Every month
- Tire pressures when cold, including the spare.
- Engine oil level and coolant level in the expansion tank.
- Walk-around: lights, indicators, brake lights, wiper condition.
- Listen for new noises at start-up and over bumps.
Every 5,000–10,000 miles
- Oil and filter change per your oil type and oil-life monitor.
- Tire rotation — the single cheapest way to extend tire life.
- Brake inspection: pad thickness, rotor condition, fluid level.
- Check the cabin filter if airflow has dropped.
Every 15,000–30,000 miles
- Engine air filter and cabin air filter.
- Brake fluid test for moisture content — most manufacturers specify a change every 2–3 years regardless of mileage.
- Wheel alignment if you notice uneven tire wear or pull.
- Inspect the serpentine belt for cracks and glazing.
Every 30,000–60,000 miles
- Transmission fluid on severe-use schedules.
- Spark plugs on copper or platinum plugs (iridium often runs to 100,000).
- Coolant condition test; flush per the coolant type.
- Suspension inspection: shocks, struts, bushings, ball joints.
- Battery load test, especially past year three.
Every 60,000–100,000 miles
- Timing belt if your engine has one — this is the interval that destroys engines when ignored.
- Water pump, usually alongside the timing belt.
- Transmission fluid on normal schedules.
- Differential and transfer case fluid on AWD/4WD vehicles.
- Iridium spark plugs, ignition coils if misfiring.
The three that actually matter most
If you only keep three things on schedule: oil changes, timing belt replacement, and cooling system condition. Those three account for the majority of catastrophic engine failures in otherwise healthy cars.
Frequently asked questions
- Does skipping one service really matter?
- For an air filter, no. For a timing belt, a missed interval can mean bent valves and a four-figure repair on an interference engine. Prioritise by consequence, not by cost.
- Do I have to use the dealer to keep my warranty?
- In the US, no. You can service the car anywhere, or yourself, as long as the specified parts and fluids are used and you keep records and receipts.
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