Home 5 Car Tips 5 Proper Car Maintenance Guide: By Miles

Proper Car Maintenance Guide: By Miles

by | May 29, 2014 | Car Tips

Your car is important to your family.  It is what gets you back and forth to work.  It is how you drive to that favorite camping spot.  It is your way to get around town to buy groceries, new clothes, or camping equipment.

To keep your car running and to maintain its resale value, you need to keep up with all of the regular maintenance.  Your owner’s manual or authorized service professional will be able to give you the specifics for your car, but here is a generalized car maintenance guide by miles to help you to figure out what needs to be done to your car and when.  Keep in mind that some of the lower mileage things will need to be repeated as your car gains mileage – for example, maintenance done at 15,000 miles would be repeated at 30,000 and 45,000 miles, and so forth.

As Needed

While these items are not necessarily considered part of your mileage car maintenance guide, they are still a good idea to keep your car looking its best.  Make sure that you wash your car regularly, cleaning both inside and out.  Replace light bulbs as needed and check tire pressure regularly.  Top off windshield washer fluid as needed as well.  You may also want to take a regular inventory of your car to make sure that you have emergency supplies and copies of important documents like insurance cards readily available.  File all records pertaining to the upkeep of the car in a safe place for future reference.  Not only are these records good for your reference, but they can also help provide a paper trail of regular maintenance performed on the vehicle.

Every 3,000 Miles

This is probably the most recognized service interval, as most drivers know that they need to change their oil and filter about every 3,000 miles.  Some makes and models can go longer, but do not do so unless under the direction of someone who knows your car.  This is also a good time to check all of the fluids in your car:  transmission, coolant, power steering, and windshield washer fluids.  Check to see if you need new wipers, tires, and that all of the lights are working properly as well.  If you are able to, now is also a good time to rotate the tires to keep them wearing evenly.

Every 15,000 Miles

The air filter in your car should be changed at 15,000 miles, or more often if it needs it.

Every 20,000 Miles

At 20,000 miles, you will want to check your battery and coolant levels and replace as needed.  Batteries generally need to be replaced about every 3 years, so you want to make sure that yours is replaced before it leaves you stranded.

Every 25,000 Miles

Every 25,000 miles, you will want to replace the fuel filter.  This is also a good time to change out your automatic transmission fluid if you have an automatic transmission car.

Every 30,000 Miles

Power steering fluid should be replaced and the coolant, radiator hoses, HVAC system and brake pads should all be inspected.  Now is also a good time to inspect the suspension system of your car.  Make repairs or replacements if needed.  Make sure that the engine is cool before you remove the radiator cap to check coolant levels.

Every 40,000 Miles

Replace the spark plugs and the wires.  Now is also a good time to check the ignition system and the suspension if you have not with earlier checks.

Every 60,000 Miles

Major maintenance is needed at this point, with replacing the brake pads and fluids, along with replacing the power steering fluid, radiator hoses, coolant, and timing belt.  Remember to continue to do your other regular maintenance that is required more frequently.  Other belts may need to be replaced at this point as well, so check them all.  Any belt that is worn or starting to crack should be changed immediately.

When the Lights Come On

If your car is newer, keep in mind that the onboard computer may already be programmed to tell you when maintenance is needed.  Some newer cars even have sensors that will tell you if the oil is low or dirty or if a filter needs to be replaced.  If you have a warning light come on, be sure to get that issue checked out as soon as possible, rather than waiting for the next regularly scheduled maintenance trip.

Article by Category
Recent Articles

The Rise of Electric Vehicles: Trends and Statistics

In recent years, the automotive industry has witnessed a profound transformation driven by the rising adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). With a growing global emphasis on sustainability, technological advancements, and supportive government policies, electric...

Cars.com API

Cars.com APIs are set of tools that allowed developers to access various data and functionalities related to automotive listings and services. These APIs enabled businesses and applications to integrate data such as vehicle listings, dealer information, reviews,...

Black Book APIs

Checking Car Value Efficiently with VinAudit and Black Book APIs Car valuation plays an essential role in the automotive industry, influencing decisions ranging from buying and selling to insurance, financing, and more. Accurate car valuation ensures fairness in...

Used Car Market: What To Expect In The Future

Technavio has predicted that the worldwide used car market will grow by $703 billion more by 2027. As of late 2022, its size is estimated to clock USD 1.66 trillion. Within the five-year period (2022 - 2027), the compound annual growth rate is foreseen to reach 6.7%...

You might like

Types of Car Titles: Everything You Need to Know

Types of Car Titles: Everything You Need to Know

A car title is a legal document that provides proof of ownership of a vehicle. It is issued by the state in which the vehicle was purchased and serves as a permanent record of ownership. The car title also includes important information about the vehicle, such as its...

How Do I Know If I Bought A Stolen Car

How Do I Know If I Bought A Stolen Car

Buying a used car that is stolen can be a risky prospect, as you may not know the full history of the vehicle and could find yourself in trouble with the law. It’s important to do your research before purchasing a used vehicle, especially if it’s from a private...

Secrets to Buying a Used Car That Every Driver Should Know

Secrets to Buying a Used Car That Every Driver Should Know

Are you in the Illinois market for a used car and don't know where to start? Are you confused by the amount of information out there and overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available in Illinois? Don't worry - in this article, we'll supplement your VIN check or...