I’m really confused about auto maintenance service intervals for various items on my car. Help!
The simple answer is to follow the auto maker’s recommended service intervals listed in your owner’s manual or in your service center’s database. But the team at Douglas Automotive Repair sympathizes with motorists because of the confusing intervals for modern vehicles.
The days of simple rules of thumb that applied to most vehicles are long gone. For example, let’s look at an oil change: auto manufacturers’ recommendations run anywhere from every 3,000 miles to 15,000 miles. This big range comes from engine design and recommended types of oil – so car owners really do need to identify and follow the recommendations for their specific vehicle.
Your owner’s service manual will have a schedule for vital maintenance services and inspections.
Service items include: Tire rotation, wheel balancing, oil change, coolant service, transmission service, brake system, power steering system, fuel system, differential service, and transfer case service.
Inspections will include: Alignment check, air conditioning, brakes, suspension, axles, exhaust, tires, lights emissions, belts and hoses, and steering.
It’s vital for drivers to remember there is no exception that would make it OK to extend an interval. These intervals already assume “best case” conditions for a safe margin of error. However, you may live or drive in conditions that are harsher than average. Your owner’s manual may have a modified schedule for “severe service” – things like extreme Illinois temperatures, towing, hauling heavy loads, short trips, stop-and-go expressway conditions, etc.
Consult your owner’s manual or with us at Douglas Automotive Repair about your driving situation and adjust your service intervals accordingly.
Give us a call today.
This entry was posted in Vehicle Maintenance and tagged Service Intervals, Vehicle Maintenance on .
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