How to check a workshop follows the manufacturer's schedule

Staying true to the manufacturer's service schedule protects your car's long-term health and resale value. But plenty of workshops claim they follow it while cutting corners or adding unnecessary work. The real test isn't what they say—it's what you can verify before you hand over the keys.

The manufacturer sets out exactly when your car needs attention: at 10,000 km, then 20,000 km, and so on. Each interval specifies which fluid tops are routine, which filters need replacing, and which components warrant inspection or replacement. A workshop that skips steps or stretches intervals without your knowledge is gambling with your engine and gearbox. Your job is to find one that sticks to the fine print.

Ask for their current schedule reference

When you call or visit a workshop, ask them directly: "Can you show me the manufacturer's schedule for my car?" A competent shop will have it—either printed, on their system, or able to pull it up in seconds. They should be able to tell you, without hesitation, what your car needs at this exact mileage. If they fumble or give you a vague answer, that's a red flag. Don't settle for "we'll check it when you come in." You want clarity now.

Ask them to confirm which service interval you're at and what tasks that interval includes. Write it down. Later, when they give you the invoice, cross-check every line item against the schedule. Items that appear on the schedule belong there; anything else should be flagged as an additional recommendation, not a standard service task.

Verify they have the right documentation

Reputable workshops keep manufacturer schedules on file—either the official handbook or a verified digital copy. When you visit, ask to see it. A shop worth trusting won't mind showing you. Some use software that pulls the correct schedule automatically when they enter your vehicle's registration number and engine type; others maintain printed manuals organised by make and model.

If they tell you the schedule is "in the system" but can't print or display it, push back. You have every right to see what work they're basing your quote on. Workshops that hide or downplay documentation are often the ones most likely to deviate from it.

Check their history with your car's make and model

Different manufacturers have different schedules. Toyota's intervals are not Mercedes' intervals. A workshop that specialises in one or two brands will have those schedules down to muscle memory and will spot when a service is due. A generalist shop should still have the schedules, but ask how many cars of your make they service each month. If it's only a handful, they're less likely to have the routine memorised and more likely to miss subtle requirements.

Ask the workshop to name another customer with the same make and model (you won't contact them, but they can mention it). If they can't, that's fine—but it tells you they're less experienced with your car. This doesn't disqualify them, but it means you'll need to double-check their work more carefully.

Call a previous customer and ask the right question

Many workshops display testimonials or are happy to provide a reference. When you call someone, don't ask vague questions like "Were you happy?" Instead, ask: "Did they stick to what the manufacturer says your car needs, or did they try to sell you extra work?" This gets to the heart of whether they're following the schedule or improvising.

You might also ask: "Do you feel confident the service keeps your warranty intact?" If a previous customer felt pressured or confused about what work was necessary, that tells you something important about how the workshop operates.

Once you've asked these questions, trust your judgment. A workshop that speaks clearly about the manufacturer's schedule, shows you the documentation without hesitation, and has experience with your car's make is far more likely to stick to it. When you find one that ticks these boxes, use them consistently—continuity means they'll catch what's due and flag what's coming next. You can find verified local workshops on Strove, where you can also read reviews that often mention how closely a shop sticks to what the car actually needs.