Preventative Maintenance Quick Reference For Local Driving Conditions

 

1. Oil Change Service -- Conventional / Full Synthetic....................................3,000 / 5,000 mi.

2. Engine Clean Restoration Service....................................................................As needed

3. Air Filter...................................................................................................................As needed 

4. Tire Rotation……………….....………………………......……….........…....……5,000 mi. 

5. Cabin Air Filter...........…………………………………….......…………...1 yr / 15,000 mi. 

6. Battery Service........................………………….......……………………...…..As needed 

7. Alignment………………....………………….......……………………...…..1 yr / 15,000 mi. 

8. Gas/Diesel Fuel Filter..........……......…........……………………………….1 yr / 15,000 mi. 

9. Mass Air Flow Service.....................………………..............…………………..As needed 

10. Fuel Induction/Gas Direct Injection Service.........……………………..............30,000 mi. 

11. Transmission Fluid Service...…………………….............………....…..2 yrs / 30,000 mi. 

12. Power Steering Service.....…………………….....……………......……2 yrs / 30,000 mi. 

13. Front Differential...............................(Domestic) 3 yrs / 36,000 mi..(Import) 2 yrs / 30,000 mi. 

14. Rear Differential................................(Domestic) 3 yrs / 36,000 mi..(Import) 2 yrs / 30,000 mi. 

15. Transfer Case...................................(Domestic) 3 yrs / 36,000 mi..(Import) 2 yrs / 30,000 mi. 

16. Brake Fluid Service.................................................................................................2 - 3 years 

17. Radiator Hoses & Heater Hoses....................................................................Every 6 years Coolant System Service…(Conventional Antifreeze)……..…….………....2 yrs / 30,000 mi 

18. Coolant System Service…(Long Life Antifreeze)……..……...…………....5 yrs / 90,000 mi. 

19. Serpentine Belt………………………….…...……….......…………..…...5 yrs / 50,000 mi. 

20. Shocks / Struts............................................................................................50,000/75,000 mi. 

21. Tune-up..…(Conventional spark plugs)……....………………......…...……...2 yrs / 30,000 mi. 

22. Tune-up…(Platinum / Iridium spark plugs)....…....……..……............….…5 yrs / 80 000mi. 

 

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

 

CABIN AIR FILTERS

Have been used on some import vehicles as far back as 1994, and are currently installed on about 40% of all new vehicles (mostly luxury models). The filters use activated carbon so they have a limited life. Replacement recommendations vary, but are typically 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year. 

 

SPARK PLUGS

For performance and fuel economy, all spark plugs need to be changed sooner or later. The most prudent thing to do is replace standard spark plugs every 30,000 miles. Platinum and iridium plugs should be replaced every 80,000 miles 

 

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID 

Many transmission experts say that most transmission problems can be prevented by changing the ATF fluid and filter regularly for preventive maintenance. How often depends on how the vehicle is driven. For some hard use vehicles, this might be every 30,000 miles or two years. The harder the transmission works, the hotter the fluid runs. The life of the fluid drops quickly once its temperature gets up above about 200 degrees F. 

 

POWER STEERING FLUID 

All the components of a power steering system will degrade over time, if only slightly. As metal rusts and o-rings degrade, they release tiny particles of impurities into the power steering fluid. As these impurities build up, they can begin to clog the power steering pump and speed up the corrosion of the components within the system. Ideally, the power steering fluid should be replaced before this is allowed to happen. 

 

BRAKE FLUID 

You can use chemical test strips that react to contaminants in the fluid or its moisture content. Many brake experts recommend changing brake fluid every two to three years for preventive maintenance, and every time the brakes are relined or repaired. 

 

COOLANT HOSES 

Servicing coolant hoses is tricky. They may look great from the outside, but they can be suffering on the inside. Coolant hoses rot from the inside out and its recommended squeezing the hose at a bend; if it’s overly soft it may be time for a change. They can also bulge or bubble in extreme situations. Keeping the coolant fresh is the key. As coolant breaks down, it becomes acidic and can lead to hose failure, this acidity is also the primary cause of head-gasket failures. Hose manufacturers usually recommend replacing coolant hoses every five to six years to minimize the risk of hose failure. 

 

COOLANT 

With traditional antifreeze, the recommended change interval is every two to three years or 30,000 miles. With extended life products, the interval may be 5 years or 90,000 miles. PH levels are critical and reflect the acidity of the coolant. A PH at 7.9 or below should be replaced. 

 

BELTS 

Belt manufacturers say the risk of V-belt failure rises sharply after three years of service, and four years with serpentine belts. Replacing V-belts every four to five years, or 40,000 to 50,000 miles, and serpentine belts every five years, or 50,000 to 60,000 miles can minimize the risk of sudden belt failure and a breakdown. And remember, always check that belt tensioner. 

 

SHOCKS & STRUTS

Because shock and struts typically deteriorate gradually, a motorist may not notice how their vehicle’s ride control capabilities have declined over time. For this reason, one aftermarket shock manufacturer (Monroe) recommends replacing conventional shocks every 50,000 miles. and struts every 75,000 miles.

 

SOURCES: NAPA ‘TECH’S EDGE PUBLICATION, AA1CAR.COM, INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP LIBRARY.