Regular maintenance and inspection of vehicle components is neccesary to keep the vehicle running smooth for many years and many miles. Most auto manufacturers follow a 30k-60k-90k maintenance schedule, however, some vehicles may require maintenance and inspection of certain parts at more specific mileage or time intervals. Continue reading below for a brief overview of when and what components will require maintenance on your vehicle. Vehicle specific maintenance schedules can be found in your vehicle owner's manual.
Regular Inspection
Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles the vehicle should be inspected for potential issues.
-Oil Level
-Transmission Fluid Level
-Coolant Level
-Power Steering Fluid
-Windshield Washer Fluid
-Serpentine Belts
-Air Filter
-Radiator Hoses/Vacuum Hoses
-Tire Condition/Inflation
-Exhaust System
-Wiper Blades
-Exterior Lighting
-Battery/Battery Terminals
Less than 10,000 Miles
In addition to regular inspection, engine oil and oil filter should be replaced every 3,000-10,000 miles depending on the vehicle. Vehicles that use full synthetic motor oil are capable of going 5,000-10,000 miles before requiring change while older vehicles using semi-synthetic or conventional motor oil require more frequent change.
10,000-30,000 Miles
In addition to regular inspection, the engine and cabin air filter should be replaced at approximately every 15,000 miles. Most manufacturers require that the fuel filter be replaced between every 25,000 and 30,000 miles. Power steering fluid should also be changed at every 30,000 miles. Brake pads, brake rotors, HVAC, and all suspension components should also be inspected during this interval. Suspension/Chassis components should be lubricated during this interval as well.
30,000-50,000 Miles
In addition to regular inspection, inspect and replace the battery as needed. Battery lifespan varies widely depending on vehicle, regular use, and climate in which the battery is expected to perform. Batteries won't last as long in hot, humid climates as they do in cool, dry climates. Batteries are warrantied based on age of the battery, not mileage. Most batteries are rated to last 5-6 years. The vehicle's ignition system should be inspected at approximately every 40,000 miles and the spark plugs and plug wires should be replaced. Brake fluid should also be replaced and bled between 25,000 and 40,000 miles depending on the vehicle. Tires should be inspected and replaced as neccessary.
50,000-75,000 Miles
In addition to regular inspection, brake components should be serviced at approximately 60,000 miles depending on the vehicle and driving style. Brake pads should be replaced. Brake rotors may be able to be turned (shaved smooth) once in their lifetime, but should be inspected by a mechanic to determine if the rotors can be turned and if not they should be replaced. The engine cooling system should be flushed and replaced at approximately 60,000 miles. Vehicle serpentine belts should be replaced during this interval if they haven't been already. Vehicles with a manual transmission should have fluid changed between 30,000 and 60,000 miles depending on the vehicle and driving style. Performance vehicles or vehicles which regularly tow trailers should have transmission fluid inspected and changed more frequently. Vehicles with automatic transmissions may require fluid change anywhere between 35,000 and 100,000 miles depending on the vehicle. Suspension components should be inspected and some components such as; ball joints, tie rods, shocks/struts may require replacement during this interval. Tires should be inspected and replaced as neccessary.
75,000-100,000 Miles
In addition to regular inspection, radiator and vacuum hoses should be replaced during this interval if they haven't been already. The vehicle's timing chain should be replaced between 60,000-100,000 miles depending on the vehicle. Vehicles with smaller engines may require more frequent inspection and replacement as the timing chain may be a rubberized belt rather than a metal chain. Most modern vehicles' timing chain is capable of going over 100,000 miles without requiring replacement, but should be inspected and replaced before the 100k mile mark. Tires should be inspected and replaced as neccessary.
Vehicle maintenance is cruical to ensuring a long life for your car. Regular inspection of vehicle components can prevent costly repairs over the life of your car. Don't let your vehicle suffer, let the experts at Full Blown Advanced Automotive Repair inspect and maintain your vehicle today. We have the latest software available to know the required maintenance schedule for your specific vehicle, and we stock regular maintenance fluids and parts on-site for most production vehicles...For everything that moves you...