Qualified mechanic carrying out a logbook service on a car raised on the hoist at Central East Mechanical, Dapto

Logbook servicing

Logbook Servicing & Car Service in Dapto

Serviced to your manufacturer's schedule, stamped and recorded — so your new-car warranty stays intact and you're not paying dealer prices for it.

Call (02) 4261 5199 Get a Free Quote

Does an independent service void a new car warranty?

No. Under Australian consumer law you can have your new car serviced at any qualified independent workshop without voiding the manufacturer’s warranty. What matters is that the service follows the manufacturer’s schedule, uses parts and fluids that meet their specification, and is properly recorded in the logbook. All three are exactly what we do.

This is the question we field most often, and the confusion is understandable — a lot of people assume the dealer is the only option for the first few years. It isn’t, and going independent usually costs less for the same schedule of work.

Bring your logbook when you come in. We service to the interval your car is up to, stamp the book, and record what was done — which is what protects both your warranty and the resale value when you eventually sell.

Service logbook being stamped after a logbook service at Central East Mechanical in Dapto

What’s Actually Included

The exact list comes from your manufacturer’s schedule and the interval you’re up to. On a typical service that means:

Engine oil and filter replaced to manufacturer specification
All fluid levels checked and topped up — coolant, brake, power steering, washer
Air and cabin filters inspected, replaced at the scheduled interval
Brake pads, discs and lines inspected and measured
Tyre condition, tread depth and pressures, including the spare
Battery condition and charging system checked
Belts, hoses and the cooling system inspected for wear or leaks
Suspension, steering and driveline checked for play or damage
Lights, wipers and horn checked
Road test, then the logbook stamped and the work recorded

How Long, and What It Costs

How long will the car be here?

A standard logbook service usually takes about two hours. The bigger intervals — the ones that bring in timing belts, spark plugs or a transmission fluid change — take longer, and we’ll tell you which you’re up to when you book so you can plan around it. Drop-off from 7:00am on weekdays suits most people heading to work.

What will it cost?

It depends on the vehicle and the interval, because a 15,000km service and a 90,000km service aren’t remotely the same job. Rather than publish a headline price that turns out not to apply to your car, we’d rather quote it properly: give us your rego, make and model and we’ll tell you the price before you commit to anything.

If we find something outside the schedule while the car is up — a worn brake pad, a leaking shock, a battery on the way out — you get a phone call, not a surprise. You decide whether it gets done now or waits.

Book the pink slip at the same time

If your registration is due, add a pink slip inspection to the same booking. We’re an authorised NSW inspection station and the car is already on the hoist, so it saves you a separate trip.

Service due?

Give us your rego, make and model and we'll quote it. Call (02) 4261 5199.

Call (02) 4261 5199 Get a Free Quote

Customer reviews

What Dapto Drivers Say About Us

4.9 average from 120+ Google reviews

Christian E.
Google review
Great friendly service! First time coming in for a pink slip and the guys made it so easy. They even replaced my wipers and it was all done in no time. Highly recommend if you want an honest and friendly place for all your car needs.
Peter V.
Google review
Brett and the boys offer professional automotive service excellence. CEM is the ONLY place I'll trust with work on my pride and joy! Nothing is too much trouble, and they take great care to properly diagnose faults and deliver what they promise!
Michael F.
Google review
Can't rate this place highly enough. Took my car here after having some issues, they fit me in extremely quickly, diagnosed the issue and fixed it. Very upfront and honest through the whole process, and very thorough. Will be the only place I take my car from now on.

Common questions

Logbook Servicing Questions

The things people ask before handing over a car that's still under warranty.

Not sure which service you’re up to?

Tell us the make, model and kilometres and we'll work out which interval it is and what that one includes. Takes a minute on the phone.

Call (02) 4261 5199

Will servicing here void my new car warranty?

No. Under Australian consumer law you can have your new car serviced by any qualified independent workshop without voiding the manufacturer's warranty, provided the service follows the manufacturer's schedule, uses parts that meet specification, and is properly recorded. We service to the logbook and stamp it.

How long does a logbook service take?

A standard logbook service usually takes about two hours. Larger interval services — the ones with belts, plugs or fluid changes — take longer, and we'll tell you when you book so you can plan the day.

What does a logbook service cost?

It depends on the vehicle and which interval you're up to, because a 15,000km service and a 90,000km service are very different jobs. Give us your rego, make and model and we'll quote it before you book — and nothing outside that quote gets done without a phone call.

What if you find something that isn't on the schedule?

We call you. You get told what we found, whether it needs doing now or can wait until next time, and what it costs. Nothing extra is touched without your approval, so the invoice always matches the conversation.

Do you stamp the logbook?

Yes. The book is stamped and the work recorded, which is what protects your warranty and your resale value later on.

Can I get my pink slip done at the same time?

Yes, and it's worth doing. We're an authorised NSW inspection station, so if your rego is due around the same time we can carry out the eSafety check on the same visit while the car is already up on the hoist.

Do you service cars still under a capped-price plan?

Yes. A capped-price servicing plan is a dealer offer, not a legal requirement, and choosing an independent workshop doesn't affect your statutory warranty rights. Bring the logbook and we'll service to the same schedule.