Whether you own a foreign vehicle or a domestic make, there are some things that remain the same from vehicle to vehicle. Schedule maintenance services are an important aspect of car care; They ensure that everything is functioning as it should and extend the life of your vehicle. 

It can be hard to keep track of what needs to be serviced when. To help, we’ve created this guide to scheduled maintenance services. While the exact timeline of each vehicle may vary slightly depending on environment and driving habits, this list can still help you be aware of when you have maintenance coming up. 

Scheduled Maintenance Service Timelines

Tires 

Your tires are literally what connects the rest of your vehicle to the road. Issues with your tires can be deadly; that’s why proper tire maintenance is so important. 

Tire Rotation 

Tire rotation helps keep wear even across all 4 tires. This, in turn, helps provide a safer ride, protects your undercarriage, and can even help keep fuel efficiency up. The exact timeline for tire rotation will be in your owner’s manual. Typically, tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. 

At-home checks

In addition to tire rotation, it’s important to be doing your own regular checks to make sure your tires are good. 

Tire Pressure

It’s important to make sure that your tires aren’t under- or over-inflated. Either of these can cause issues with your tire. An at home tire-pressure gauge lets you quickly get a reading. 

Depth Check

In addition to tire pressure, it’s important to check for proper tire tread depth. The United States Department of Transportation suggest replacing tires once they get to 2/32” or lower. Anything less than that won’t give you adequate traction, increasing your risk for an accident. 

An easy way to check depth without breaking out the ruler is by using a penny. Stick a normal penny into the tread of your tire with Lincoln’s head facing down. If there is space between the tread wall and the top of the president’s head, it’s time to get new tires. 

Oil Changes

You likely already know that oil changes are one of the most regular maintenance services you perform for your car. Engine oil is extremely important for lubricating your engine parts and keeping things running smoothly. Unfortunately, engine oil can become polluted with dirt, metal, and other particles over time. That’s why it’s important to stay on top of oil change schedules.

Oil changes are typically performed ever 3 months or 5,000 miles, depending on whichever comes first. Depending on the type of synthetic oil is used, you may be able to last 10,000. However, it’s always best to go based on the timelines prescribed by your mechanic. 

30-60-90 Rule

Tires and oil are the two most frequent maintenance tasks that need to be performed on your vehicle. However, there are still other parts of your vehicle that need maintenance as well. a 30-60-90 rule applies to many of these other maintenance services, since these schedules typically fall within these time increments. 

30,000 Miles

Air filter and fuel filters are both important for maintaining optimal engine performance. If either is clogged, your fuel economy and the function of your engine can both be negatively impacted. Air filters ought to be replaced every 15,000-30,000 miles. Fuel filters should be replaced every 30,000 miles. If you live in a dustier climate, these timelines may move up. 

60,000 Miles

These are several important aspects of your braking system that should be addressed before you hit the 60,000 mile mark. Rotors, Brake pads, and fluid levels should all be changed roughly every 45,000-50,000 miles. An issue with any one of these components of your braking system can have serious consequences. 

Your battery is also something that should be changed every 50,000 to 60,000 miles (roughly every five years depending on driving habits). 

Coolant and transmission fluid should also be changed out every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. 

90,000 Miles

At 90,000 it’s important to have your timing belt and hoses checked out. Both of these components are subject to failure over time, which can result in catastrophe. 

Finally, your power steering fluid also typically needs to be flushed every 75,000 miles. This fluid is important for maintaining an easy steering experience. 

Explore our services. If your vehicle owner in Spokane, WA due for any routine maintenance, contact our team at C & H Foreign Auto today. Our trained technicians will get you in and out in no time.