Car Maintenance Schedule to Follow for Good Car Health

Do you have a car or pickup truck that you want to keep running reliably for the long haul? A diligent vehicle maintenance schedule is the only way that’ll happen. Even if you drive less than average, maintenance tasks like changing the oil and other tune-up tasks are vital.

“A tune-up is likely to be overlooked because of a busy schedule or an attempt at cutting down expenses, but neglecting them can lead to expensive repairs and fuel inefficiency,” says Joe Giranda of CRF classic. “Think of it like regular health checkups for your car; a little attention now saves you from bigger headaches and expenses later.”

Here are more specifics on what TLC your vehicle needs to remain reliable, plus how to set reminders to help you make it all happen.

Check Fluid Levels

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This takes less than five minutes and should happen every few weeks. Fluids that need checking include engine oil, transmission fluid, engine coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid and windshield washer fluid. Top off these fluids as needed. If a fluid level is unexpectedly low since the last time you checked, look for a leak.

Check Lights

It’s easy to miss a burned-out headlight, tail light or turn signal light from the driver’s seat. Get a helper to operate the light controls inside the vehicle while you’re standing outside the vehicle to make sure everything works. Replace auto light bulbs as necessary to avoid getting pulled over and possibly fined.

Replace the Cabin Air Filter

Most vehicles have a filter that purifies air before the heater and AC fan pulls it into the vehicle, and this filter should be changed every year under normal conditions. Change the cabin filter every 6 months if you drive regularly on dirt roads.

Check Tire Pressure and Tread

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Officially speaking, you should check each tire with a pressure gauge at least once a month. Diligent car owners give their tires a quick visual check before every trip. Tires naturally lose about 1 pound per square inch (PSI) of air pressure each month, so expect to have to top them off.

Replace Engine Air Filter

For every gallon of gas an engine burns, it consumes about 15 gallons of air. Dirt, dust and bugs need to be filtered out of this air before it goes into the engine, and this is what the engine air filter does. Replace the air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or every year.

Change Engine Oil and Filter

Consult your owner’s manual for recommendations of how far you can drive between oil changes. Do not exceed this interval. Most vehicles are rated to go 3,000 to 8,000 miles between oil and filter changes. Synthetic oil can extend the service interval to as much as 15,000 miles. Regardless of how little you drive, change your engines oil at least every 12 months.

Rotate Tires

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Moving tires from one location on your vehicle to another helps even out tread wear and extends the life of a set of tires. Rotate tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles or every 6 months. While you’re at it, examine tire tread depth. When the tread is down to the wear bars or less than 1/8 inch deep, it’s time for new tires.

Replace Timing Belt

This vital part is inside the engine so you can’t see it. There’s also no warning that a timing belt will break. If it does, your engine will suffer catastrophic damage, and that’s why manufacturers recommend a new timing belt every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Do not drive more than the recommended service interval. Some vehicles don’t have a timing belt. If yours has a timing chain, there’s no need to change it.

Replace Spark Plugs

How often depends on what the manufacturer specifies. Some spark plugs need changing every 20,000 miles, while other vehicles only need them changed every 100,000 miles.

Replace Serpentine Belt

This visible belt drives all the accessories that run off your engine. Items such as power steering, alternator, water pump, fan, smog pump and other items rely on the serpentine belt to operate. It should be changed every 50,000 to 60,000 miles or every four or five years. If you see the belt has cracks and frayed edges, change the sepentine belt right away.

Change Engine Coolant

As part of the scheduled vehicle maintenance program, most owner’s manuals recommend changing the coolant every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Most automotive coolant is highly toxic, so if you change coolant yourself, never put the old stuff down the drain. Take it to an auto garage or municipal toxic waste facility.

FAQ

What if I drive less than normal?

It’s still a good idea to stick to your maintenance schedule. “Mileage isn’t everything,” says Alex Black, chief marketing officer at EpicVIN. “Oil deteriorates over time, and rubber components such as belts and hoses can become brittle, so it’s important to follow a time-based maintenance schedule as well, not just one based on mileage.”

Also, keep in mind that maintenance needs are also dependent on your driving habits and the conditions in which you drive says Chris “Moose” Pyle, an automotive expert with JustAnswer. “If you drive your vehicle hard and work it hard, if you drive in extreme cold and hot climates, if you tow and haul often, if you drive in very wet or dirty scenarios, or if you drive too slow or not often enough, all of these can be signs of needing more frequent maintenance,” he says.

How should I keep track of my maintenance schedule?

Most cars come with a maintenance schedule book in the glove box that you can fill out and keep track of. “You could also just keep a notepad in the glovebox that you put the date and odometer reading on, along with the repairs you did,” says Pyle.

Alternatively, set calendar reminders or use an online app, plus remember that many newer vehicles have built-in prompts for maintenance services, says Timur Gizzatov, owner of Gleamworks. “However, keeping a record of when such services are due would still be beneficial,” he says. “Your owner’s manual will help you can plan ahead.”

About the Experts

• Timur Gizzatov is owner of Gleamworks Paint Protection Film & Ceramic Coating Centre in Vancouver, BC, and has been working as an automotive expert since 2007.
• Chris “Moose” Pyle is a master-certified technician with 20-plus years of automotive experience. He has also worked as an expert for JustAnswer, the expert on-demand platform, since 2006.
• Alex Black is chief marketing officer at EpicVIN. He has been car expert for more than 15 years, working at car auctions, vehicle history providers and more.
• Joe Giranda is Director of Sales and Marketing for CFR Classic, where he’s worked as an automotive expert for 23 years.