Wartungsheft
Car maintenance plan: which intervals really matter?
First things first: the binding intervals for your car are in the manufacturer's service manual or are shown by the service indicator in the cockpit. General figures from the internet are no substitute. This guide explains how the intervals work and which guideline values the TCS and ADAC give.
Time or kilometres: whichever comes first
A service becomes due either after a certain distance or after a certain time, whichever comes first. If the service plan says «two years or 30'000 kilometres», the service is due after two years at the latest, even if you have driven much less (ADAC). The reason: wear also occurs when the car is standing still.
Many manufacturers offer fixed or flexible intervals. Flexible intervals adjust the due date to driving style and conditions and are more worthwhile for high-mileage drivers; fixed intervals suit low mileage and gentle driving (ADAC). If the service indicator lights up, book an appointment soon. And even after the warranty has expired, the TCS says the car should go to the garage regularly as specified by the manufacturer (TCS).
Guideline values for individual jobs
- Engine oil: depends entirely on the manufacturer. Examples: Opel every 30'000 kilometres or one year, Audi with a flexible interval within two years up to a maximum of 30'000 kilometres (ADAC).
- Brake fluid: every two years at the latest, regardless of mileage, because it absorbs water over time (ADAC). At a water content of 3.5 per cent it is finished, according to a TCS expert (Blick).
- Timing belt: depending on the model, between 60'000 and 240'000 kilometres or after a number of years, whichever comes first (ADAC). The TCS is clear: stick to the prescribed change without fail. If the belt snaps, the engine is often ruined.
- Cabin filter: after twelve months at the latest, rule of thumb when changing tyres (ADAC).
- Spark plugs: with today's designs about every 60'000 kilometres (ADAC).
- Gearbox oil: Many manufacturers do not prescribe a change. For automatic gearboxes the ADAC recommends about 60'000 to 100'000 kilometres, for manual gearboxes about 100'000 kilometres.
- Coolant and air filter: according to the manufacturer's specifications.
Tyres
- The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 millimetres. The TCS recommends replacing summer tyres as early as 3 millimetres and winter tyres at 4 millimetres (TCS).
- Rule of thumb for changing tyres: from O to O, i.e. winter tyres from October to Easter (Ostern). There is no legal obligation to fit winter tyres, but the insurer can reduce its payout after an accident.
- According to the TCS, tyres older than eight years should no longer be used, even with enough tread.
- Check the tyre pressure about once a month, with the tyres cold.
Battery and wipers
From the fourth year, the battery should have its performance checked once a year (TCS), and a replacement is usually due after three to six years (ADAC). Wiper blades last about a year. According to the TCS, driving with worn wipers risks an accusation of gross negligence (TCS).
Can I use an independent garage without losing the warranty?
Yes. Since 1 January 2024, the Federal Council's motor vehicle ordinance has applied in Switzerland (AGVS). It prohibits agreements that make the warranty or manufacturer's guarantee conditional on servicing being done only at authorised workshops (Ordinance, Art. 4). The exception: the work was carried out incorrectly (COMCO explanatory notes).
What matters, however, is that the intervals are kept and documented. AMAG's warranty conditions, for example, require all service work to have been done and recorded as specified; otherwise the warrantor is released from its obligation, unless you prove that the omission did not cause the damage (AMAG warranty terms). Some additional benefits such as the mobility guarantee are only extended by the brand partner. The TCS therefore advises having the car serviced by the brand dealer at least in the first few years (TCS).
The proof is what counts
Brand garage or independent workshop: in a warranty case and when selling, what counts is the proof. According to the TCS, the service book is decisive when warranty claims are assessed (TCS). So keep every garage invoice and note the date and mileage. What the invoices say is explained in the guide Understanding your garage invoice.