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By Tony Markovich, The Drive
A vehicle is not something that can be purchased and operated with the same numb touch as a microwave. It needs to be maintained, cared for, and supported on a regular basis with all the necessities to survive and thrive.
Considering the average car has hundreds of bits and pieces, it’s a lot to remember and keep track of. Many parts and fluids have limited shelf lives, and that’s what a maintenance schedule is for. Within every owner’s manual there are specific recommendations that tell the owner when to change the oil, replace the brake pads, rotate the tires, or complete other tasks.
But when was the last time you checked that manual? To give you a better idea of what you’ll need to do, we’re here to offer general advice about what will need replacing and approximately when that needs to happen. This is The Drive’s guide to the car maintenance schedule you should follow.
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What is a Car Maintenance Schedule?
A car maintenance schedule is a calendar that entails set guidelines, rules, and requirements for your vehicle’s key components. The schedule covers inspections, replacements, cleanings, rotations, and other care that will preserve and sustain the life and efficiency of the vehicle. Without following these guidelines, your vehicle could fail, or worse, create unsafe driving conditions.Benefits Of Following A Car Maintenance Schedule
Like the human body, a car will last longer the better it’s taken care of. Show it love, and it will return the favor with longevity, durability, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. Putting the work in early and often will result in less issues down the road, which will in turn save money and unexpected headaches. Additionally, on the cash front, the resell value will be higher, thanks to the outstanding level of quality, the appeasing appearance, the impressive originality of the vehicle, and the confidence in the seller’s records. |
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The Car Maintenance Schedule You Should Follow
Every vehicle has different parts, different fluids, different driving environments, and different drivers that require different care and attention. When planning a maintenance schedule, the best thing to do is consult your owner’s manual or ask your local dealer about your specific ride. However, general rules apply to most new vehicles.This schedule is based on the routine dealership maintenance for a fairly average automobile, a front-wheel-drive 2020 Hyundai Tucson with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and an automatic transmission that drives a yearly average of 12,000 miles. Here, we show the schedule through the first 30,000 miles.
At 7,500 miles
- Replace oil filter and engine oil
- Replace climate control air filter
- Rotate tires
- Inspect air cleaner filter
- Inspect air conditioning compressor
- Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
- Inspect battery condition
- Inspect brake lines, hoses, and connections
- Inspect exhaust pipe and muffler
- Inspect front brake discs, pads, and calipers
- Inspect rear brake discs and pads
- Inspect steering gearbox, linkage, and boots on lower arm ball joint, upper arm ball joint
- Inspect suspension mounting bolts
- Inspect vacuum hose
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At 15,000 miles
- Replace climate control air filter
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Rotate tires
- Inspect air cleaner filter
- Inspect air conditioning compressor
- Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
- Inspect battery condition
- Inspect brake fluid
- Inspect brake lines, hoses, and connections
- Inspect driveshafts and boots
- Inspect exhaust pipe and muffler
- Inspect front brake discs, pads, and calipers
- Inspect fuel filter
- Inspect fuel tank air filter
- Inspect parking brake
- Inspect rear brake discs and pads
- Inspect steering gearbox, linkage, and boots on lower arm ball joint, upper arm ball joint
- Inspect suspension mounting bolts
- Inspect vacuum hose
- Inspect vapor hose, fuel filler cap, and fuel tank
At 22,500 miles
- Replace air cleaner filter
- Replace climate control air filter
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Rotate tires
- Inspect air conditioning compressor
- Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
- Inspect battery condition
- Inspect brake lines, hoses, and connections
- Inspect exhaust pipe and muffler
- Inspect front brake discs, pads, and calipers
- Inspect rear brake discs and pads
- Inspect steering gearbox, linkage, and boots on lower arm ball joint, upper arm ball joint
- Inspect suspension mounting bolts Inspect vacuum hose
At 30,000 miles
- Replace climate control air filter
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Rotate tires
- Inspect air cleaner filter
- Inspect air conditioning compressor
- Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
- Inspect battery condition
- Inspect brake fluid
- Inspect brake lines, hoses, and connections
- Inspect driveshafts and boots
- Inspect exhaust pipe and muffler
- Inspect front brake discs, pads, and calipers
- Inspect fuel filter
- Inspect fuel lines, fuel hoses, and connections
- Inspect fuel tank air filter
- Inspect parking brake
- Inspect rear brake discs and pads
- Inspect steering gearbox, linkage, and boots on lower arm ball joint, upper arm ball joint
- Inspect suspension mounting bolts
- Inspect vacuum hose
- Inspect vapor hose, fuel filler cap, and fuel tank
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Replacement Schedule
For the DIY spirits in the crowd, we’ve also laid out approximate service or replacement periods for a variety of auto parts.IMPORTANT NOTE: These are recommendations, not the law. Always follow the rules and guidelines found in the manuals for your specific vehicle and in the instructions for the parts at hand. Every vehicle is different.
- Battery: Replace every 3-5 years
- Brake pads: Inspect every 5,000 miles, replace every 25,000-65,000 miles
- Brake rotors: Replace roughly every 40,000-70,000 miles
- Brake fluid: Replace roughly every 20,000-50,000 miles, depending on vehicle
- Ball joints: Inspect and replace as necessary
- Bushings: Inspect and replace as necessary
- Cabin air filter: Replace roughly every 10,000-15,000 miles.
- Coolant: Modern extended-life coolant is rated to last five years, or about 150,000 miles, yet some universal coolants are only rated at 30,000-50,000 miles. Read the instructions in your owner’s manual and the details on the coolant you select. Also note, the coolant itself lasts a long time, it’s crucial to check the coolant level on a weekly or monthly basis.
- Differential fluid: Follow manufacturer instructions and specifications
- Engine air filter: Replace every 10,000-20,000 miles, depending on condition
- Fuel filter: Replace roughly every 20,000-60,000 miles, but consult manufacturer specifications
- Headlights and taillights: Replace in pairs, both headlights or taillights, when one goes out.
- Hoses: Inspect and replace as necessary
- Ignition coil packs: Replace roughly every 100,000 miles
- Oil change: depending on the type and age of the vehicle, as well as the type of oil.
- Oil filter: Change every 3,000-15,000 miles
- Power steering fluid: Follow manufacturer instructions and specifications
- Serpentine belt: Inspect and potentially replace at roughly 40,000-60,000 miles, replace no matter condition at 90,000-100,000 miles.
- Shocks: Inspect during brake pad replacement and replace when necessary
- Spark plugs: Replace roughly every 20,000-40,000 miles
- Spark plug wires: Inspect when replacing spark plugs and replace when necessary
- Struts: Inspect during brake pad replacement and replace when necessary
- Timing belt: Inspect at roughly 60,000-100,000 miles
- Tire tread: Tire tread can easily be checked monthly using the coin test, and tires should be rotated roughly every 5,000 miles.
- Tire pressure: Walk around the car and do the eye test once a week (or every day), and use a tire pressure gauge to check pressure roughly once a month.
- Tire rotation: Rotate roughly every 5,000 miles
- Transmission fluid: Replace at approximately 100,000 miles
- Windshield washer fluid: Replace when it runs out
- Windshield wipers: Replace roughly every 6-12 months
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Car Maintenance Pro Tips
The Drive’s editors and writers have been getting oily and servicing cars in their own garages for years. Follow these pro tips to avoid missing key maintenance steps.- Always take notes. Pick a designated notebook, and keep track of every single thing you do to your vehicle. If you save the receipts with the records, it’s even better. Not only will this allow you to stay on track with your vehicle’s milestones, you’ll also be able to show future buyers how well your vehicle has been maintained.
- If you don’t have the tools to perform your own maintenance, check with your local auto parts stores such as Autozone or Advanced Auto Parts. They typically have tools that can be rented, often for free.
- Solid jack stands and jacks are your best friends. Don't skimp and always use them.
- Many manufacturer warranties require a vehicle to stick to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule in order to keep the warranty going. Don’t forget!
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