MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The average vehicle is driven 12-15,000 miles per year. The key to a
smooth running, long lasting vehicle, is adhering to the proper maintenance
schedule. Some of today's new cars and trucks don't need a tune-up for 100,000
miles! ...
Refer to the table below for general maintenance. Always refer to your car's
owners manual as it IS correct and this table is a general resource. (Legend: k
= 1000 miles; where time or miles are specified, perform the service at
whichever interval is met FIRST.)
| Service |
Interval |
| Oil Change |
Every 3,000 miles, or 3 months. If
heavy stop and go traffic or hilly terrain, sooner is better than later. |
| Spark Plugs |
First, there are two types of plugs-
standard and platinum.
Standard- Once a year or every 15k.
Platinum- Every 60,000 miles |
| Air Filter |
Every year or 15k, unless very dusty
conditions, then more frequently. It's only a few bucks so you can't go wrong. |
| Fuel Filter |
Consult the manual as this varies
greatly, especially since some of them aren't even accessible any more. Avg of
once per year if you can get to it. |
| PCV Valve |
Make a habit of changing it at every
Air Filter change.
|
| Ignition Wires |
Points Ignition (pre 1975)- Every 2
years.
HEI(1975 on) - Every 45k or 3 years.
Distributor less - Every 60k or 4 years.
If they look old and are dry rotted, replace them regardless of the time.
|
| Distributor Cap and Rotor- where
applicable. |
Points Ignition (pre 1975)- Annually
HEI(1975 on) - Every 30k or 2 years. |
| Timing Belt |
This is manual specific and is critical
as belt failure can cause serious engine damage in some models. The average
life span of a belt is 60k, so change the belt at the recommended intervals as
determined by the manufacturer of the engine. Don't guess. |
| Drive Belts (AC, Pwr Steering,
Alternator, etc.) |
Every 3 years or upon visual inspection
where drying has set in. Remember, if a belt goes, you will be left stranded,
so before you set out on any long trips, check them. |
| Transmission Fluid & Service |
Varies with driving style and load on
the vehicle. If you are towing, or live in a mountainous region, the services
should be more frequent to prolong the life of the transmission. Every 20-30k
is a good baseline. |
| Rear Differential Service( if rear
wheel drive) |
Every 60k or 4 years. |
| Tire Rotation |
Every 6 months or 7,500 miles. Rotate
the tires from front to rear noting tire rotation if indicated on the tire
sidewall.
|
| Coolant (Anti-Freeze) |
Climate dictates this schedule as does
the type of coolant used. Pay attention to the coolant mixture chart on the
container as it give specific mixture requirements by climate/temperature.
Change it every 2 years or 30k.
|