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. |