Why Skipping That Minor Car Service Could Cost You Lakhs Later: Here's the Math
Neglecting maintenance is like ignoring a small leak in a dam. It’s only a matter of time before it floods your life.
In India, car maintenance is often seen as an optional expense until things go terribly wrong. Most car owners wait for the engine to knock, the AC to stop cooling, or a warning light to blink before they make that call to a mechanic.
However, skipping regular minor servicing can silently drill a massive hole in your wallet. In this blog, MyFNG Mumbai, a trusted car repair service aggregator, breaks down the real cost of ignoring minor services and the math behind why it could cost you lakhs in the long run.
What Is a Minor Car Service?
A minor car service is a periodic car maintenance check that includes:
- Oil change and filter replacement
- Top-up of fluids (coolant, brake, wiper, etc.)
- Basic inspection of brake pads, air filter, battery health
- Tyre pressure check and tread depth check
- Cleaning or replacing spark plugs
- General vehicle inspection for wear and tear
It usually costs between ?1,000 to ?4,000 for most hatchbacks and sedans in Mumbai. Yet, despite its affordability, many car owners tend to skip it.
What Happens When You Skip It?
Let’s take a look at the real consequences of skipping regular car servicing:
1. Engine Wear and Tear
The Math: A car oil change costs ?1,200 at MyFNG. Engine replacement can cost ?1.5 to ?3 lakhs.
Impact: Old, degraded oil causes friction, overheating, and sludge buildup, leading to irreversible engine damage.
2. Poor Fuel Economy
Skipping air filter changes or spark plug inspection can reduce fuel efficiency by 10 to 20 per cent.
For a car running 1,000 km per month, this could cost you an extra ?1,200 to ?2,000 monthly in fuel.
3. Brake System Failure
Brake pads wear out gradually. A ?1,500 pad change ignored could lead to ?10,000 rotor damage or worse, an accident.
4. Battery Damage
Corroded terminals or low water levels reduce battery life.
?200 battery inspection today can save ?6,000 in replacement tomorrow.
How Minor Becomes Major: A Timeline Example
Let’s walk through a case study.
Scenario: Skipping minor services for 1 year
Maths
Ignored Car Services and Their Long-Term Costs
| Month | Ignored Service | Long-term Impact | Cost Later |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oil change | Increased friction, heated engine | 2 lakh INR |
| 3 | Brake pads change | Worn out discs, reduced stopping power | 15000 INR |
| 5 | Coolant top up | Overheating, gasket damage | 30000 INR |
| 8 | Spark plug check | Engine misfires, low mileage | 12000 INR |
| 12 | Battery check | Complete failure | 6000 INR |
Total Damage: 2.63 lakhs
What minor service would have cost across the year at MyFNG Mumbai?
Just ?4,500 to ?6,000 in all.
Why It’s More Expensive in Metro Cities Like Mumbai
In a city like Mumbai, where stop-and-go traffic is the norm, vehicle components wear out faster:
Brakes: Frequent braking accelerates pad wear
Clutch and Gearbox: High use leads to early breakdown
Cooling system: Constant idling overheats engines more often
Delaying maintenance in such environments is even more dangerous. That’s why MyFNG Car Repair Service Mumbai offers location-based servicing with expert partners who understand urban wear patterns.
Why Choose MyFNG for Regular Minor Service?
Here’s why over 30,000 car owners in Mumbai trust MyFNG Car Repair Service Aggregators:
- Verified Garages
- Upfront Pricing and Estimates
- Genuine Parts with Warranty
- Pick-up and Drop Across Mumbai
- Easy Scheduling via WhatsApp or Website
- Live Photo and Video updates
- 24*7 RSA Assistance
Whether you drive a Swift, i20, Creta, or Fortuner, MyFNG Mumbai matches your vehicle with the right technician, close to your location.
Preventive Maintenance = Peace of Mind
Let’s do some quick ROI math:
?1,500 minor service every 6 months
vs. ?1.5 lakh for a seized engine
That’s a 100x return on proactive maintenance
Now imagine you save on:
Fuel (?1,500 per month)
Tyres (?10,000 every 2 years)
Battery (?6,000 every 2 years)
Breakdown towing (?2,000 per incident)
That’s ?30,000 to ?50,000 per year saved, just by being regular.
The Verdict: Skip Minor, Pay Major
Ignoring your car’s minor service today is like skipping a car health check-up when you feel “okay.” The silent damage builds over time and by the time you feel it, it’s expensive, stressful, and sometimes dangerous.
The smarter choice: Schedule a minor service with MyFNG Car Repair Service Mumbai every 6 months.
Don’t wait for warning lights to blink.
Book your next minor car service with MyFNG Mumbai today.