Vehicle Maintenance

As a vehicle owner, it's crucial to understand the importance of regular maintenance to keep your car running smoothly and safely on the road. Whether you're a new driver or an experienced one, it's important to know the signs that your vehicle is due for maintenance, and when to bring your car in for service. Key milestones in automotive maintenance, include service at 30,000 miles, 60,000 miles, 90,000 miles, 120,000 miles, and beyond. If your vehicle is marking for maintenance or service give us a call today to schedule an appointment, 305-575-2389.

Signs Your Vehicle is Due for Maintenance

There are several signs that your vehicle is due for maintenance, including:

Service Vehicle Light: The service light is a warning signal that alerts you to potential issues with your car. If the service or maintenance light is illuminated, it's important to have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible by a qualified technician.
Unusual Noises: If you hear unusual noises coming from your car, such as squeaks or rattles, it could be a sign that something is wrong. These noises could indicate a range of issues, from worn brake pads to a loose belt.
Changes in Performance: If you notice a decrease in your car's acceleration, handling, or braking ability, it's a sign that your vehicle is due for maintenance.
Fluid Leaks: If you notice any fluid leaks from your car, such as oil, coolant, or transmission fluid, it's important to have your vehicle inspected by a technician.
Unusual Smells: Unusual smells coming from your car, such as burning rubber or a strong gas odor, could be a sign that something is wrong.

Vehicle Maintenance Due at 30,000 Miles

At the 30,000-mile mark, it's important to have your vehicle's major systems checked and serviced. This includes:

Oil Change: Your vehicle's oil should be changed every 5,000-7,500 miles, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations.
Air Filter Replacement: A dirty air filter can reduce fuel efficiency and engine performance. It's important to have your air filter replaced at the 30,000-mile mark.
Brake Inspection: Having your brakes inspected can help identify potential issues before they become major problems.
Tire Rotation: Rotating your tires can help ensure even wear and prolong the life of your tires.

Vehicle Maintenance Due at 60,000 Miles

At the 60,000-mile mark, it's important to have your vehicle's major systems checked and serviced. This includes:

Transmission Service: Having your transmission serviced can help prevent major transmission issues down the road.
Fuel Filter Replacement: A dirty fuel filter can reduce fuel efficiency and engine performance. It's important to have your fuel filter replaced at the 60,000-mile mark.
Coolant Flush: A coolant flush can help prevent engine overheating and extend the life of your engine

Vehicle Maintenance Due at 90,000 Miles

At the 90,000-mile mark, it's important to have your vehicle's major systems checked and serviced. This includes:

Battery Inspection: Having your battery inspected can help identify potential issues before they become major problems.
Brake Pad Replacement: Worn brake pads can reduce braking performance and increase stopping distance. It's important to have your brake pads replaced at the 90,000-mile mark.
Suspension Inspection: A suspension inspection can help identify potential issues with your vehicle's suspension system, which can affect handling and safety.
Power Steering Flush: A power steering flush can help prevent steering issues and extend the life of your power steering system.
Spark Plug Replacement: Worn spark plugs can reduce engine performance and fuel efficiency. It's important to have your spark plugs replaced at the 60,000-mile mark.

Vehicle Maintenance Due at 120,000 Miles

At the 120,000-mile mark, it's important to have your vehicle's major systems checked and serviced. This includes:
Radiator and Cooling System Inspection: A radiator and cooling system inspection can help identify potential issues with your vehicle's cooling system, which can cause engine overheating and damage.
Fuel System Inspection: A fuel system inspection can help identify potential issues with your vehicle's fuel system, which can cause poor fuel efficiency and engine performance.
Exhaust System Inspection: An exhaust system inspection can help identify potential issues with your vehicle's exhaust system, which can cause poor fuel efficiency and engine performance, as well as emissions issues.
Drive Belt Inspection: A drive belt inspection can help identify potential issues with your vehicle's drive belt, which can cause engine performance issues and belt failure.

Condition Based Maintenance

In addition to regular maintenance based on mileage, certain maintenance tasks should also be performed based on the age of the vehicle. Here are some examples of automotive maintenance tasks that may be required based on the age of the vehicle:

1-2 Years:

Check engine air filter: The engine air filter should be checked and replaced if it is dirty or clogged.
Inspect drive belts: The drive belts should be checked for signs of wear and replaced if necessary.
Check battery cables and terminals: The battery cables and terminals should be checked for corrosion or damage and cleaned or replaced as needed.

3-5 Years:

Replace cabin air filter: The cabin air filter should be replaced to ensure clean air is circulating inside the vehicle.
Flush and replace coolant: The engine coolant should be flushed and replaced to prevent corrosion and overheating.
Inspect and possibly replace brake pads: Brake pads should be inspected for wear and replaced if necessary to ensure proper braking performance.

6-10 Years:

Replace spark plugs: Spark plugs should be replaced to maintain optimal engine performance.
Replace timing belt: The timing belt should be replaced to prevent it from breaking, which can cause major engine damage.
Inspect and possibly replace shocks and struts: Shocks and struts should be inspected for wear and replaced if necessary to ensure proper handling and ride comfort.

11-15 Years:

Replace transmission fluid and filter: The transmission fluid and filter should be replaced to ensure proper shifting and prevent transmission damage.
Inspect and possibly replace radiator hoses: Radiator hoses should be inspected for wear and replaced if necessary to prevent leaks and overheating.
Inspect and possibly replace suspension bushings: Suspension bushings should be inspected for wear and replaced if necessary to ensure proper handling and ride comfort.

16+ Years:

Inspect and possibly replace fuel pump: The fuel pump should be inspected for wear and replaced if necessary to ensure proper fuel delivery.
Inspect and possibly replace exhaust system components: Exhaust system components should be inspected for wear and replaced if necessary to ensure proper emissions and engine performance.
Inspect and possibly replace power steering system components: Power steering system components should be inspected for wear and replaced if necessary to ensure proper steering performance.

Why it's Important to Have Your Vehicle Maintenance Serviced by a Technician. Having your vehicle maintenance serviced by a certified technician is crucial for several reasons:

Safety: Regular maintenance can help ensure that your vehicle is safe and reliable on the road.

Preventative Maintenance: Regular maintenance can help identify potential issues before they become major problems, saving you time and money in the long run.

Warranty Compliance: Having your vehicle serviced by a certified technician can help ensure that your vehicle remains compliant with its warranty requirements.

Proper Equipment and Tools: Certified technicians have access to the proper equipment and tools necessary to perform maintenance and repairs on your vehicle.

Expert Knowledge: Certified technicians have expert knowledge and experience in diagnosing and repairing issues with your vehicle.

Vehicle Maintenance Near Me

Regular maintenance is crucial to keeping your vehicle running smoothly and safely on the road. By understanding the signs that your vehicle is due for maintenance and following manufacturer-recommended service intervals, you can help ensure that your vehicle remains reliable and safe. It's also important to have your vehicle serviced by a certified technician, who can provide expert knowledge, access to proper equipment and tools, and ensure that your vehicle remains compliant with its warranty requirements. Don't neglect your vehicle's maintenance needs – schedule an appointment with a Green's Garage technician today.