Maintenance Schedule
For Any Vehicle.
See when to service your vehicle — oil change intervals, timing belt, transmission, brake fluid, and cost estimates. Pick from common vehicles below or type your own make and model.
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Why does maintenance matter?
A car that follows its maintenance schedule will typically run 50-100% longer than one that doesn't. The marginal cost of maintenance is tiny compared to the cost of a failed engine, transmission, or timing belt. A $500 timing belt service now avoids a $5,000 engine replacement later.
What's the difference between “normal” and “severe” service?
Manufacturers publish two schedules. “Normal” assumes highway driving, moderate climate, full warm-up cycles. “Severe” applies if you have any of these:
- Short trips under 10 miles in cold weather
- Stop-and-go traffic regularly
- Towing or hauling
- Extended idling
- Dusty or dirty driving conditions
- Temperatures consistently above 90°F or below 10°F
Most US drivers qualify as “severe” whether they realize it or not. The schedule on this page is the middle — halfway between normal and severe — which is realistic for most drivers. If you're truly highway-only, you can extend intervals 20%; if you're severely harsh, shorten 20%.
Should I follow the dealer's schedule or this one?
Dealer schedules are often more conservative (shorter intervals) because it generates more service revenue for them. This schedule uses industry-standard intervals that balance reliability with reasonable cost. For warranty purposes, follow whatever your owner's manual says; for post-warranty, this schedule is sufficient.
How much should I budget annually for maintenance?
For a vehicle 5-10 years old: $800-$1,500 per year for routine maintenance. Include a buffer of another $500-$1,000 for wear items (brakes, tires, battery). Total: around $1,500-$2,500/year. Far less than a new car payment, and it keeps your existing vehicle running reliably.
Can I do maintenance myself?
Oil changes, air filters, cabin filters, spark plugs on most engines, and battery replacement are within reach of a home mechanic with basic tools. Timing belts, transmission service, coolant flushes, and anything involving compressed fluids or specialized tools should usually go to a shop. Knowing the schedule — which this tool gives you — makes conversations with shops much easier and helps you avoid being upsold on unnecessary work.
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Should I follow the dealer schedule or this one?
Dealer schedules are typically more conservative because service is the dealer's profit center. This schedule uses industry-standard intervals from OEM service manuals. For warranty years, follow the owner's manual exactly; past warranty, this schedule is sufficient for reliability without paying for unnecessary visits.
What qualifies as severe service?
Short trips under 10 miles, stop-and-go traffic, heavy loads or towing, extended idling, dusty or salty roads, and ambient temperatures regularly above 90°F or below 10°F. Most US commuters hit at least two of those. If you qualify as severe, shorten intervals by about 20% — especially oil and filter.
Is the 3,000-mile oil change a myth?
For modern engines using synthetic oil, yes. Owner manuals commonly specify 7,500 to 10,000 miles. The 3,000-mile rule was designed for older engines and conventional oil and persists because it generates shop revenue. Follow your manual — the engineering has moved on.
Does skipping services void my warranty?
Following the manufacturer's schedule does not void warranty. Skipping services can if the skipped item caused the failure. Keep receipts for every oil change, fluid service, and filter from any shop (or your own DIY). The Magnuson-Moss Act says warranty cannot require dealer-only service as long as you use correct parts and fluids.
What should I never DIY?
Timing belts, transmission fluid services with specialized equipment, refrigerant work (federally regulated), airbag or SRS components, and anything requiring the car on a hoist with spring or suspension compressed. Oil, filters, spark plugs, and battery are all within reach of a careful home mechanic with basic tools.
What if my owner's manual says something different?
The owner's manual always wins — it is the legal reference for warranty and liability. This schedule represents industry-average intervals for the vehicle family. If your manual calls for a tighter interval, use the manual; if it is looser and you drive hard, use this schedule as the more conservative option.
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