Car Maintenance Technicians Detroit MI

Car Maintenance: What to Expect at Each Service Interval By Brian Alexander, Content Editor

Let's face the facts, no one likes car maintenance. Not only can proper services be expensive, but keeping track of what needs to be done at certain intervals can be a major headache.

The last thing a car owner wants is to pay for a service that wasn't needed in the first place. Unfortunately ignoring auto maintenance isn't an option, as doing so will only create more maintenance problems down the road.

Proactive maintenance will make the life of a car owner much easier. This maintenance guide will help owners avoid any unnecessary confusion and gives a general idea of what is to be expected at each major service interval. Specifics differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, but the following should be standard across most makes and models.

Change Engine Oil Frequently
Oil is commonly referred to as the life-blood of an engine and for good reason. Proper lubrication is tantamount to an engine's health, so you need to regularly replace your engine oil and oil filter.

The engine oil and filter should be changed, on average, about every 3,000 to 5,000 miles for a typical gasoline engine. Some modern synthetic oils allow up to 7,500 miles of protection between changes, but only under ideal driving conditions.

Since most of the drives we take are short trips in stop-and-go traffic, it's always a good idea to change your oil more frequently than the maximum recommended interval. We at DriverSide advise an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles as a safe way to avoid any unnecessary mechanical issues.

Your First Major Check-up: 15,000-Mile Service
Your first major service should come at about 15,000 miles, or twelve months, after purchasing your car. Given the young life of your car and its components, it's a relatively basic procedure.

Expect to have the engine oil and oil filter changed, along with the engine air filter and the in-cabin air filter. A new engine air filter will ensure optimal gas mileage and keep engine contaminants at a minimum, while a new in-cabin air filter will keep your car's interior dust and contaminant free.

Wiper blades should also be inspected at this point, especially if winter is approaching, and replaced as needed.

Understanding all of the items in your 15,000-mile service is important, because this process will be repeated at all major services.

30,000-Mile Service
In addition to the items replaced at your 15,000-mile service, a new fuel filter will be needed to keep your engine running smooth.

Engine coolant will also be changed at this time to ensure your car's engine does not overheat, and power steering and transmission fluids should be flushed out and replaced. These fluids break down over time and lose their effectiveness and, for the average commuter, these fluids will have been in use for roughly two years.

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