Maintenance by Mileage
Following a mileage-based schedule is the cheapest insurance against breakdowns. Intervals vary by make, but the pattern below fits most passenger cars.
Every 5,000–7,500 Miles
- Oil and filter change
- Tire pressure and rotation
- Check fluids, lights, and wipers
Every 15,000–30,000 Miles
Replace engine air and cabin filters, inspect brakes and battery, and check alignment. This is also a good time to rotate tires if not done earlier.
Every 60,000 Miles
Replace spark plugs on many engines, change transmission fluid, and inspect belts and hoses. Coolant is often due around this mark.
Every 100,000 Miles
Timing belt (if equipped), water pump, and suspension components become priorities. Address these before failure to avoid towing bills.
The Mileage Schedule
Your owner's manual lists service at 5,000/7,500/10,000-mile steps. Oil, filters, and inspections follow that clock. Ignoring it voids warranties and shortens engine life — the cheapest maintenance is the one done on time.
What Each Interval Covers
- 5k–7.5k: oil and filter, tire rotation
- 15k–30k: air filters, brake and fluid checks
- 60k–100k: timing belt, spark plugs, coolant
Severe-Duty Adjustment
Short trips, heat, towing, and dust shorten intervals. If most drives are under five miles, follow the "severe" schedule in the manual even if the odometer is low — time and conditions age parts too.
Fluids Beyond Oil
Brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid age even if clean. Old fluid corrodes parts and fails under heat. Follow the manual's exchange intervals, not just the oil light, to avoid four-figure repairs later.
Keep Records
Save receipts in a folder or app. A documented service history lifts resale value and proves you met warranty terms if a dispute arises. Buyers pay more for a car with proof it was cared for.
Don't Skip the First Service
The break-in service on a new car sets long-term reliability. Missing it can void the warranty and let metal particles circulate. Treat the early interval as non-negotiable, even if the car feels perfect.
Listen to the Car
New noises, vibrations, or smells are early warnings. A whine, a shudder, or a burning smell caught at 10 miles often costs ten times less than the same symptom ignored for a thousand. Trust your senses as much as the schedule.
DriveReady Hub — Informational only. Not affiliated with any DMV or government agency.