Maintenance
These are typical service intervals for everyday driving. They are a starting point for talking with a shop, and they do not replace the schedule in your owner's manual. When the manual and this page differ, follow the manual and the technician who inspects the vehicle.
1 Auto Repair lists independent shops. The shop you choose performs the work and sets the estimate.
Usage
Pick the column that matches how the vehicle is actually driven.
- Normal use is mostly highway or longer trips, moderate weather, and no regular towing.
- Severe use is short trips under about 10 miles, stop-and-go traffic, dust or unpaved roads, extreme heat or cold, mountain driving, long idling, or towing and hauling.
Use the severe column if any of those conditions are routine, even when most miles look ordinary.
Service intervals
| Service | Normal use | Severe use |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil and filter | 5,000 miles or 6 months | 3,000 miles or 3 months |
| Engine air filter | Inspect at each oil change; replace by 15,000–30,000 miles | Replace by 15,000 miles, sooner on dusty roads |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000 miles or once a year | Once a year, or sooner if airflow drops |
| Fuel filter | Follow the owner's manual, often near 30,000 miles | Sooner if fuel quality is inconsistent |
| Spark plugs | Follow the owner's manual | Follow the owner's manual |
| Engine coolant | Inspect at each oil change; replace on the manual's schedule | Inspect more often when towing or in extreme heat |
| Brake fluid | Every 2 years | Every 2 years, or at the first sign of a soft pedal |
| Transmission fluid | Follow the owner's manual | 30,000–60,000 miles when towing or in heavy traffic |
| Brakes | Inspect at every oil change | Inspect at every oil change |
| Tires | Rotate every 5,000–8,000 miles; check pressure monthly | Rotate every 5,000 miles; check pressure monthly |
| Wheel alignment | When wear is uneven, or after a curb or pothole | Check with each rotation on rough roads |
| Battery | Test once a year, before winter | Test every 6 months in extreme heat or cold |
| Wiper blades | Every 6–12 months | Every 6 months |
| Belts and hoses | Inspect once a year | Inspect at each oil change when towing or in high heat |
| Lights and washer fluid | Check monthly | Check monthly |
Mileage or time, whichever comes first. A shop should inspect brakes, tires, fluids, belts, and hoses at each visit and tell you what can wait.
Before you book
- Bring the owner's manual interval, or a photo of that page.
- Note the mileage and any warning lights, noises, or leaks.
- Ask which fluids and parts they plan to install.
- Get the inspection findings and price in writing before work starts.
More consumer guidance is available from Car Care Aware.