Maintenance Schedule
“An once of prevention is worth a pound of cure” If you want your car to last as long as possible it comes down to maintenance. By following a car maintenance schedule you can help prevent major problems or breakdowns before they occur. Not only that but having a service history can improve your car’s resale value as well. Many manufacturers use a 30-60-90 schedule meaning certain items need to be inspected, changed or replaced at 30k, 60k, and 90k mile service intervals.
Very Regular Maintenance
Oil and Oil Filter
How often you change the oil is the best thing you can do for the car and the biggest determinant on how long the motor is going to last. Engine oil and oil filter need to be changed regularly because as it runs it gets contaminated with tiny bits of metal, dirt, and carbon causing excessive wear. The non-synthetic oil that was traditionally used in the past always had a 3,000-mile rule of thumb, but most cars today run on synthetic which can safely last between 5-10k miles
Tires
Your car’s tires should be checked regularly to ensure they are in good shape. Look for good tread depth across the tire and use a tire pressure gauge to avoid under or over inflating. Having the correct amount of air pressure in your tires isn’t just a good practice as far as safety is concerned- it will also ensure optimum rolling resistance which will save money on fuel. A tire rotation every 6-8k miles will help prolong life and even out wear.
Maintenance Before 30k Miles
Engine Air Filter
Your car’s engine filter is responsible for preventing dirt, dust, and other contaminants from entering the engine and causing damage. Over time the filter becomes clogged making it harder for your engine to breathe and that negatively impacts both performance and fuel efficiency. Replace your engine air filter and enjoy a smoother more efficient ride. Recommended every 15-20k miles
Cabin Air Filter
The cabin air filter is responsible for filtering the air you breath inside the car. It traps dust, dirt, pollen and other particles that circulate in the air. Over time particles accumulate and clog the filter reducing its effectiveness and leading to poor air quality inside the car. Replacing your car’s cabin filter provides a variety of benefits including Improved Air Quality, Better Heatiing and Cooling Performance, Reduced Odors, Extended HVAC System Life. Recommended between 15-20k mile
Fuel Filter
Your fuel filter is responsible for preventing contaminants and debris from entering your engine’s fuel system which can lead to poor performance, reduced fuel economy and potentially costly repairs. Don’t let a clogged filter affect your car’s performance or lead to costly repairs. Replacing your fuel filter regularly can help prevent these issues and save you money in the long run. Manufactures suggestions vary widely, but several recommend replacing as early as 30k miles.
Maintenance Before 60k Miles
Battery
Extreme temperatures, age, and long periods of non-use affect batteries. Keep in mind that batteries are warrantied and pro-rated by time, not mileage and are designed to wear out. Most batteries will last 4-5 years which puts the average driver right around 50-60k miles. Ensure the terminals are free of corrosion and regularly check during oil change service.
Brake Fluid
Your brakes are engaged through a hydraulic system. But when the fluid in that system is contaminated by water, its boiling point is lowered, this very often leads to a squishy brake pedal. To ensure that your brake system works optimally, replace fluid according to your vehicle’s manual. Most manufactures recommend doing this every 20-40k miles
Brake Pads/Shoes
Brake pads and shoes are designed to wear out and usually make screeching noises when they need to be replaced. Have them checked on a regular basis. A good set can last up to 50k miles.
Brake Rotors
Your brakes work by squeezing the pads against metal discs called rotors to slow the vehicle. Rotors get subjected to lots of heat due to the friction between them and the brake pads and can warp over time.
Coolant
A mix of water and antifreeze flows through your car engine’s radiator to keep it at the correct temperature. If you lose too much coolant the engine will overheat which can cause severe damage. Plan to replace the coolant at 60k miles or 5 years.
Transmission Fluid
Low transmission fluid levels will cause shifting problems and can burn up the transmission. It is important to monitor your transmission fluid regularly, rather than adhere to a specific mileage interval. Healthy fluid will be pink and smell sweet, while bad fluid will be darker reed or even brown and smell burnt. If you have an automatic transmission plan to change the fluid ranging from 30k to 100k, consult vehicle manual.
Maintenance Before 90k Miles
Hoses
The hoses on your car carry coolant, power steering fluid, and gases for the air conditioning system. As the rubber ages, cracks can form and a busted house will cause trouble in a hurry, so have them checked and changed as needed, particularly as your car approaches six-figure mileage.
Power Steering Fluid
Low power steering fluid will cause heavy steering or excessive noise while turning the wheel. Plan to replace power steering fluid around 75k miles.
Spark Plugs/ Ignition System
When components of your ignition system fail you may get a check engine light on the dash, hard starting or rough running. These are crucial components that ignite the air-fuel mixture that power the engine. Overall servicing this system is an essential part of maintaining your vehicle’s engine and ensuring optimal performance and reliability. Consult the manufacture’s recommended service intervals for your specific vehicle to ensure that the components are inspected and replaced as needed.
Timing Belt
Cars that use a timing belt rather than a timing chain need to worry about this bit of maintenance. It is a critical component of a car’s engine that controls the rotation of the camshaft and crankshaft. It ensures that the engine’s valves open and close at the right time allowing fuel and air to enter and exit the combustion chamber. However, like any other wear and tear part, the timing belt will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. Consult manufacturer’s recommended service intervals
Shocks and Struts
Crucial for steering, stopping and stability, shocks and struts are one of the most important safety features of your vehicle. Like many parts, shocks and struts gradually wear out during the course of normal vehicle operations. Experts recommend to replace every 60-100k miles or around 5 to 10 years.
Serpentine Belt
A lot of people’s philosophy when it comes to car repairs is “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” But while it may beseem counter-intuitive to spend money replacing a part that is currenly working, it’s often more cost effective in the long run. This Belt transports power to the engine accessories, the alternator, power steering pump, AC Compressor and sometimes the water pump. This belt was made to last 60-100k miles