After buying a new or gently used car, it’s sometimes hard to know when the last maintenance items have been performed such as an oil change, tire rotation, or brake job. That’s why now is the time to set this important precedence for your car maintenance. The better you take care of your vehicle now, the more likely it is to last long into the future. Today we’ll take you through some key preventative maintenance milestones to keep in mind.
Generally, around the 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles, your vehicle has important parts that need to be maintained to help avoid long-term issues. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will detail what’s right for your car or truck, but some general things to keep in mind include; cabin filters, belts & hoses, timing belts/chains, and tires are a few of the most common items.
Other items to have checked as your car ages include;
Air Filter
Air filters should be replaced around 15,000 to 30,000 miles. While that seems like a large range, it’s mostly due to differing driving conditions. If a person drives in a very dusty area, for example, then that 15,000 miles might be just right for their situation.
Battery
Unfortunately, a car battery does not last forever—over time it loses its ability to hold a charge, so these do need to be replaced at some point. The average car battery lasts around 5-7 years, or around 60,000 to 80,000 miles average. A battery can go dead very quickly. If you notice odd things happening like difficulty starting your vehicle, especially if it’s cold outside, it’s probably time to check the battery before you end up stranded in the Target parking lot.
Brake fluid
While there’s no set time to change a car’s brake fluid, your vehicle’s manufacturer will still list a recommendation in your manual. The best way to keep track of it is to ask your mechanic to check it when you go in for regular maintenance like oil changes or tire rotations.
Coolant
The typical vehicle manual recommends changing the coolant around 60,000 miles and then changing it around every 30,000 after. It’s also important that the whole cooling system is flushed to ensure that any debris or other contaminants haven’t built up.
Overall, it’s important to reference your owner’s manual or a trusted service center on how to properly maintain your car even in its first 30,000 miles. The more you keep up with its regular maintenance, the better chance you have of getting the most out of your vehicle over time. Our experts at Superior Service Center would be happy to evaluate your car to see what kinds of preventative maintenance services your car might need.