Every car needs scheduled maintenance if you intend to have it last for the long haul. Many manufacturers are increasing the mileage interval of services, or simply omitting fluid changes from their list of maintenance items. They do this to decrease the annual cost of ownership line-item on the new car sticker, which makes the vehicle more attractive to fleet purchasers and allowing television boasting. The systems haven’t changed, only the recommendations have. Consumers are led to believe this because it further helps new car sales, and also lets dealership service departments provide cheap initial estimates. After you arrive for your cheap service, you receive a phone call up-selling you every item that should have been pre-sold.
Regardless, here’s a general guideline for most vehicles. We can talk you through maintenance considerations in more detail if you schedule an appointment or give us a phone call @ 510-540-7093. Thanks!
5K (Minor Service) (or 6K for Subaru) – Every 5,000 miles
- Replace engine oil and filter
- Check fluid levels and conditions
- Rotate tires and set air pressure
- Inspect brake pads and linings
15K (Intermediate Service) – Every 15,000 Miles
- Everything in the 5K service
- Perform full vehicle inspection
- Replace automatic transmission fluid
- Replace engine air filter
30K (Major Service) – Every 30,000 Miles
- Everything in the 15K service
- Replace spark plugs (conventional electrode)
- Replace manual transmission & clutch fluid
- Replace brake fluid
- Replace front differential gear oil (if equipped / AWD)
- Replace rear differential gear oil (AWD / 4×4)
- Replace transfer case gear oil (4×4)
- Replace cabin air filter
- Perform Valve adjustment (Some cars)
60K (varies car to car)
- Replace spark plugs (many platinum designs)
- Replace engine coolant
- Replace CVT (continually variable transmission) fluid
- Consider preventive valve adjustment
90K (varies car to car)
- Timing belt job replacement interval for Toyota, Mazda, (some) Subaru, Hyundai
105K (varies car to car)
- Timing belt job replacement interval for Honda, Subaru
- Replace spark plugs (Iridium tipped designs for Honda)
- Official valve adjustment (Honda)
120K (Varies car to car)
- Replace spark plugs (first replacement for Toyota Iridium; repeat interval for many other cars)
Scheduled maintenance differs for different models
Obviously, this list isn’t specific to every vehicle, but it’s good to have a general idea how the maintenance schedule is laid out, so you have an idea what to expect. Your owner’s manual will have an outline of the minimum required maintenance, and you should do all of the maintenance outlined there at a minimum.
Scheduled maintenance guides
Toyota online scheduled maintenance guide
Honda online scheduled maintenance guide
Subaru online scheduled maintenance guide
Mazda online scheduled maintenance guide