When You Need to Complete Every Car Maintenance To-Do
The key to keeping your car running smoothly for years to come? Proper maintenance. But when does each task need to be completed? Our guide explains each type of scheduled maintenance and what milestones mean it’s time for a tune up.
Oil Changes
You may be tired of hearing it, but we’ll never stop saying it — get your oil changed. Regularly. It’s vital to maintaining your vehicle. But what does “regularly” mean?
Your vehicle manufacturer likely has recommendations for car’s maintenance that includes oil changes, so you can always check your car’s handbook. But in general, most cars need an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
Tire Rotation
Tire rotations help your tires wear evenly, which increases their lifespan. You should get your tires rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles to extend your investment.
Brake Replacement & Service
Brakes are built to last and only need to be replaced every 50,000 miles. However, if you tend to stop and start a lot when you drive, you may need them replaced sooner.
But it’s not just replacements that matter — get them checked and serviced more often to ensure your safety. Have your brakes serviced every 20,000 miles.
Fluid Changes
Oil isn’t the only fluid that needs to be changed regularly! Every fluid your car uses needs to be replaced on a schedule. Here are some fluid types and when they should be changed.
Transmission Fluid
When you are trying to go a certain speed, your transmission sends the right amount of power to your wheels. It requires transmission fluid which should be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
Brake Fluid
Remember when we said that you should have your brakes serviced every 20,000 miles? Well that’s when you should change out your brake fluid, too!
Power Steering Fluid
To keep your power steering working well, replace your power steering fluid every 50,000 miles.
Tire Alignments
A good rule of thumb is to have your tires aligned every time you get an oil change. That way they always stay in proper alignment. But if that’s too often for your preference, you should at least get them aligned once every year.
We also check the shocks and struts when we complete alignments, so you’ll stay up to date on any potential issues or required repairs.
High-Mileage Services
Does your car have a ton of miles on it? Then you may need additional services. These are based on your auto manufacturer’s guidelines and include engine flushes, transmission flushes, power steering flushes, and fuel injection flushes.
Some manufacturers also recommend services at the 15,000 mile, 30,000 mile, and 60,000 mile milestones. Be sure to ask about these services, because your auto shop may not do them automatically when completing other services like oil changes.
