For car maintenance schedules and procedures, your car should undergo maintenance after every additional 3,000 miles (approx. 5,000 km). In addition to the 3,000-mile rule, your vehicle should also undergo a monthly check-up to see if the engine light is on, the headlights are working, if the vehicle needs more windshield washer fluid, and the condition of the tires, automatic transmission fluid, power steering fluid, exhaust, fuel filter, hoses and belts, and the battery and cables.
Once your vehicle has reached the driving distance of 3,000 mi (approx. 5,000 km) you should check the engine oil, air conditioning, and window wipers. When checking the engine oil, check the viscosity and color of the engine oil. If the engine oil is not sticky and has turned black, it is time to change the oil in your engine. Next, take a look at the air conditioner filter. Air conditioners are prone to moisture and are favorable conditions for bacteria and fungi to live in. Thus, it is extremely important to check the AC filter regularly. Lastly, make sure to check the condition of your window wipers as it is important to be able to see the road when driving.
If your vehicle has been driven for 6,000 mi (approx. 10,000 km), make sure to change the position of the front and rear tires since they all have a different amount of wear based on your driving habits. Once you reach 6,000 mi, it is also important to check your wheel balance since it helps equalize the wheel’s center of gravity. You will be able to tell if there is an issue with the wheel balance if the steering wheel vibrates and if the ride isn’t as smooth. Additionally, checking the lubrication of the chassis is recommended at this time.
At 12,000 mi (approx. 20,000 km), you should check your brakes, the brake pads, linings, brake discs, and drums, and replace the brake fluid. To check the brake fluid, use a brake fluid tester to check the water content. If the water content is high, it can cause braking problems.
For every 25,000 mi (approx. 40,000 km), be sure to check your wheel alignment and change your anti-freeze and transmission fluid. As its name suggests, anti-freeze helps prevent corrosion and pollution within the vehicle and prevents cooling water from freezing. So aside from changing the fluid, it is also essential to check it periodically. Especially in the winter months, to effectively maintain the temperature of the engine. When changing your anti-freeze a mix of 50% water and 50% anti-freeze is recommended. But it is best to check your owner’s manual.
At 30,000 mi (approx. 50,000 km), you should pay attention to the wear-and-tear of the tires and possible corrosion underneath the car. Make sure to check the wear limit and treads of the tire and replace them if necessary. As for the bottom and lower parts of the vehicle, make sure to tighten any loose bolts or replace any missing parts since the bottom half of the vehicle is often exposed to speed bumps, gravel, sand, and rainwater.
At 60,000 mi (approx. 100,000 km), you should focus on the dampers of the car and replacing the cooling pump. Inspecting the dampers of your vehicle is crucial since their role is to reduce the springing motion and help reduce the body of the car from shaking. Therefore, if your vehicle frequently shakes or shudders, there might be an issue with the damper.
After the 30,000 mile mark, the standard maintenance schedule set by most manufacturers recommends getting your vehicle examined in 30,000-mile increments. So 30,000 miles, 60,000 miles, 90,000 miles so forth. Keep in mind the engine oil should be changed more frequently in comparison to other car maintenance procedures. Depending on the recommendation from the manufacturer, the engine oil should be replaced every 7,500-10,000 mi (12,000-16,000 km).
FAQs
The Definition of Regular Car Maintenance
What does routine maintenance mean on a car? ›
What does regular car maintenance include? On a regular basis, you should bring your car in for a car tune up as well as replace consumable items such as motor oil, radiator coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, wiper blades and brake pads.
What does regular car maintenance include? ›
Usually, basic car maintenance involves checking or replacing parts like spark plugs, wires, fluids, and serpentine belts. Scheduling maintenance services through your dealer may be best.
What is checked during routine car maintenance? ›
Here's a list of 11 things you can check to help keep your car running smoothly:
- Check tire pressure and rotate tires.
- Check the motor oil.
- Check other important fluids.
- Test the headlights and taillights.
- Check and replace windshield wipers.
- Check the engine air filter.
- Check the cabin air filter.
- Test the battery.
Each interval has some basic maintenance involved (oil change, etc.), as well as, more detailed inspections of fluids, filters, spark plugs, and wear and tear. The manufacturer sets these guidelines to get the best possible performance based on normal driving conditions.
What is the meaning of routine maintenance? ›
Routine maintenance refers to any maintenance task performed at regular, time-based intervals that keep facilities operating smoothly. Routine maintenance can be as simple as making sure all bathrooms are stocked with toilet paper at the end of every day or as complex as inspecting and adjusting heavy machinery.
Can I drive my car if it says maintenance required? ›
In many cases, you're not obliged by law to service your car, and you can drive with the whole dashboard flashing.
Which car fluids need to be changed? ›
What Fluids in a Car Need to be Changed?
- Motor Oil.
- Transmission Fluid.
- Brake Fluid.
- Engine Coolant.
- Power Steering Fluid.
- Differential Fluid.
- Windshield Washer Fluid.
If none of the previous issues are forcing you to replace your spark plugs, you can typically change them every 30,000 to 90,000 miles depending on the make and model of your car. Your owner's manual reveals the schedule of your vehicle.
What mileage do cars start having problems? ›
It can be somewhat risky to buy a vehicle that has racked up more than 100,000 miles. Even if it's well-maintained and has about 100,000 miles left in it, such a car is already past its prime. Generally, vehicles are likely to start experiencing problems after the 100,000-mile mark.
Examples of routine maintenance
Inspecting equipment to ensure proper operation and safety. Replacing parts that show deterioration. Checking, testing, and maintaining safety equipment, such as safety barriers, fire extinguishers, or alarm systems. Checking for and replacing damaged signage or utilities, like light ...
What is a routine maintenance inspection? ›
A home maintenance inspection (also called a routine or annual inspection) is a regular checkup for your home. It involved hiring a licensed inspector to check the condition of your home to ensure no defects have developed.
Is maintenance required the same as check engine? ›
The maintenance required light goes on when your car is due for routine service. Examples of routine services include an oil change. However, the check engine light is an indication that something unexpected has occurred.
What does it mean when my car says routine maintenance required? ›
What does the maintenance required light mean? The maintenance required light is a warning light that reminds drivers that their car needs a service. It activates in 5,000-mile intervals since carmakers normally recommend basic servicing — oil change, filter replacement, and inspection — every 5,000 miles.
What car maintenance is really necessary? ›
Fluid Checks and Flushes: Fluids such as coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid play essential roles in your vehicle's operation. Regular checks and flushes help maintain proper fluid levels and quality, preventing overheating, corrosion, and costly repairs.
How long can a car last with routine maintenance? ›
A conventional car can last for 200,000 miles. Some well-maintained car models will reach 300,000 or more miles total. The average passenger car age is currently around 12 years in the United States. Choosing a well-built make and model can help extend your car's longevity.
Do I really need to follow car maintenance schedule? ›
Every vehicle needs regular maintenance to keep it in proper working order. Following the vehicle manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule for your car will preserve your investment, help ensure vehicle longevity and reliability, and even save you money.
Is routine car maintenance covered under warranty? ›
What Isn't Covered by a Car Warranty? Car warranties generally won't cover routine maintenance services like oil changes or damages caused by a lack of regular upkeep.
