The Complete Car Maintenance Schedule: What to Do and When

Most car owners follow a simple rule: take the car in when the warning light comes on. This is a great way to spend twice as much on repairs as necessary. A properly maintained car runs better, lasts longer, and costs significantly less over its lifetime.

Every 5,000–7,500 Miles: Oil & Filter Change

The most important maintenance item. Modern synthetic oils can go longer, but check your owner's manual. While the oil is being changed, have the technician inspect the air filter, belts, and fluid levels at the same time — it costs nothing extra.

Every 7,500–10,000 Miles: Tyre Rotation

Front tyres wear faster than rear ones. Rotating them extends tyre life by 30–40% and ensures even handling. This is also a good time to check tyre pressure and tread depth.

Every 12 Months or 15,000 Miles: Full Inspection

• Brake pad and rotor measurement
• Suspension and steering check
• All fluid levels and condition
• Battery voltage test
• Lights and wipers
• Coolant system inspection

Every 2 Years or 30,000 Miles: Fluid Replacements

Brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid all degrade over time. Ignoring them doesn't cause immediate problems — it causes catastrophic ones down the line. Brake fluid absorbs moisture and can cause brake fade under heavy use. Coolant becomes acidic and corrodes your cooling system from the inside.

Every 60,000–100,000 Miles: Timing Belt / Chain

If your car has a timing belt (not a chain), this is the most critical interval of all. A snapped timing belt can destroy an engine in an instant. The replacement cost is $500–$1,000. A new engine costs $5,000–$15,000. There is no comparison.

The Easiest Way to Never Miss a Service

Log your services in a digital car maintenance tracker. Every time you service the car, add a record — date, mileage, what was done. Set a reminder for the next interval. GarageLegacy makes this free and takes about two minutes per service entry.