While there are no hard-and-fast rules about how often a vehicle should be serviced or repaired, following some general guidelines can help keep your car in top condition and prevent unexpected breakdowns.
One Service A Year Works For Most Vehicles
The frequency of car service and repair will depend on several factors, such as the make and model of your vehicle, how much you drive it, and whether or not you use it for towing or off-roading. Generally speaking, cars should be serviced at least once a year — or every 12,000 miles — whichever comes first. This should include an oil change, tire rotation and inspection of brakes, belts and hoses. During this annual servicing appointment, your mechanic may also be able to identify any potential problems that need addressing before they become serious issues.
You should also have more frequent maintenance performed as needed in order to keep your car running smoothly. If you are noticing a decrease in performance (such as an increase in fuel consumption or a lack of power) or any warning lights on the dashboard, it’s time to bring your car in for service. If you’re not sure what type of maintenance needs to be done, ask your mechanic for their opinion — they’ll be able to identify any potential issues and advise you on when to have them addressed.
What Kind of Maintenance Does a Car Need After 100,000 Miles?
After a car reaches 100,000 miles, it is important to pay close attention to its regular maintenance and repairs. At this point, many of the vehicle’s parts may need periodic servicing and replacement. Some of the most common maintenance tasks include:
- Replacing spark plugs.
- Replacing fuel filters.
- Changing transmission fluid.
- Testing battery levels.
- Checking brake pads for wear and tear.
- Inspecting suspension components for damage or wear.
- Examining hoses and belts for cracks or other signs of deterioration.
- Flushing the radiator system.
- Rotating tires to ensure even tread wear.
It is also important to stay up to date with regularly scheduled oil changes as well. Depending on the type of oil used, cars should have their oil changed every 3-6 months or after 5,000 miles.
It is important to stay diligent with car maintenance and repair at this stage in order to keep a vehicle running safely and efficiently for many years to come. It is also recommended to consult with an experienced mechanic about any other service needs that may arise as the car reaches higher mileage.
Finally, if you take your car off-roading or use it for towing, you may need more frequent servicing than usual. Check with your mechanic about how often these activities should require additional maintenance and repairs. Keeping up with regular servicing and repair will help keep your car running smoothly and safely over the years.
