What many owners have a difficult time with is maintenance, people are simply forgetful or try to cheap out on maintenance. This is a very bad approach because only by following a regular car service maintenance schedule can you avoid major repairs in the process.
Small things often develop into something larger and more expensive. So, one skipped oil change, in some cases, can cost you thousands of dollars.
This is why in this guide, we walk you through why a car service schedule matters, how you can understand it, and also how to stick to it diligently. So, let’s dive in!
Why Your Car Service Schedule Matters
Prevent Breakdowns and Extend Vehicle Life
Car service schedules are there for a reason. These schedules are designed for each model with the items that need to be replaced, and at what mileage.
By following them, you can keep your vehicle running in top condition year-round. Routine checks are also included in these schedules where critical components are tracked. The technician will take note of what is due for replacement.
For example, leaks around the engine and transmission, tweaked suspension components, uneven tire wear, and other problems must be detected on time and prevent breakdowns down the line.
Save Money by Catching Issues Early
Many people think that they will save money by not doing regular maintenance, but this is a completely wrong approach.
By doing this, you might save a few dollars in the short term, but in the long term, it will cost you more because problems will accumulate and the reliability of your vehicle will drop.
Some of these fixes can cost you thousands to fix. So, following the recommended car service schedule is a must to catch wear and tear early. Oil changes, fluid top-ups, and filter swaps are relatively inexpensive and they will extend the lifespan of the engine.
Understanding the Car Service Maintenance Schedule
Mileage-Based Service Intervals
Most of the cars out there are following something that we can call a typical car service schedule based on mileage. Here are some of the most common things that are checked during these intervals:
- Every 5,000 miles: Oil and oil filter replacement, air filter replacement, tire rotation.
- Every 10,000 miles: Brake inspection, pad and rotor replacement if needed, and fluid level inspection.
- Every 30,000 miles: Cabin air filter replacement, coolant flush, fuel filter replacement.
- Every 60,000 miles: Automatic transmission service (fluid flush), timing belt replacement (if equipped).
- Every 100,000 miles: Spark plug replacement, ignition coil replacement (if faulty), timing chain replacement (if equipped), full system inspection.
This is the most common Audi car service schedule. Also, other brands are similar, like Toyota, Ford, Volkswagen, and Honda.
Common Checks at Each Interval
With each stop on the car service maintenance schedule, these areas get the most attention from the technicians:
- Oil and filter (the level and condition of the oil)
- Brake pads and fluid (pads are checked for wear)
- Air and cabin filters (air box is removed and filter checked)
- Serpentine and timing belts (belts are checked for cracks)
- Transmission and coolant fluids (fluids are checked)
All of these checks help make sure that you always have the bad items replaced.
What Affects Your Service Schedule
It is important to note that not all drivers need the same car service schedule. For example, if you do short trips, drive in congested traffic, tow a lot, and drive on dusty roads can affect how often you change certain items.
For example, if you don’t drive the car a lot, it is a good idea to replace oil and filter every 2 years. This is the case because oil gets old and performs poorly. The same goes for coolant and transmission fluid.
Also, a Honda car service schedule can be different from one for an Audi, BMW, or Mercedes-Benz.
Examples of Manufacturer-Specific Schedules
Each brand has a different philosophy when it comes to schedules for maintenance. Here is what some of the top car makers recommend:
- Toyota car service schedule: Replace the oil every 5,000–10,000 miles, brakes and fluids need to get checked every 15,000–30,000 miles.
- Honda car service schedule: Often broken into Maintenance Minder codes. Oil changes on Honda should be at around every 7,500 miles.
- Hyundai car service schedule: This brand recommends all oil and filters at 7,500-mile intervals, with larger inspections scheduled at 30K and 60K miles.
- Kia car service schedule: Kia is basically Hyundai, so change the oil every 7,500 miles, major service at 60K.
- Nissan car service schedule: Nissan recommends doing the oil change every 5,000–7,500 miles, and full detailed inspections every 30K.
- Audi car service schedule: Audi is a high-end brand that requires inspections more often. Especially when it comes to leaks that are common on these engines.
- Smart car service schedule: Smart is a mini car with fewer moving parts, but still needs oil, brake, and filter checks to be done every 10,000 miles or yearly.
How to Follow Your Vehicle’s Recommended Schedule
So, how can you follow the recommended schedule? Well, start with your owner’s manual. This is where the manufacturer lists your car service maintenance schedule. In addition to this, you can also use the following:
- Go to the nearest dealership for your make and model if you want someone else to do and track your maintenance work.
- Go to a trusted independent shop, you will pay less and also get better service compared to a dealership.
- If you do maintenance by yourself, use a notepad to list all of the maintenance done.
- Purchase an owner’s manual with deep input on the maintenance procedures and parts involved in each repair.
If you are a car owner who wants to stay on top of your maintenance, you need to follow the right maintenance service schedule.
This way, your car will last for a long time and be much more reliable in the process. Following the schedule and doing maintenance is not something extremely difficult.
Grab an owner’s manual if you want to do it by yourself, and also track the procedures in a notepad. This way, your car will thank you!
Read also:
The Importance of Vehicle Servicing and Maintenance
How to Prepare Your Car for a Road Trip: Essentials Guide
Common Engine Problems and What Causes Them