Routine car maintenance is the life force that keeps your car alive for a long time. Whether the car is new or old, it is important to know the maintenance schedule for your car and do preventive maintenance are regular time intervals. This schedule will have to be planned based on the model and make of your car. All the major manufacturers recommend the ideal schedule to be based on impact parameters of the care. These are:
- Number of trips and distance traveled per trip per day
- Extreme hot or cold climate conditions
- Mountainous dusty or de-iced roads
- Heavy stop-and-go vs. long-distance cruising
- Towing a trailer or other heavy load
This is an ideal maintenance routine. Experienced auto service and repair shops will take into account the conditions of the care and the behavior of the car owner as well while recommending routine maintenance schedules. Apart from this mandatory routine maintenance must also be done based on the engine mileage of your care. This happens at various times. The suggested intervals and engine mileage for this is:
Every 3000 to 7000 miles: The oil and oil filter must be replaced. Along with this the transmission fluid level, coolant, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid and wipers, tires and all exterior lights must also be inspected. The air filter and the power steering fluid must be replaced. And
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles: The air filter and the power steering fluid must be replaced. And the coolant, radiator hoses, HVAC system, brake pads and all suspension components must be inspected.
Every 35,000 to 50,000 miles: Battery must be inspected and replaced every 35,000 miles. After 40,000 miles, the spark plug and plus wired must be replaced. And the ignition system and suspension must be inspected. For extra care, these can once again be checked after 50,000 miles.
Every 60,000 miles: Brake pads, Brake fluids, radiator hoses, coolant, power steering fluid and timing belt will have to be replaced at this point. And the HVAC, suspension components, and tires inspected.
Oil changes are the most often maintenance required. This is just a suggested maintenance routine by major manufacturers. But this may have to be tweaked based on the need of your car. For example, maintenance routines for hybrid and electronic vehicles may be different. To know more about your car and its maintenance routine, be sure to go through your owner’s manual.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Service_(motor_vehicle)
https://www.carsdirect.com/car-maintenance/a-routine-car-maintenance-schedule-based-on-engine-mileage