Common Vehicle Maintenance & Service Intervals

Some say purchasing a vehicle is akin to investing, and there’s certainly a lot of truth to this. After all, much like buying a stock portfolio, you pay an upfront cost to reap the benefits over time to recoup a return. Routine maintenance at regular intervals is essential for getting a return on your investment in a vehicle.

Here at Jim Ellis Chevrolet, we’re dedicated to providing auto service near Sandy Springs. Whether you’ve just purchased a vehicle or you’ve had one for a while, we’ve taken the time to formulate this guide to what common repairs are necessary and how often they should be performed. Keep in mind that these are only general guidelines that apply to most vehicles. For specific information pertaining to your particular vehicle, refer to the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual

The Basics

Here are some of the maintenance items that you might already know about. These are the fundamentals to preserving your vehicle’s longevity and keeping it on the road for several years.

Oil Changes

This is the most common maintenance item that needs to be performed. Your engine is a mass of moving metallic parts that create substantial friction. Oil keeps these parts lubricated and removes deposits that accumulate on these moving parts over time. How often you should have your oil changed varies depending on how much you drive and what type of oil you use. For instance, conventional motor oil must be changed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, whereas synthetic oil wears out more slowly and can be changed up to every 10,000 miles.

Tire Rotations

By rule of thumb, it’s usually a good idea to have your tires balanced and rotated whenever you bring in your vehicle for an oil change. Some experts attest that doing them every 6,000 to 8,000 miles is good practice. This will ensure that the tread wears evenly. The technician can also look closely to ensure your tires are still in good condition and safe to take you to your next tire rotation.

Less Frequent but Just as Important

Oil changes and tire rotations are the most frequent maintenance items to attend to. The following items don’t need to be checked or maintained as often, but they’re just as vital for your vehicle to function correctly.

Engine Air Filter

Your vehicle’s air intake brings fresh outside air into the engine to mix with fuel, burn, and move down the road. The engine air filter prevents dirt and dust from clogging the filter. Luckily, this doesn’t need to be replaced often. We recommend replacing your air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. If you operate a work vehicle, go off-roading, or use your vehicle in a dusty environment, every 10,000 to 15,000 miles is recommended.

Fuel Filter

Fuel is just as important to the operation of your engine as air is. Similar to other components of your vehicle, the frequency at which you get it replaced will vary depending on what you drive. On average, the fuel filter needs to be replaced every 30,000 miles. Neglecting to do so can cause your car to run rough and sometimes break down entirely.

Approaching the Benchmark of 60,000 Miles

Just because the number of miles on your vehicle has increased substantially doesn’t mean it’s over the hill. The vehicles manufactured in the modern era can last well beyond 100,000 miles if properly maintained. The following maintenance items become essential once you get around the ballpark of 60,000 miles.

Battery

The battery in your vehicle serves several essential functions. Not only is the battery responsible for turning over your engine when you start it, but it’s also responsible for powering many of your vehicle’s electrical components. While your vehicle’s alternator charges the battery while you drive, most batteries last between four and five years.

On average, the battery should be replaced every 50,000 to 60,000 miles. Even before you have it replaced, it’s essential to be mindful of the state of the battery terminals and connections. These can accumulate rust and corrode. Having them looked at by a mechanic once a year is an excellent way to prevent this from occurring.

Brakes

Your vehicle’s braking system is fairly simple compared to your engine. It’s arguably the most important system in your car, and its simplicity keeps it reliable and safe. The fewer parts it has, the fewer components can fail. Three main parts require upkeep at different times, so we’ll break each down to give you a better understanding of how to maintain them.

Fluid: Brakes operate using a hydraulic system. When you press the brake pedal, that force is multiplied by the master cylinder to press the pads against the rotors, causing the vehicle to stop. When the fluid becomes contaminated or dirty, this affects responsiveness. To prevent this, it’s recommended that you have the fluid changed every 20,000 to 45,000 miles.

Pads and Shoes: Brake pads press against your rotors and slow your vehicle down to a complete stop. Pads can last up to 50,000 miles, but if you hear screeching or grinding when applying the brakes, this is a tell-tale sign that they must be replaced as soon as possible.

Rotors: Rotors are attached to the wheel hub, spinning along with the wheels, and are what the pads press against to bring the vehicle to a stop. Rotors tend to last for 60,000 miles and should replaced based on your mechanic’s discretion following an inspection. Rotors can also be resurfaced to extend their longevity, which can sometimes be more cost-effective.

Coolant

Coolant, sometimes called anti-freeze, helps your vehicle maintain its engine temperature in extreme weather conditions. Over time, coolant can degrade and lose its ability to handle hot or cold temperature extremes. This is another system that should be addressed every 60,000 miles. Rather than just adding new coolant, the entire system should be flushed, replacing all the old coolant with fresh, new coolant.

Transmission Fluid

Some drivers take it upon themselves to change their engine oil and filter. While this process can be performed in your garage or driveway, the same is not true for transmission fluid. This is a delicate process that’s always best left to the skilled hands of a professional. The lifespan of your vehicle’s transmission fluid varies depending on what kind of transmission your vehicle has. Automatic transmissions need their fluid changed every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, whereas manual transmissions need their fluid changed more frequently, between 30,000 and 60,000 miles.

Beyond the Realms of 100,000 Miles

When your vehicle surpasses the threshold of 100,000 miles, some critical repairs should be considered to ensure it stays on the road and performs to its fullest potential.

Hoses

The various fluids that allow your vehicle to run properly are carried through hoses. Like all the other parts that require maintenance, hoses can break and leak. It is essential to have them checked when you hit the 100,000-mile mark. It is also a good idea to look for signs of wear or damage anytime you’re under the hood.

Spark Plugs

The spark plugs ignite the air and fuel mixture inside the engine cylinders, causing the combustion that enables the engine to run. Spark plugs are remarkably durable and must only be replaced every 100,000 miles. Having them checked once a year can ensure that they’re working correctly and indicate signs of other potential problems, even if your engine still seems to be running smoothly.

Get Your Vehicle Serviced at Jim Ellis Chevrolet

Our team would like to thank you for taking the time to read this maintenance guide. No matter what you drive, service and upkeep are essential to extending its life span. If you’re looking for the perfect location to take care of all the items we’ve mentioned, come on down and visit us today.