Vehicles General Service Schedule

Auto technicians say the key to keeping vehicles running well-today and down the road-is routine maintenance. Yet many drivers tend to stall when it comes to keeping up with some everyday auto-basics. A recent survey by the Car Care Council found:

• 25% of cars had low or dirty engine oil.
• 13% had low or contaminated brake fluid.
• 18% had dirty air filters.
• 17% had inadequate cooling protection or low coolant levels.
• 16% needed new windshield wiper and 27% had low or contaminated washer fluid.
• 18% needed new belts

Overall, 89% of vehicles were in need of at least one service or repair.

For your convenience, the Car Care Council developed a Service Interval Schedule to help you keep track of regular maintenance. Most of the checks and services described here can be done at little or no cost. Best of all, they are quick and easy to do. Learn more about your car’s systems in our vehicle systems overview.

Check Frequently

Dashboard Indicator Lights On

Lights

Tire Inflation and Condition

Windshield Washer Fluid

Engine Oil Level

Check Every 3 Months/ 3,000 Miles

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

Check Every 6 Months/6,000 Miles

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/ 9,000 Miles

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

Check every 12 Months/ 12,000 miles

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

When was your last car grooming serviced? 


ALSO READ: BRAKE: THE MOST IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURE OF YOUR CAR