The Car Care Council has developed a service interval schedule with general guidelines
for the regular maintenance of passenger cars, minivans, pick-ups and SUVs.
This schedule is customary for the majority of drivers and vehicles. However, always consult your owner's manual for specific recommendations from your vehicle manufacturer.
CHECK FREQUENTLY Dashboard Indicator Lights On Lights Tire Inflation and Condition Windshield Washer Fluid Engine Oil Level
Automatic Transmission Fluid Battery and Cables Belts Dashboard Indicator Light On Engine Air Filter Engine Oil Exhaust Hoses Lights Power Steering Fluid Tire Inflation and Condition Windshield Washer Fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid Battery and Cables Belts Chassis Lubrication Dashboard Indicator Light On Engine Air Filter Engine Oil Exhaust Hoses Lights Power Steering Fluid Tire Inflation and Condition Windshield Washer Fluid Wiper Blades |
CHECK EVERY 9 MONTHS/ Automatic Transmission Fluid Battery and Cables Belts Dashboard Indicator Light On Engine Air Filter Engine Oil Exhaust Hoses Lights Power Steering Fluid Tire Inflation and Condition Windshield Washer Fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid Battery and Cables Belts Brakes Cabin Air Filter Chassis Lubrication Dashboard Indicator Light On Coolant (Antifreeze) Engine Air Filter Engine Oil Exhaust Hoses Lights Power Steering Fluid Steering and Suspension Tire Inflation and Condition Wheel Alignment Windshield Washer Fluid Wiper Blades |
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID
Check fluid level with engine running and transmission in park or neutral (vehicle specific). If low, add the type of automatic transmission fluid specified in the owner's manual and/or on dipstick. For maximum performance, change every two to three years or 24,000 miles to 36,000 miles, or as directed in owner's manual.
BATTERY AND CABLES
Battery should be securely mounted. Battery connections should be clean, tight and corrosion-free. If the battery is three years old or more, it should be tested and replaced
if necessary.
BELTS
Noise in the belt system is a sign of wear. Check serpentine and V-belts for looseness and condition. It is important to check all the components in the serpentine system. Tensioners and pulleys wear at the same rate as the belt and should be inspected. Typical serpentine replacement is 60,000 to 90,000 miles. Replace V-belts when cracked, frayed, glazed or showing signs of excessive wear. Typical replacement is 40,000 to 50,000 miles. Replace timing belt per interval specified in the owner's manual.
BRAKES
Check the entire brake system every year, including brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, calipers and brake fluid. Brake fluid should be changed every two to three years or 24,000
miles to 36,000 miles, or as directed in owner's manual.
CABIN AIR FILTER
Replace annually, or more often in areas with heavy airborne contaminants or whenever heating or cooling efficiency is reduced.
CHASSIS LUBRICATION
Many newer cars are lubed for life; some still require this service. Check owner's manual. Replacement steering and suspension components may require periodic lubrication.
DASHBOARD INDICATOR LIGHTS
If the check engine light comes on while driving or remains on, your vehicle may have an emissions or sensor problem and should be analyzed. If the light flashes, the condition is more severe and must be checked immediately to prevent catalytic converter damage.
Numerous sensors in the vehicle monitor and send a continuous flow of data to any one of several electronic control units for various systems. While there is no maintenance required for these sensors and control units, they continuously monitor for a malfunction. If a malfunction is detected it will trigger the Check Engine light or other dashboard indicators.
CLEANING AND POLISHING
To prevent stripping the vehicle's wax finish, use only automotive car wash products, not dishwashing liquids. Polish at least twice a year to maintain and protect the finish.
COOLANT (ANTIFREEZE)
Check level at reservoir. Never open a hot radiator cap. If low, add 50/50 mix of approved antifreeze and distilled water. If there is consistent fluid loss, cooling system should be checked for leaks. Change coolant at the interval and with the correct fluid as specified in the owner's manual (coolant is vehicle specific).
ENGINE AIR FILTER
Inspect filter at each oil change. Replace annually or when leaking, torn, water or oil soaked, restricted or showing other signs of wear.
ENGINE OIL AND FILTER
The Car Care Council recommends changing your vehicle's engine oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles depending on the vehicle's make and model, how you drive the vehicle and the condition under which you drive. Always consult the owner's manual.
EXHAUST
Inspect for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise.
Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.
HOSES
Inspect hoses at each oil change and replace when leaking, brittle, cracked, rusted, swollen
or restricted.
LIGHTS
Replace bulb immediately if light is out. Check fuses first.
POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the fluid with the car warmed up. Add correct type of fluid if low. If frequent topping off is required, inspect for leaks and replace if contaminated. Consult owner's manual for vehicle specific service requirements.
SPARK PLUGS
Typical replacement intervals range between 30,000 and 100,000 miles, depending on the vehicle and type of spark plug. Always consult your owner's manual for your specific vehicle.
STEERING AND SUSPENSION
Inspect system annually, including wheel alignment, shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts like ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components. Replace if leaks, damage and loose mounting hardware are found. Symptoms of worn suspension include uneven tire wear, excessive bouncing and unusual noises.
TIRE INFLATION AND CONDITION
Check the pressure of all tires, including the spare, monthly and more often with colder temperatures. Check the tread for uneven or irregular wear and cuts or bruises along sidewalls. Inflate tires and maintain at recommended pressure. Rotate tires every 6,000 miles. Replace tires if worn or damaged.
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Check fluid level monthly. Some vehicles have two reservoirs. Do not use water. Use washer fluid only.
WIPER BLADES
Replace every six months or when cracked, cut, torn, streaking or chattering.
