Bassendean, between the river and the railway
On the Swan
Land along the Swan River here went to settlers in 1829, and West Guildford took the name Bassendean in 1922. Success Hill looks out over the river.
When the river rises
Flooding in 1929 caused severe damage. If a car has been through deep water, have it checked before you drive it far, because water in the engine, gearbox or wiring does damage you can't always see.
Old Perth Road and the station
The town centre takes in Old Perth Road, and Bassendean station is on the Midland line. If you commute by train, the car may only do shopping, school and weekend trips.
A railway town
Rolling stock has been built and maintained here since an engineering plant opened in 1951. Bassendean had 10,837 people in 2021.
Licence first
A Bassendean repair business needs a WA repair business licence like every other motor repair and servicing business in the state, and its repairers hold a repairer's certificate. Consumer Protection WA says to check online.
Does a car that does few kilometres still need a service?
Yes. RACV's general rule is a minor service every 10,000 to 15,000 km or every 12 months, whichever comes first, and the maker's schedule in your book is the one to follow. A car that only does local runs may take two years to reach the kilometres, but oil ages, brake fluid absorbs water and rubber perishes on the calendar regardless.
Sitting still is the other issue. According to RAC WA, once a car goes more than two weeks without being used, its battery will probably need attention. Car batteries in Perth and how often to service your car go further.
Our take
We'd go by the date, not the odometer: a service every 12 months, with the battery tested each time. If the car sits for a week or more while the train does the work, we'd take it for a proper drive at least once in that time.