Car Maintenance Schedule by Mileage
Following your vehicle's service intervals is the single cheapest way to avoid expensive repairs. Here's what to do at every major mileage milestone. Last updated: June 2026 · 9 min read.
These are general intervals for typical driving. Always defer to your owner's manual, and shorten intervals for severe-duty conditions — short trips, towing, extreme heat or cold, dusty roads, and lots of stop-and-go traffic.
Every 5,000 miles (or every 6 months)
- Engine oil and filter change (3,000 mi for older/severe-duty vehicles)
- Rotate tires and check tire pressure
- Inspect wiper blades and top off washer fluid
- Visual check of belts, hoses, and fluid levels
Every 15,000 miles (or every 12 months)
- Replace engine air filter
- Replace cabin air filter
- Inspect brake pads and rotors
- Check battery health and terminals
Every 30,000 miles
- Replace fuel filter (where serviceable)
- Inspect suspension and steering components
- Flush and replace brake fluid
- Inspect transmission fluid condition
Every 60,000 miles
- Replace spark plugs (conventional)
- Replace transmission fluid
- Flush engine coolant
- Inspect or replace brake pads, drive belts, and hoses
Every 90,000 miles
- Replace timing belt if equipped — critical; failure can destroy the engine
- Replace water pump (often done with the timing belt)
- Replace power steering fluid
- Replace iridium/platinum spark plugs if not already done
100,000+ miles
- Inspect and service the cooling system thoroughly
- Check oxygen sensors and emissions components
- Inspect CV joints, wheel bearings, and motor mounts
- Keep following the 30k/60k cycle from here on
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Related Guides
- Vehicle Maintenance Checklist — the essential maintenance checklist every vehicle owner needs
- Vehicle Maintenance Log — a free template and why a spreadsheet eventually fails