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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE-
The average vehicle is driven 12-15,000 miles per year.
The key to a smooth running, long lasting vehicle, is
adhering to the proper maintenance schedule. Some of today's
new cars and trucks don't need a tune-up for 100,000 miles!
...
Refer to the table below for general maintenance. Always
refer to your car's owners manual as it IS correct and this
table is a general resource. (Legend: k = 1000 miles; where
time or miles are specified, perform the service at
whichever interval is met FIRST.)
| Service |
Interval |
|
Oil Change |
Every 3,000 miles, or 3 months. If heavy stop
and go traffic or hilly terrain, sooner is
better than later. |
|
Spark Plugs |
First, there are two types of plugs- standard
and platinum.
Standard- Once a year or every 15k.
Platinum- Every 60,000 miles |
|
Air Filter |
Every year or 15k, unless very dusty conditions,
then more frequently. It's only a few bucks so
you can't go wrong. |
|
Fuel Filter |
Consult the manual as this varies greatly,
especially since some of them aren't even
accessible any more. Avg of once per year if you
can get to it. |
|
PCV Valve |
Make a habit of changing it at every Air Filter
change. |
|
Ignition Wires |
Points Ignition(pre 1975)- Every 2 years.
HEI(1975 on) - Every 45k or 3 years.
Distributorless - Every 60k or 4 years.
If they look old and are dry rotted, replace
them regardless of the time. |
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Distributor Cap and Rotor- where applicable. |
Points Ignition(pre 1975)- Annually
HEI(1975 on) - Every 30k or 2 years. |
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Timing Belt |
This is manual specific and is critical as belt
failure can cause serious engine damage in some
models. The average life span of a belt is 60k,
so change the belt at the recommended intervals
as determined by the manufacturer of the engine.
Don't guess. |
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Drive Belts(AC, Pwr Steering, Alternator, etc.) |
Every 3 years or upon visual inspection where
drying has set in. Remember, if a belt goes, you
will be left stranded, so before you set out on
any long trips, check them. |
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Transmission Fluid & Service |
Varies with driving style and load on the
vehicle. If you are towing, or live in a
mountainous region, the services should be more
frequent to prolong the life of the
transmission. Every 20-30k is a good baseline. |
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Rear Differential Service( if rear wheel drive) |
Every 60k or 4 years. |
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Tire Rotation |
Every 6 months or 7,500 miles. Rotate the tires
from front to rear noting tire rotation if
indicated on the tire sidewall. |
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Coolant(Anti-Freeze) |
Climate dictates this schedule as does the type
of coolant used. Pay attention to the coolant
mixture chart on the container as it give
specific mixture requirements by
climate/temperature. Change it every 2 years or
30k. |
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