A Vehicle Service Schedule Helps You Save
Keeping up with your car's maintenance schedule is one of the simplest ways to have your vehicle avoid expensive breakdowns. Regular service helps your engine, brakes, suspension, and other systems run smoothly while lowering the risk of sudden breakdowns that could leave you in a bad spot. A little preventative work now can save you big repair bills later.
Many vehicles on the road are overdue for basic maintenance services. Skipping oil changes, tire rotations, or fluid checks might not cause immediate damage, but over time it wears down vital parts and shortens your car's lifespan.
Beyond safety and reliability, proper maintenance can also improve resale value. A well-maintained car with detailed service records is a far more attractive option to buyers and often sells for a higher price than a vehicle with irregular upkeep.
What Is a Maintenance Schedule?
A maintenance schedule is a mileage-based guide that outlines when your car needs routine services like oil changes, fluid checks, and part replacements. Having this information readily available helps you make informed decisions about your vehicle.
A Vehicle Maintenance Schedule for Every Driver
While exact recommendations vary based on your driving habits and vehicle type, most cars follow a pattern of services tied to odometer readings. Here's a general guide of when to expect different maintenance needs:
Every 5,000 miles
- Change the oil and oil filter (if using conventional oil)
- Check and top off fluids (brake, coolant, windshield washer)
- Inspect tires for wear and ensure proper tire pressure
Every 10,000 miles
- Rotate tires to promote even wear
- Replace oil and filter if using synthetic oil
- Inspect the cabin air filter and engine air filter; replace if dirty
Routine Car Maintenance: 30,000-90,000 miles
At 30,000 miles
- Replace engine air filter if not already done
- Inspect fuel system and fuel filter
- Inspect brake pads, hoses, and lines for wear
At 60,000 miles
- Replace spark plugs to keep your engine firing smoothly
- Inspect and potentially replace tires
- Check belts, hoses, and (if applicable) the timing belt - replace as needed to avoid costly damage
At 90,000 miles
- Flush and replace brake fluid
- Inspect and clean battery terminals
- Perform a full mechanical inspection for aging components
Routine Car Maintenance: 100,000 miles and beyond
At 120,000 miles
- Replace O2 sensors and coolant
- Flush the radiator and replace thermostat if needed
- Inspect shocks and struts for wear; replace if driving feels rough
At 180,000 miles
- Replace power steering fluid
- Clean the mass airflow sensor for better fuel efficiency
- Inspect all seals and gaskets, especially around the axles and driveshafts
At 250,000 miles
- Clean or replace fuel injectors to maintain performance
- Inspect the chassis for rust or damage
- Check the catalytic converter and emissions system
Why Should I Follow a Maintenance Schedule?
Following a maintenance schedule ensures that small issues are caught before they turn into expensive repairs. It keeps your car safe to drive, extends the life of major components, and gives you peace of mind on the road.
Where Do I Find My Car's Maintenance Schedule?
The best place to check is your vehicle's owner's manual, which outlines the manufacturer's recommendations for each mileage interval. If you're unsure or can't find your manual, our team at Sevy's Auto Repair is happy to help.
Just give us a call at 302-328-0839, and we'll guide you on the services your car needs and when to schedule them.
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Having owned a business in a competitive market for over 30 years, you succeed or fail by your workmanship and your customer service. Sevy's gets an A+ from me! The engine in my 2004 Ford Explorer needed costly repairs, after considering a used engine, John recommended I consider a rebuilt engine from Jasper. With a 3 year or 100,000 mile warranty it was an easy decision. Sevy's mechanics are great! Had my Explorer back in a week. Had a minor problem, Sevy's took care of it immediately. Having worked on my own cars and motorcycles, I was impressed by the quality workmanship. Christy, John, and Tom are the best up front, and the service is great in the shop! I will recommend Sevy's to my friends and family. In fact I already have!
I had heard about Sevy's from a close friend who has told me literally for years that he would not let anybody touch his cars except Sevy's. In fact, several decades ago they even fixed his bike (true!) for free, something he has never forgotten. I have an old Lexus SUV that has been sorely neglected ever since I bought it, which was in 2005. I lost faith in the Lexus dealership when they told me once that to fix a tail light would cost over $2,000. I was shocked and they said, 'We have to drop the entire bumper." They did not know it but I knew a young kid who worked for them doing minor stuff. He laughed and fixed it in 5 minutes for me in the driveway of his house. I gave him $50. I watched him do it. So anyway, my old Lexus was on its last legs, conking out when driving, and I live in North Wilmington. I took it to the usual suspects to fix it, like Pep Boys and elsewhere, and they wanted nothing to do with it. They tried, and finally it was 'take it to the Dealer, that is the only thing you can do.' I figured I had finally blown my engine, among other things. I called my buddy and he said, of course, 'take it to Sevy's, they are honest and cheap and great' (he began bragging about them), so I had it towed from my driveway all the way down to New Castle. That was about 7 months ago, and my car is running tip top to this very moment. They fixed about a dozen things, gave me a long list of what they did etc., also a tremendous price for all they did. Honest, extremely competent. Friendly too, down to earth. My buddy was right of course! And I will of course continue to neglect it but now at least I know I have a great mechanic.