Lamb's Tire & Automotive Centers will help you establish a maintenance schedule and keep track of your basic car care.
Regular maintenance of your car is like health insurance for your transportation. Your vehicles need regular maintenance to retain their safety, dependability, performance, fuel economy, and emission control capabilities. Regular maintenance also makes sound financial sense. Lower-cost maintenance and service can help prevent higher-cost repairs. Regular maintenance will also help to prolong the life of your tires, brakes, and other vehicle components and systems.
Preventative Maintenance is the commonly used terminology because it helps to prevent costly and dangerous breakdowns and repairs. AND, the maintenance recommendations for new cars are the basis of the manufacturer’s warranty. The automaker warrants your vehicle against defects over the specified time or mileage IF the vehicle receives the scheduled maintenance. Your owner’s manual is the best source for a list of maintenance services and the time and/or mileage intervals at which they should be performed.
Inspect lights and check tire pressure |
At least monthly |
Oil & filter change and chassis lubrication |
3,000 to 5,000 miles or 3 to 4 months |
Underhood belt and hose inspection |
3,000 to 5,000 miles or 3 to 4 months (every oil change) |
Tire rotation and wheel balancing |
6,000 miles or every other oil change |
Brake inspection |
6,000 miles or every other oil change |
Replace air filter |
12,000 to 24,000 miles or as indicated by inspection |
Replace fuel filter |
24,000 to 100,000 miles |
Automatic transmission service |
24,000 to 100,000 miles |
Wheel alignment check |
12,000 to 24,000 miles or as indicated by tire wear |
Cooling system flush and refill |
40,000 to 100,000 miles |
Belt and hose replacement |
60,000 to 100,000 miles or 5 to 8 years |
Engine timing belt replacement |
60,000 to 100,000 miles (when equipped) or 5 to 8 years |
Air conditioning performance check |
Annually, usually in the spring |
