Many drivers are “rolling a dice” on their way to work as the average vehicle has three parts functioning below standards. While assessing vehicle health can often be a guessing game, vehicle maintenance software is transforming the way we approach car maintenance.
Humidity, temperature, ratio of night to day driving, tow weight, road quality, and any number of driving conditions can affect the functionality of a vehicle. As your vehicle accumulates mileage, keep in mind these key maintenance milestones.
While the following timeline provides projected intervals of potential maintenance needs based on information provided by AAA, Edmunds, Cars.com, and Firestone, individual vehicle needs may vary based on any number of factors and conditions.
For vehicle-specific maintenance guidelines, be sure to reference the owner’s manual for your car’s make and model.
When Does a Car Need Maintenance?
Change your oil between 4,000 to 7,000 miles.
Depending on the year the vehicle was manufactured and the oil lubricant used, automobile experts advise having your oil changed between every 4,000 to 7,000 miles.
Check your cabin air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles.
Though the timeline for changing your cabin air filter will change depending on how much you drive, travel distance, and road conditions, repair specialists recommend assessing and/or changing the filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles.
Replace your brake pads every 25,000 to 65,000 miles.
Manufacturers provide a wide range of miles for brake pad replacement, typically between 25,000 to 65,000 miles. To maximize the life of your brake pads, automobile experts recommend coasting, limiting top-and-go trips, and lessening your vehicle’s load.
Inspect and change your engine air filter every 30,000 to 40,000 miles.
Though a replacement is recommended after driving 30,000 to 40,00 miles, engine air filter replacement needs vary depending on the vehicle manufacturer and driving conditions, such as the level of air pollution or debris and the frequency of traversing unpaved roads. Often, at the time of an oil change, an auto repair technician will show you the air filter as well, providing the opportunity to assess status and available replacement options.
Assess battery voltage after driving 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
Your car batteries will need to be tested every three to five years, and potentially replaced every five to seven years, an interval which does not realistically depend on mileage but can work out to be 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Battery conditions may be affected by high temperatures which increase vehicle fluid evaporation rates.
Change your tires every 50,000 or more miles.
Tires on new cars generally maintain their tread for at least 50,000 miles, or six years after the manufacturing date. It is important to check your tire tread to assess the right time to purchase a new set. Drivers should be aware that tire tread affects braking distance, especially during conditions with high precipitation.
Have your headlight, tail light, and brake light checked between 60,000 to 90,000 miles.
Headlights have varying life spans, but on average last anywhere between 450 hours to 3,000 hours or seven to 15 years. The type of bulb installed and the hours of night driving impact the lifespan. These parts do not require replacement prior to inadequacy or failure.
Replace your Serpentine belt every 75,000 to 100,000 miles.
Though the belt’s 75,000 to 100,000-mile lifespan is impressive, according to Firestone, a manually tensioned Serpentine belt may need to be periodically adjusted
Condition-Based Maintenance
The following automobile parts require replacement contingent upon observable need:
- Wiper blades
- Wiper fluid
- Tires
- Headlights
- Fuel pump
- etc.
Not all vehicle parts require advanced scheduled replacement. Headlights go out, cars overheat, and tires lose pressure. Even engine sensors can fail after 150,000 miles, leaving drivers unalerted of vehicle conditions. It is critical for drivers to be cognizant of their vehicle’s health and respond in a timely manner to prevent further damage.
Stay Ahead of Maintenance with Vehicle Maintenance Software
Elo GPS designed CarRx to assess vehicle health, taking the stress and guess out of vehicle maintenance. With the CarRx vehicle maintenance software, you can be notified of routine service, vehicle alerts, and more directly from your smartphone. To discover how CarRx can provide you peace of mind, contact our team to get in touch with a dealer near you.