A mileage-based maintenance schedule covering all routine service intervals from oil changes to major component replacements, helping you keep your car running reliably and hold its resale value.
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Every 3,000-5,000 Miles
Change engine oil and replace oil filter
Conventional oil needs changing every 3,000-5,000 miles; synthetic oil lasts 7,500-10,000 miles. A standard oil change costs $35-75; synthetic runs $65-125. Check your owner's manual for the exact interval.
Check tire pressure and adjust to the recommended PSI
Tires lose about 1 PSI per month naturally. Under-inflated tires reduce fuel economy by 0.2% per PSI below the recommended level and wear 25% faster on the edges. The correct PSI is on the driver's door jamb sticker.
Inspect windshield wipers and washer fluid level
Wiper blades last 6-12 months and cost $15-30 per pair. Replace them when they streak, skip, or squeak. Top off washer fluid with a winter-rated formula (-20°F or below) in cold climates to prevent freezing.
Check all exterior and interior lights
A burnt-out tail light or brake light is a common reason for traffic stops. Replacement bulbs cost $5-15 and take 10 minutes to install on most cars. Check headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals.
Every 15,000-30,000 Miles
Replace engine air filter
A dirty air filter reduces fuel economy by 2-10% and can cause rough idling. Replacement costs $15-30 for the part and takes 5 minutes to swap on most cars — it's the easiest DIY maintenance task.
Replace cabin air filter
The cabin filter cleans the air coming through your vents. A clogged one reduces AC and heater performance and can cause musty odors. Replacement costs $15-25 and takes 10 minutes — located behind the glove box on most cars.
Inspect and rotate tires
Tire rotation every 5,000-7,500 miles evens out wear and extends tire life by 20-30%. Most shops charge $25-50 for rotation. Front tires wear 20-30% faster on front-wheel-drive cars.
Inspect brake pads and rotors for wear
Brake pads last 25,000-65,000 miles depending on driving style. Replacement costs $150-300 per axle. If you hear squealing, pads are worn to 2-3mm. Grinding means you've worn through to the rotor — that adds $200-400 per axle.
Check battery condition and clean terminals
Car batteries last 3-5 years on average. Have the battery tested (free at most auto parts stores) once it's 3 years old. A new battery costs $100-250 installed. Corroded terminals cause starting problems and are easy to clean with a $5 wire brush.
Every 30,000-60,000 Miles
Replace spark plugs
Standard copper plugs last 30,000 miles; platinum and iridium plugs last 60,000-100,000 miles. Replacement costs $100-300 for a 4-cylinder engine. Worn plugs cause misfires, rough idle, and 5-10% worse fuel economy.
Flush and replace transmission fluid
Automatic transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000-60,000 miles (check your manual). A fluid change costs $150-250. Skipping this can lead to transmission failure at 100,000-150,000 miles — a $3,000-5,000 repair.
Flush and replace coolant/antifreeze
Coolant degrades over time and loses its anti-corrosion properties. A flush costs $100-150 and should be done every 30,000-50,000 miles or every 5 years. Using the wrong coolant type can damage gaskets and seals.
Inspect and replace serpentine belt if worn
Serpentine belts last 60,000-100,000 miles and cost $25-75 for the part. Look for cracks, fraying, or glazing. A broken belt disables the alternator, power steering, and AC simultaneously — don't push it past its life.
Flush brake fluid
Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, reducing its boiling point and brake effectiveness. A flush costs $70-150 and should be done every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles. Moisture-contaminated fluid can cause brake fade in heavy braking.
Inspect suspension components: shocks, struts, and bushings
Shocks and struts typically last 50,000-75,000 miles. Signs of wear include excessive bouncing, nose-diving when braking, and uneven tire wear. Replacement costs $400-800 per axle including alignment.
Every 60,000-100,000 Miles
Replace timing belt or inspect timing chain
Timing belts need replacement every 60,000-100,000 miles and cost $500-1,000 including the water pump (replace both together). A broken timing belt can destroy the engine — this is the single most important scheduled service.
Replace water pump if not done with timing belt
Water pumps last 60,000-90,000 miles. If your car has a timing belt, replace both together since the labor overlaps — doing them separately costs $300-500 extra in labor.
Inspect and service the differential fluid on AWD/4WD vehicles
Differential fluid should be changed every 30,000-60,000 miles on AWD vehicles. It costs $75-150 per differential. Neglecting this can cause the differential to fail — a $1,500-3,000 repair.
Have the fuel system cleaned or fuel injectors serviced
Carbon buildup reduces fuel economy and engine performance over time. A professional fuel system cleaning costs $100-200 and is worthwhile every 60,000-90,000 miles, especially on direct-injection engines.
Seasonal and As-Needed Checks
Check tire tread depth and replace tires when worn to 4/32 inch
New tires have 10/32" of tread. At 4/32" wet traction drops significantly. A full set of tires costs $400-1,200 depending on size and quality. Most tires last 40,000-60,000 miles with proper rotation.
Test the AC system before summer and the heater before winter
An AC recharge costs $150-300, but a compressor replacement runs $800-1,500. Test early so you have time to shop for repairs. Heater core failures cost $500-1,000 and take 4-8 hours of labor.
Inspect and replace wiper blades at the start of each rainy season
Heat and UV damage wiper rubber year-round, even if you don't use them. Replace both front wipers and the rear wiper (if equipped) at the same time. Budget $20-40 for a quality pair.
Check alignment annually or after hitting a major pothole
Misalignment causes tires to wear 25-50% faster on one edge and can reduce fuel economy. An alignment costs $80-150 and should be done yearly or whenever the car pulls to one side.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you really change your oil?
The old 3,000-mile rule is outdated for modern engines. Most 2015+ vehicles using synthetic oil can go 7,500-10,000 miles between changes, and some manufacturers (BMW, Mercedes) specify 15,000-mile intervals. Your owners manual has the exact interval for your engine and oil type. Severe driving conditions (frequent short trips under 10 miles, dusty roads, towing, stop-and-go traffic) cut the interval by about 40%. An oil life monitoring system in newer cars adjusts the interval based on actual driving patterns.
What happens if you skip a scheduled maintenance service?
Skipping one service rarely causes immediate failure, but gaps compound over time. Delayed transmission fluid changes lead to harder shifts and eventual failure ($3,000-$6,000 to replace). Ignored coolant flushes cause internal corrosion and head gasket failures ($1,500-$2,500). Skipped timing belt replacement at the recommended interval (60,000-100,000 miles) risks catastrophic engine damage if the belt snaps, often totaling the car. Most critically, a missed service documented in your records can void powertrain warranty coverage.
Is dealership maintenance worth the extra cost?
Dealership labor rates run $120-$200 per hour versus $80-$130 at independent shops, a premium of 30-50%. For routine work like oil changes, brakes, and tire rotations, an independent shop delivers identical results at lower cost. However, dealerships provide advantages for warranty-covered recalls, software updates on modern electronic systems, and specialized diagnostic tools for your specific brand. During your factory warranty period, you can use any qualified shop without voiding coverage under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
How long do brake pads last on average?
Front brake pads last 30,000-50,000 miles under normal driving, while rear pads last 40,000-60,000 miles since front brakes handle 60-70% of stopping force. City driving with frequent stops wears pads 30-40% faster than highway driving. Ceramic pads last longer and produce less dust than semi-metallic pads but cost $30-$50 more per axle set. A brake pad and rotor replacement at an independent shop runs $250-$400 per axle; dealerships charge $400-$600 for the same job.
Do I need to follow the maintenance schedule to keep my warranty valid?
Yes, but the maintenance can be performed anywhere, not just the dealership. Under federal law (Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act), manufacturers cannot require dealer-only service to maintain warranty coverage. You do need to keep receipts and records proving the work was done on schedule with the correct fluids and parts. If a warranty claim arises and you have no maintenance records, the manufacturer can deny coverage. Digital service records from chain shops like Firestone or Valvoline count as valid proof.