Table of Contents
Tire Rotation
5 years, or before 80,000 miles
These typically last 5 years or 80,000 miles. CarAdvise suggests this is changed prior to 80,000 miles, for if it breaks the engine will stop, leaving you stuck on the road and perhaps causing more damage.
inspection of belt drive system and other accessories driven off belt, altenator, power steering pump etc
belt tensinor, idler pulley
inspection, replacement and labor.
A bad serpentine belt can spell out a host of trouble for your car, including
loss of power steering, loss of A/C, car battery failure, and engine overheating.
Getting it replaced will help prevent these from happening and ensure your engine
is in good health.
Brake pads
30,000-40,000 miles
Brake pads will need replacing typically every 30,000 miles, however can be more or less depending on driving habits. You may start to hear a squeak, scrape, or grinding noise when they go bad.
inspection of the condition and measurements of rotors
possible new rotors, calipers. exchange of brake fluid
inspection, measurments, replacement
and labor.
When brake pads start to wear thin, their ability to produce friction worsens
which makes it harder for your vehicle to stop quickly. They can also be the
cause for overheating brakes, which will cause the whole braking system to fail.
Lastly, worn-down brake pads will cause the rotors to start to grind against the
metal clamps that hold the brake pads.
Rotors
Changed with the brake pads
Typically rotors need to be changed with brake pads, unless the brake pads are changed prior to the brake pad life being fully used. When brake pads wear out and get heat spots, the rotors begin pitting, or chipping. Rotors can be resurfaced when there is enough thickness and still are within the manufacturer spec. 80% of brake pad replacement also need new rotors. Often the labor involved in resurfacing is not worth the time or money to resurface- it is better just to replace. Replacing both will bring them back to factory-new condition.
brake pads, brake fluid exchange, inspection of lines and hoses
inspection, replacement and labor.
Rotors will start to pit and chip as your brake pads start to wear out and
develop heat spots. You want to ensure your rotors are in good condition
to keep your brake system as a whole in good working order and prevent
brake damage.
Battery
every 3-5 years, depending on driving habits
Batteries typically last 4 years. Some last longer, but oftentimes it is not worth the risk of battery failures in which your vehicle will not start. You can get your battery load tested to determine how strong it is and how much charge it has. Consult your vehicle’s owner manual for specific recommendations on how often to change the battery.
battery service, charging system test, batttery test
charging system test
Electric load test and battery
replacement as needed.
Tires
every 30,000-70,000 miles, depending on the tire manufacturer
This largely depends on the quality of the tires, driving habits, and road conditions. Most new tires last around 30,000 miles. Lower end tires may only last 8,000 miles and higher end ones as long as 70,000 miles.
mount and balance, TPMS valve service, reset of monitors
brake inspection
Installation and labor as needed,
plus additional servicing as required
such as mount and balance, TPMS
valve service, etc.
As tires start to wear out, they start to lose their tread and traction, which
impact the handling of your vehicle. Getting your tires serviced and
replaced when needed will help keep you safe on the road as well as offer
you optimal handling performance and grip.
Synthetic oil
7,500-10,000 miles
7,500-10,000 miles
general vehicle inspection, fluid levels, tire pressure check
fluid top off, wiper blades
New engine oil and the labor needed
to replace the old oil.
Engine oil is needed to lubricate the engine parts and also keep it clean
from particulates. Over time, your engine oil will become dirty from these
particulates and therefore less effective and cleaning and lubricating your
engine. It is for this reason that you should get your engine oil changed
fairly regularly.
Synthetic Blend
5,000-8,000 miles
5,000-8,000 miles
general vehicle inspection, fluid levels, tire pressure check
tire rotation
New engine oil and the labor needed
to replace the old oil.
Engine oil is needed to lubcricate the engine parts and also keep it clean
from particulates. Over time, your engine oil will become dirty from these
particulates and therefore less effective and cleaning and lubricating your
engine. It is for this reason that you should get your engine oil changed
fairly regularly.
Conventional oil
3,000-5,000 miles
3,000-5,000 miles
general vehicle inspection, fluid levels, tire pressure check
fluid top off
New engine oil and the labor needed
to replace the old oil.
New engine oil and the labor needed
to replace the old oil.
Wheel Alignment
12,000 miles or annually
Every 12,000 miles or once per year. It is needed when the vehicle is pulling one direction or another.
tire rotation, suspension componet inspection
possible tie rod ends, control arms, tires
Tire alignment may also include a tire
rotation and suspension component
inspection. New tires may be
recommended altogether.
When driving, you want to ensure that you can drive as centrally straight as
possible, without your tires slightly pulling you to one side or another.
Misaligned tires will create a rougher ride and also result in rapid tire wear.
Wheel Balance
12,000 miles or annually
Every 12,000 miles or once per year. It is needed when vibrating is expereinced during higher speeds, especially in the steering wheel.
tire rotation
brake inspection
Wheel balancing tune up on all four
wheels.
Imbalanced wheels will contribute to a bumpier ride and a vibration to be felt
while driving, particularly in the steering wheel. A wheel balance will ensure a
smooth ride with no vibration.
Control Arm (Bushings and Ball Joints)
80,000-100,000 miles
Control Arms typically last between 80,000 and 100,000 miles. Usually if there is cracking noise and sloppy handling, it’s time for this service.
tire alignment
Replacement and labor.
Control arm replacement is needed to ensure proper handling of the vehicle
and a continuous smooth ride.
Coolant System Drain & Fill
5 years or 100,000 miles
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles. A drain and fill will replace about 50% of the fluid while a flush, although more expensive, will replace 100% of the fluid.
coolant bottle/ tank filled
inspect hoses, hose clamps, radiator pressure cap
Coolant fluid fill, replacement, and
labor.
Transmission Flush
5 years or 100,000 miles
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles. A flush will cost more, but pushes out all of the old fluid and “gunk,” which is better.
stand alone service
Transmission fluid fill, replacement,
and labor.
A transmission flush will remove dirty fluid from your system and replace it
with clean fluid, allowing for re-lubrication and a better running vehicle.
Brake Line Flush
every other brake job.
This should be performed with every other brake job, or every 60,000-75,000 miles.
other brake system repairs
Brake fluid fill, replacement, and labor.
A brake line flush will prevent rust and corrosion from occuring deep within
your braking system, both of which can create long-term structural damage.
Fuel Injector Cleaning Service
30,000 miles
This should be performed every 30,000 miles. The performance of the vehicle and fuel economy should improve.
throttle body cleaning/ service
Cleaning and labor.
Cleaning your fuel injector will give your vehicle a noticeable boost in
performance. Your car will drive smoother and may start more easily as a
result of the clean.
Front Disc Brake-Standard
avg of 30,000 miles
Brake pads typically last 30,000 miles depending on driving habits and quality of the brake pad. Typically, rotors will need to be replaced too, unless the brake pads are changed more frequently before they wear.
possible rotors
brake fluid flush, caliper service
Replacement and labor.
Disk brakes, like your brake pads, will wear over time. Be sure to replace
them when necessary to avoid damage to your braking system and to ensure
optimal performance.
Rear Disc Brake-Standard
avg of 30,000 miles
Brake pads typically last 30,000 miles depending on driving habits and quality of the brake pad. Typically, rotors will need to be replaced too, unless the brake pads are changed more frequently before they wear.
possible rotors
brake fluid flush, caliper service
Replacement and labor.
Disk brakes, like your brake pads, will wear over time. Be sure to replace
them when necessary to avoid damage to your braking system and to ensure
optimal performance.
A/C Recharge Service
perform yearly regardless of miles
This is suggested to be performed annually to make sure the freon in the system is full. Do this service in the spring before summer hits to ensure the vehicle continues to have cool air.
dye test in detects leak, drive belt inspection
cabin filter, possible system repair.
labor, dye test, inspection, and freon
replacement
It is important to maintain adquate levels of freon in your AC system before
summer arrives so that you can have a good supply of cold air when you need
it. It’s also not a bad time to inspect your AC system for any leaks before you
begin to use it more often.
Spark Plug Replacement
every 60,000-100,000 miles
This is suggested every 60,000-100,000 miles depending on the quality of the spark plug. If the car is running poorly with poor performance this can help.
engine performace check/ code scan
coils, spark plug wires, coil boots, fuel injector cleaning, air filter
plug replacement, performance check,
and labor.
New spark plugs improve your engine performance and are less likely
to misfire, which could result in a costly repair. Replaceing old spark plugs
is a critical part of preventative maintenance.
Cabin Air Filters
every 12,000-15,000 miles, as well as at least once per year
This is suggested every 12,000-15,000 miles and definitely once per year before molds, decaying leaves, and dust begin to settle and clog the filters.
inspection, replacement and labor.
You don’t want to have debris clogging your filters and contaminating the
air, especially when it comes to mold. Get your filters replaced regularly to
avoid.
Engine Air Filter
every 12,000-15,000 miles
This is suggested every 12,000-15,000 miles to ensure the vehicle can breath freely so you continue to get good fuel mileage and engine performance.
cabin filter inspection
filter inspection, replacement and labor.
Check Engine Light
As soon as it’s turned on
Get the vehicle checked right away before more damage is done. It may be running fine, but it can be doing addtional damage that ends up costing you more money.
diagnosis of engine and related systems to pinpoint
repair of related system or componet as code indicates
diagnosis, repair, and labor.
Serpantine belt
80,000-100,000 miles
Control Arms typically last between 80,000 and 100,000 miles. Usually if there is cracking noise and sloppy handling, it’s time for this service.
tire alignment
Replacement and labor.
Control arm replacement is needed to ensure proper handling of the vehicle
and a continuous smooth ride.
Timing Belt
every 60,000-100,000 miles
Your timing belt is a crucial component of your vehicle, and may last as long
as 7-10 years. However, as they get worn, the chance of them suddenly
breaking becomes higher, so it’s important to get it replaced every
60,000-100,000 miles, or by the specific mileage noted in your vehicle’s
owner manual.
drive belt system inspection,
replacement, and labor.
The tricky thing with timing belts is that there is often no indication that a timing
belt has become worn. This means that when they break, they often break suddenly
and unexpectedly, leaving you on the side of the road. It’s best to replace your timing
belt before this happens to prevent the surprise of a sudden repair.
Differential Service
every 30,000-60,000 miles
This is needed on 4X4, All-wheel drive, and Rear-Wheel drive vehicles every 30,000-60,000 miles. Keeping this fluid clear ensures your differential (what transmits power to the wheels) continues to work properly.
pinion seal, axle seal inspection, u-joint inspection
seal replacement, u-joint replacement
seal and joints inspections and
replacements, labor.
A differential service will clean out old fluid and replace it with clean fluid to keep
your vehicle and tires running smooth. Get this service done regularly to avoid internal
damage.
CV Boots
every 50,000-80,000 miles
This should be checked every oil change. This holds the lubicrant to ensure the axel properly turns. This service might happen any time after 50,000 miles.
suspenion component inspection, brake inspection
replacement of the axle assembly if bad
inspections, replacements as needed,
and labor.
Leaky CV boots can cause your tire axles to act improperly and might further
damage them from the lack of adequate lubrication. It is important that the CV boots are
inspected at every oil change and replaced when necessary.
Wiper Blades
twice a year, once after winter
Check every oil change for tears and cracking. Replace twice a year, especially after winter to avoid damage.
wiper / washer system inspection
wiper arms, washer fluid tank filed
Inspection and replacement
Damaged windshield wipers will be ineffective at cleaning your windshield and may
scratch it. Get these replaced regularly to ensure they are in good working order and
to avoid scratches.
O2 Sensors
every 100,000-120,000 miles; or when check engine light suggests it
O2 sensors typically last around 120,000 miles and the check engine light typically will come on when time to replace. If you notice poor acceleration or sluggish feel while driving it most likely needs replacement. If replacement is delayed, it can burn out the catalytic converter as well.
fuel injection service, spark plugs
spark plugs, catalytic convertor,
Replacement and labor.
Delayed replacement on an O2 sensor can burn out your catalytic converter,
which is a costly repair. It can also result in a sluggish drive feel and poor acceleration.
Getting this replaced when the check engine light indicates it, or every 120,000 miles, will
prevent all of this from occurring.
Catayltic Converter
every 100,000 miles
Catalytic converters typically last around 100,000 miles and the check engine light typically will come on when time to replace. The vehicle will have poor acceleration and feel sluggish if this needs replacement. There is often a bad odor smelling odor like rotten eggs.
scan of engine computer for faults
O2 sensors, spark plugs or other ingition system componets
scan, replacement, and labor.
A vehicle with a poor catalytic converter will suffer from poor acceleration and emit a foul
odor. Getting this replaced will ensure you have optimal accelaration and no foul odors coming
from under the hood.
Mass Airflow Sensor
every 80,000-100,000 miles
Mass airflow sensors typically last around 80,000-100,000 miles, and the check engine light typically will come on when needing replacement. The vehicle will have poor acceleration, may feel sluggish, and even stall out or stutter.
scan of engine computer for faults
air filter replacement, air intake hose replaced
scan, replacement, and labor.
Failing to replace your mass airflow sensor when needed will leave you with poor acceleration,
a sluggish driving experience, and engine stalls/studders. Replace when necessary for an
optimal driving experience.
Shocks
every 50,000-75,000 miles
Shocks typically last 50,000-75,000 miles. The ride quality won’t feel as soft, and the vehicle may even bottom out on a speed bump, or other bumps. Not replacing worn shocks will accelerate tire wear and overall suspension wear.
suspension inspection
inspection, replacement and labor.
Not replacing worn shocks will accelerate tire wear and overall suspension wear. Strut and shocks
are crictical to vehicle handling and wear with time and miles. For safe operation,
both have to have the same internal valving.
Struts
every 50,000-75,000 miles
Struts typically last 50,000-75,000 miles. The ride quality won’t feel as soft, and the vehicle may even bottom out on a speed bump, or other bumps. Not replacing worn shocks will accelerate tire wear.
alignment , strut mounts, suspenion inspection
other suspension componets if found worn
inspection, alignment, replacement,
and labor.
Not replacing worn struts will accelerate tire wear and overall suspension wear. Strut and shocks
are crictical to vehicle handling and wear with time and miles. For safe operation,
both have to have the same internal valving.
Sway Bar Links
every 50,000-75,000 miles
Sway bar links typically last 50,000-75,000 miles. When these go bad you’ll hear rattling noises and the vehicle will sway, feeling like your car is handling more like a boat than a car. This impacts safety especially when turning corners.
suspension component inspection
sway bar bushings, control arms,
inspection, replacement and labor.
Driving with bad sway bar links is a significant safety concern as it has a large impact
on the overall handling of your vehicle. Make sure to get these fixed and/or replaced
as soon as you begin to notice issues with your car’s handling.
Ignition Coil
every 50,000-80,000 miles
Ignition coils typically last 80,000-100,000 miles, but can sometimes last longer. You will know when these are bad when the car doesn’t start right away or misfires. The car will run rough and will shake when this happens.
engine performance check/ code scan
spark plugs, coil boots, fuel injection service
performance check, code scan,
replacement and labor.
Get your ignition coil replaced to prevent the engine from misfiring and ensure that no rattling
or issues occur on start up.
Tie Rod Ends
every 60,000-80,000 miles
Tie Rod Ends typically last 60,000-80,000 miles, but can sometimes last longer. If you hear knocking noises when you are steering or excessive play (looseness) in the steering wheel, this could be the issue.alignment, power steering system flush
alignment, power steering system flush
steering rack, ball joints, control arms, sway bar links,
alignment, system flush, replacement
and labor.
When Tie Rod Ends fail, you lose steering all together, which is a definite safety issue.
Make sure you get these inspected as soon as you encounter issues with your steering.
Steering Gear/Rack
every 100,000 miles
The Steering Gear/Rack typically last around 100,000 miles, but can sometimes last longer. This is a hydraulic assist for power steering. When it fails, you lose power steering and gets hard to turn.
power steering system flush, alginment
alignment, system flush, replacement
and labor.
When your Steering Gear or Rack fails, you will lose power steering, which will make
steering your vehicle incredibly difficult. It is best to avoid this issue altogether by getting it
serviced and replaced on time.
Purge Valve Selnoid
When check engine light is on
Usually a check engine light will come on when this needs replacement, and can occur at 75,000 or anytime thereafter.
engine performace check/ code scan
hoses clamps to valve
performance check, code scan,
replacement and labor.
Sometimes the car won’t start or won’t let you fill up the gas tank as this part pressurizes
the gas tank. As with all repairs that trigger the check engine light, get to a car car professional as
soon as you can when you see it light up.
Inflow Manifold Gasket
every 100,000 miles
The Intake Manifold Gasket usually lasts around 100,000 miles and usually an oil leak will be noticed if this needs replacement.
engine oil leak dye testing
oil leak dye testing, replacement,
and labor.
A burning oil smell is a common outcome of this going bad. It is also often
accompanied with an oil leak, which requires an immediate repair.
Head Gasket
every 100,000-120,000 miles
Head Gaskets usually lasts 100,000-120,000 miles.
spark plugs, belts, coolant flush, thermostat
tests, inspection, replacement, and
labor.
When this goes bad, white smoke may be coming out of the tail pipe and the
vehicle will run poorly or running hot. The temperature gauge may display
higher than normal range (anything over 240 degrees). All of these will result
in a poor-running engine and can lead to long term structural damage.
Radiator
every 100,000-125,000 miles
Radiators typically last 100,000-125,000 miles. Coolant leaking may be noticeable on the ground.
cooling system flush, cooling system pressure test
radiator hoses, clamps, thermostat,
flushes, tests, replacement, and
labor.
A/C Compressor
every 80,000-100,000 miles
A/C compressors typically last 80,000- 100,000 miles. There will likely be rattling/grinding when the vehicle is running. The air conditioning won’t work if the compressor goes bad or the defroster when it’s cold.
a/c refrigerant recharge, a/c system performance test
engine drive belt or compressor belt
refrigerant recharge, performance
test, replacement, and labor.
Compressors are vital in keeping your A/C system and defroster in good
working order.
A/C Condensor
every 80,000-100,000 miles
A/C Condensor typically last 80,000- 100,000. When this goes bad, freon is leaked out and all air conditioning function is lost.
a/c refrigerant recharge, a/c system performance test
receiver dyer assembly
refrigerant recharge, performance
test, replacement, and labor.
When the condensor goes bad, you will no longer have a functioning A/C
system. Ensure this is fixed if you are having A/C issues or encounter a leak.
Master Cylinder
every 100,000-125,000 miles
100,000-125,000 miles is the range when the master cylinder goes out. The brake pedal will go all the way to the floor when this begins to go bad, and in extreme cases all braking function will cease.
brake system inspection, brake fluid flush
possible brake work, brake pads, brake rotors, calipers
inspection, flush, replacement, and
labor.
Your Master Cylinder needs to be in good working order for your brakes to
function properly.
Clutch
every 60,000-70,000 miles
The clutch will last 60,000-70,000 miles on average. Griding of gears, no forward motion, or not being able to get the vehicle into gear are the symptoms.
clutch system fluid bleed, slave cylinder replaced
fluids, replacement, and labor.
A broken clutch won’t allow your vehicle to move! Some early warning signs
may include the grinding of your gears or difficulty getting the vehicle into gear.
Muffler
after 100,000 miles
Mufflers typically last 100,000 miles or more. Once these go bad, you will hear it!
exhuast clamps, gaskets
tail pipe, resontors, exhuast hangers
Replacement and labor.
Fumes can back up into the car and there will be poor acceleration with a bad or
broken muffler. Avoid this by getting it replaced when your vehicle starts to get older.
Evaporator
every 2 years
Your car’s evaporator should ideally be replaced every 2 years, with the rest of your A/C machinery serviced annually.
a/c system performance test
A/C compressor, A/C condensor
performance test, servicing and labor.
A dirty evaporator will restrict A/C airflow in your vehicle and could cause corrosion
to your A/C components, which is damaging.
Wheel Bearings
every 80,000-100,000 miles
These generally last 80,000 to 100,000 miles. When they go bad, you may hear a humming noise, grinding noises from the wheel area and can cause the ABS traction light to come on.
brake inspection, suspenion inspection
inspections, replacements as needed,
and labor.
If your wheel bearings aren’t taken care of, your wheel could lock up, which poses a major
safety concern. Make sure your wheel bearings are inspected regularly and serviced when needed.
