We have previously talked about how keeping up with your vehicle’s maintenance services can help save you money and extend the life of your vehicle. But, have you been keeping up with your car’s 30k, 60k, and 90k mile maintenance services?
They are the easiest-to-remember mileage thresholds and taking your vehicle for maintenance after hitting each milestone will benefit you in the long run. Let’s take a look at why.
What Are 30k, 60k, 90k Mile Maintenance Services?
The phrase, 30k, 60k, and 90k mile maintenance services is the schedule recommended by your automobile’s manufacturer. They are the suggested services you should get done after driving 30,000 miles, 60,000 miles, 90,000 miles, etc. The point is to follow the recommendations in order to take better care of your car and increase its life span.
What Maintenance Does My Car Need At 30k Miles?
Every 30,000 miles most cars need to have both the air and cabin filters replaced. New air and cabin filters will keep you breathing clean air inside of your car. Waiting too long to change your filters will greatly reduce your vehicle’s gas mileage and will contaminate your car’s engine. Every 30k miles you could also replace the transmission fluid (and transfer case fluid on four-wheel drive vehicles) as well. In addition to these two items, here’s a complete list of things you should have serviced at 30K miles:
- Synthetic Oil Change
- Tire Rotation
- Air Filter / Cabin Air Filter
- Wheel Alignment
- Fuel Filter
- Brake Fluid
- Brake Inspection
- Fuel Induction Service
- Spark Plugs
- Transmission Fluid / Transfer Case Fluid Change
- Power Steering Fluid Change
This is a basic list, every vehicle manufacturer has different criteria. It is always best to check the vehicle’s owner’s manual.
What Maintenance Does My Car Need At 60k Miles?
At 60k it’s important to repeat the maintenance of 30k and add in an inspection of the vehicle’s battery and check suspension components too. Harsh weather can wear out your shocks and struts, so it’s necessary to have these parts looked at when you hit 60,000 miles. A coolant flush, tie rods and drive axle boots, might also be part of 60k mile car maintenance.
Here’s the list of 60k mile service items – in addition to everything listed at 30k Miles as well:
- Coolant System Service
- Battery Replacement
- Engine Service
What’s Needed For 90k Auto Service?
Finally, at 90,000 miles most cars will require new spark plugs, and even timing or drive belt replacement. Spark plugs are what ignite the fuel inside your motor and the timing belt controls the rhythm of your motor – both are important auto services. Fortunately, though, some cars have a timing chain, requiring no replacement. A timing chain may even outlast the engine! A new water pump is also a common 90k-mile repair.
How Important Is It To Keep Up With Your Vehicle’s Maintenance Services?
Extremely important. Your car’s manufacturer recommends these services at these times because if you don’t get your vehicle serviced, you run the risk of having a part of your car fail. This can be extremely dangerous and cost you a lot of money. Plus, if you have purchased a new car, many require you to get these services done at the right time to maintain your new car warranty.
Keep in mind though if you bought a new vehicle and were told you had to bring it back to the dealership for routine maintenance and non-warrantied repairs, you received incorrect information. In actuality, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act says it is illegal for auto manufacturers or auto dealerships to claim your warranty will be voided if you or someone else changes the fluids and filters or replaces normal wear and tear items like tires and brakes. Read more here.
If you’re coming up on 30k, 60k, or 90k miles feel free to stop by and have your vehicle checked out by our ASE Certified mechanics at Luke’s Auto Service in Verona NJ. We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions about your car’s maintenance schedule, or anything else! Also, we will be closed for vacation from Sept 16-23 and reopening on Sept 26!
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