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Maintenance basics
Five different things get called "maintenance." Knowing which is which is most of the battle.
- Manufacturer-scheduled
- Listed in your owner's manual or maintenance schedule.
- Condition-based
- Done when inspection or a measurement says so, not on a timer.
- Common preventive
- Widely recommended by technicians but not necessarily in your manufacturer schedule.
- Shop-recommended
- Suggested by a shop. Check it against the other categories before treating it as due.
- Repair
- Fixing something that failed. Not maintenance.
Typical intervals (generic, not your manufacturer's)
Your owner's manual is the authority. These are ranges across modern vehicles.
Engine oil and filter5,000–10,000 miFollow your manual or oil-life monitor. Many modern engines specify 7,500–10,000 miles with synthetic oil; severe use shortens it.
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miOften done with each oil change.
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 miInspect; replace when dirty.
Cabin air filter15,000–30,000 miComfort item; easy DIY.
Brake inspection (pads, rotors, fluid)10,000–15,000 miMeasure, don't guess. Replace pads based on thickness.
Brake fluid replacement24–36 moSome manufacturers (notably European brands and Honda) specify 2–3 years regardless of mileage; others list inspection only — check your schedule.
Spark plugs30,000–100,000 miInterval depends heavily on plug type; check your manual.
Engine coolant60,000–150,000 miLong-life coolants have very long intervals; verify yours.
Transmission fluid30,000–60,000 miSome manufacturers say "lifetime"; many technicians still recommend service, especially for CVTs. Use the exact specified fluid.
Drive belt inspection60,000–100,000 miReplace when cracked or glazed.
Timing belt (belt engines only)60,000–105,000 miCritical if your engine has a belt. Many engines use a chain and need nothing here.
Battery test36–48 moTest annually after year three.
Tires (tread and age)40,000–70,000 miMeasure tread depth; check the DOT date code.
Wiper blades6–12 moReplace when streaking.
Wheel alignmentBy conditionOnly with symptoms (pulling, uneven wear) or after suspension/steering work.
Fuel / induction cleaningBy conditionRarely in manufacturer schedules. Decline unless there is a specific, demonstrated reason.
Power steering fluidBy conditionRarely scheduled; many cars have electric steering with no fluid.