Most vehicle owners will add at least 10,000 to 15,000 miles to their vehicle during a year’s time. This naturally wears down the parts and systems. Even though you may not be experiencing any car problems, as a conscientious vehicle owner you want to take care of your car so that it remains a reliable and safe means of transportation for as long as possible. You also want to save money by preventing expensive car repairs! A well-maintained vehicle can also help prevent an accident and even save lives!
Knowing how often should you get your car serviced is the first step in making sure it will keep running as efficiently as possible. Most car repair technicians will recommend a full inspection about every 12,000 miles, or every 12 months, whichever comes first. At that time, the technician will evaluate the operating systems and their components for general wear and tear.
Check your vehicle’s service manual. It outlines a recommended service schedule, which typically includes the following:
- Change the oil and filter—about every 3,000 to 7,000 miles, or every three to five months.
- Tune-up—Make sure the spark plugs, filters, and hoses are clean and intact.
- Air filter—Replace about every 15,000 to 20,000 miles.
- Timing belt—Replace about every four or five years.
- Fuel system—Add a fuel system additive or cleaner to the fuel tank about every 3,000 to 7,000 miles to improve engine performance.
- Lights—Replace any broken or burned out light bulbs.
- Tires—Check air pressure frequently and have the tires rotated about every 6,000 miles.
- Brakes—Have the brakes inspected about every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. The brake fluid should be flushed about every two years.
- Radiator—Inspect it periodically for leaks, blockages, contamination, and corrosion/oxidation issues. It may need a flush every three years or 50,000-60,000 miles.
- Steering—A power steering system flush is recommended at least every 30,000 miles.
- Transmission—For manuals, change the fluid at least every 20,000 miles. On an automatic, change the fluid and filter about every 60,000 miles.
Most of today’s newer vehicles have an in-vehicle service reminder system for some of these maintenance services. However, for older vehicles, service intervals are still based on the number of miles driven within a certain time period so it is important to know what your owner’s manual recommends.
How often should you get your car serviced? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair for more information about car repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in North Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
Most vehicle owners will add at least 10,000 to 15,000 miles to their vehicle during a year’s time. This naturally wears down the parts and systems. Even though you may not be experiencing any car problems, as a conscientious vehicle owner you want to take care of your car so that it remains a reliable and safe means of transportation for as long as possible. You also want to save money by preventing expensive car repairs! A well-maintained vehicle can also help prevent an accident and even save lives!
Knowing how often should you get your car serviced is the first step in making sure it will keep running as efficiently as possible. Most car repair technicians will recommend a full inspection about every 12,000 miles, or every 12 months, whichever comes first. At that time, the technician will evaluate the operating systems and their components for general wear and tear.
Check your vehicle’s service manual. It outlines a recommended service schedule, which typically includes the following:
- Change the oil and filter—about every 3,000 to 7,000 miles, or every three to five months.
- Tune-up—Make sure the spark plugs, filters, and hoses are clean and intact.
- Air filter—Replace about every 15,000 to 20,000 miles.
- Timing belt—Replace about every four or five years.
- Fuel system—Add a fuel system additive or cleaner to the fuel tank about every 3,000 to 7,000 miles to improve engine performance.
- Lights—Replace any broken or burned out light bulbs.
- Tires—Check air pressure frequently and have the tires rotated about every 6,000 miles.
- Brakes—Have the brakes inspected about every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. The brake fluid should be flushed about every two years.
- Radiator—Inspect it periodically for leaks, blockages, contamination, and corrosion/oxidation issues. It may need a flush every three years or 50,000-60,000 miles.
- Steering—A power steering system flush is recommended at least every 30,000 miles.
- Transmission—For manuals, change the fluid at least every 20,000 miles. On an automatic, change the fluid and filter about every 60,000 miles.
Most of today’s newer vehicles have an in-vehicle service reminder system for some of these maintenance services. However, for older vehicles, service intervals are still based on the number of miles driven within a certain time period so it is important to know what your owner’s manual recommends.
How often should you get your car serviced? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair for more information about car repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in North Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
