren't covered?
• Are tyres included or discounted?
• Is roadside assistance included?
• Are there kilometre limits?
• Are there vehicle eligibility requirements?
• What happens if you sell the car?

Knowing these details avoids surprises later.

Compare the Annual Cost

Don't compare plans based only on their monthly price.

Multiply the monthly payment across the year.

Then compare that figure with what you would normally spend on the services and benefits included in the plan.

For example, if you normally pay separately for servicing, inspections and other maintenance, add those costs together.

Then look at the plan.

That's a much more useful comparison.

Think About How You Drive

The right maintenance plan depends on your vehicle and how you use it.

A person who drives 5,000 kilometres a year may have very different needs from someone driving 30,000 kilometres.

High-kilometre drivers may place more wear on:

• Tyres
• Brakes
• Engine oil
• Suspension
• Battery and charging systems

If you use your vehicle for work, keeping it maintained can also help reduce unplanned downtime.

Questions Drivers Ask Us

Q- Is a car maintenance plan worth it?

A- It can be, depending on the services included and how much maintenance your vehicle normally needs. Compare the total yearly cost with what you'd otherwise pay separately.

Q- Does a maintenance plan cover all car repairs?

A- Usually not. Check the specific inclusions, exclusions and repair benefits before joining.

Q- Should tyres be included in a maintenance plan?

A- Tyres may be included or discounted depending on the plan. Check the exact terms rather than assuming they're covered.

Q- Is roadside assistance worth having?

A- It can be useful if you rely heavily on your vehicle and want additional support when a breakdown occurs.

Q- Should I choose the cheapest plan?

A- Not necessarily. A slightly more expensive plan may provide considerably more useful services and benefits. Look at the overall value rather than the monthly price alone.

The Best Plan Is the One You Will Actually Use

A maintenance plan only makes sense if its inclusions match your vehicle and driving habits.

Look beyond the monthly payment.

Check servicing, inspections, tyres, battery support, diagnostics, roadside assistance and repair benefits. Then compare the annual cost with what you normally spend maintaining your car.

If you're considering a maintenance plan for your vehicle, visit Goodyear Autocare Blacktown. We'll explain the maintenance your car needs in plain English and help you understand which services are worth planning for.