What Car Maintenance Schedule Should You Follow?

Posted June 12th 2014


Knowing what services are needed and when that car maintenance should be scheduled is no easy thing. We all live fast-paced lives today, and the number of maintenance services needed for today’s automobiles seems to keep increasing. What do you need to do in the way of car maintenance? When should those services be scheduled? What do they usually entail and how long will the service take? Work with a professional auto shop in Edmonton and you’ll be far better off.

Schedule Car Maintenance Every 3,000 Miles or 3 Months

The most common type of car maintenance you’ll have done is the humble oil change. Of course, when you realize just how important that service is, it becomes far less humble. Your oil and oil filter should be changed every 3,000 miles or every 3 months. However, that schedule will vary depending on the type of oil you’re using. Synthetic blends and full synthetic oils can last longer than conventional oils, so speak with your service professional and work out a schedule that fits your needs.

6,000 Miles or Every Other Oil Change

Every other oil change, or every 6,000 miles, you should have your tires rotated. Rotating your tires from front to rear and rear to front ensures that you keep the tread wear roughly even, and prolongs the life of your tires. You should also have your tires balanced regularly. Many drivers choose to combine their rotation and balance services, but you might prefer a different schedule. Your auto shop in Edmonton can advise you on what schedule to follow.

Every 15,000 Miles

Every 15,000 miles, you should change your air filter. If you have a rear differential, it might be wise to have the fluid drained and filled as well. Your air filter protects your engine from dirt, debris and contaminants that could destroy it. Your differential is responsible for delivering motive power from the transmission to the rear wheels. Of course, your driving habits, the severity of the conditions where you drive most frequently and other factors will affect this car maintenance area.

Every 30,000 Miles

Every 30,000 miles or so, you should have your transmission fluid changed. In most instances, this will be a “drain and fill” car maintenance service in which the old fluid is drained out and then new fluid added. If you have a replaceable transmission filter, this should be changed at this time as well.

There are many other car maintenance services that should be scheduled. Speak with an auto shop in Edmonton to determine what you need and when you need it.