Service Plans & Intervals
What a service plan covers, how a maintenance plan differs, why service intervals matter and what happens when you miss one.
Almost every new car sold in South Africa comes with either a service plan or a maintenance plan, and the difference between the two catches many buyers out. A service plan pays for the scheduled services set out in the manufacturer's service book: labour, oil, filters and the consumables inspected at each visit. A maintenance plan goes further and also covers wear-and-tear items such as brake pads, wiper blades, clutch components and, in some cases, batteries. Both run for a fixed period or distance, whichever comes first.
The service interval is the distance or time between scheduled services, commonly set by the manufacturer in kilometres and months. Sticking to it is the single most important thing an owner can do, because an overdue service can void warranty claims on the components affected. Car4Less delivers every vehicle through the franchise dealer network with the manufacturer's plan intact, so the cost of scheduled servicing is already taken care of for the plan's duration.
Service Plans & Intervals — questions
The questions people ask about service plans & intervals, answered plainly.
What is the difference between a service plan and a maintenance plan?
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A service plan covers only the scheduled services in the manufacturer's service book: labour, engine oil, filters and the items checked at each visit. A maintenance plan includes all of that plus wear-and-tear parts such as brake pads and discs, wiper blades and clutch components. A maintenance plan costs more when bought separately but removes almost all routine running-cost surprises while it lasts.
How often should a new car be serviced?
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Follow the interval printed in your service book or shown on the dashboard service reminder. Most manufacturers specify a distance in kilometres and a time in months, and the service is due when you reach whichever comes first. Low-mileage drivers still need the time-based service because engine oil degrades with age, not only with distance.
What happens if I miss a service on a new car?
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Missing or delaying a scheduled service can give the manufacturer grounds to reject a warranty claim on parts that depend on that service, most commonly the engine and gearbox. The service plan itself may also refuse to pay for a service booked well outside the interval. If you have overrun, book the service immediately and keep the invoice.
Can I service my car at an independent workshop while it is under a service plan?
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You can, but the plan will generally not pay for it, because the plan is a prepaid arrangement with the manufacturer's dealer network. Using an independent workshop also creates a risk to your warranty unless the workshop uses approved parts and fluids and keeps detailed records. For the duration of the plan, the franchise dealer is the practical choice.
Does a service plan transfer to the next owner if I sell the car?
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In most cases yes. Service and maintenance plans are usually attached to the vehicle rather than the owner, which is one reason a car with plan remaining sells more easily and holds its value better. Check the plan documentation, because a few plans require the new owner to be registered with the manufacturer.
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