Scheduled Maintenance
The average vehicle is driven 12-15,000 miles per year. The key to a smooth running, long lasting vehicle, is adhering to the proper maintenance schedule. Some of today's new cars and trucks don't need a tune-up for 100,000 miles! ...
Refer to the information below for general maintenance. Always refer to your vehicles owners manual as it IS correct and this table is a general resource. (Legend: k = 1000 miles; where time or miles are specified, perform the service at whichever interval is met FIRST.)
Service Interval
Oil Change Every 3,000 miles, or 3 months. If heavy stop and go traffic or hilly terrain, sooner is better than later.
Spark Plugs
First, there are two types of plugs- standard and platinum.
Standard- Once a year or every 15k.
Platinum- Every 60,000 miles.
Air Filter
Every year or 15k, unless very dusty conditions, then more frequently. It's only a few bucks so you can't go wrong.
Fuel Filter
Consult the manual as this varies greatly, especially since some of them aren't even accessible any more. Avg of once per year if you can get to it.
PCV Valve
Make a habit of changing it at every Air Filter change.
Ignition Wires Points Ignition
(pre 1975)- Every 2 years.
HEI(1975 on) - Every 45k or 3 years.
Distributorless - Every 60k or 4 years.
If they look old and are dry rotted, replace them regardless of the time.
Distributor Cap and Rotor
Where applicable. Points Ignition(pre 1975)- Annually
HEI(1975 on) - Every 30k or 2 years.
Timing Belt
This is manual specific and is critical as belt failure can cause serious engine damage in some models. The average life span of a belt is 60k, so change the belt at the recommended intervals as determined by the manufacturer of the engine. Don't guess.
Drive Belts
(AC, Pwr Steering, Alternator, etc.) Every 3 years or upon visual inspection where drying has set in. Remember, if a belt goes, you will be left stranded, so before you set out on any long trips, check them.
Transmission Fluid & Service
Varies with driving style and load on the vehicle. If you are towing, or live in a mountainous region, the services should be more frequent to prolong the life of the transmission. Every 20-30k is a good baseline.
Rear Differential Service
(If rear wheel drive) Every 60k or 4 years.
Tire Rotation Every 6 months or 7,500 miles.
Rotate the tires from front to rear noting tire rotation if indicated on the tire sidewall.
Coolant(Anti-Freeze)
Climate dictates this schedule as does the type of coolant used. Pay attention to the coolant mixture chart on the container as it give specific mixture requirements by climate/temperature. Change it every 2 years or 30k max in our climate, consider this service every 1 year or 15K.
For expert car care and repair, "Don’t Worry… Call Auto Kruser's!"
That's… Kruser with a 'K', Cool guys with a 'C'
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