How Often Should You Service Your Car?

Daily Driver Summary

• Maintenance Reminder Systems

  If you drive a newer car, it probably has an in-vehicle maintenance reminder system. If your vehicle has one of these systems, trust it to guide your maintenance visits.

• If You Do Not Drive Your Vehicle Often

  If you don’t put many miles on your car, most automakers recommend an oil change service every 12 months, even if the maintenance reminder hasn’t come on. This is a reliable and conservative general service timeline for your vehicle.

• General Good Practice

  It used to be common to change the oil every 3,000 miles. However, most newer engines have recommended oil change intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Your engines that require full-synthetic motor oil might go as far as 15,000 miles between services! Follow the factory maintenance schedule for oil changes … and all your other car service needs.

As a responsible car owner, you undoubtedly want to keep your vehicle in top condition. But with so much conflicting advice out there, figuring out how often to service your car can feel like navigating a maze. Fear not, because we're here to simplify things for you.

Factory Recommended Maintenance Schedule

The golden rule of car maintenance: follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Yes, it's that simple. Every car comes with an owner's manual or service booklet detailing the factory recommended maintenance schedule. This guide is tailored specifically to your car's make, model, and year, so it's the most reliable source of information.

Maintenance Reminder Systems

If you're driving a newer car, you're likely in luck. Most modern vehicles come equipped with in-vehicle maintenance reminder systems. These smart systems take various factors into account, such as driving conditions and mileage, and alert you when it's time for maintenance tasks like oil changes, fluid checks, and inspections. Trust your car's reminder system to keep you on track.

Even if you don't rack up a lot of miles, heed the advice of most automakers and schedule an oil change service at least once every 12 months. This ensures your engine stays well-lubricated and protected, regardless of mileage.

Mileage-Based Service

For those driving older vehicles, maintenance schedules are often based on mileage. These schedules typically include separate recommendations for "normal" and "severe" driving conditions. If you primarily take short trips, drive in extreme climates, encounter frequent stop-and-go traffic, or haul heavy loads, you fall into the "severe" category and should follow the more rigorous maintenance schedule outlined in your owner's manual.

However, if your driving habits are more typical, there's no need to overdo it on maintenance. Spending money on unnecessary services won't benefit your car in the long run.

Oil Change Intervals

One common misconception is the frequency of oil changes. In the past, it was standard practice to change the oil every 3,000 miles. But thanks to advancements in lubricant technology, most newer engines can go much longer between oil changes—typically anywhere from 5,000 to 7,500 miles. And if your car requires full-synthetic oil, you might even stretch it to 15,000 miles between services.

Remember, you can't judge the condition of engine oil by its color alone. Stick to the factory maintenance schedule for oil changes, as well as all other service needs.

In conclusion, the key to keeping your car running smoothly is simple: follow the factory recommended maintenance schedule. Whether it's based on mileage or determined by a smart reminder system, staying on top of regular maintenance ensures your vehicle stays safe, reliable, and efficient for years to come. So next time you're wondering when to schedule that tune-up or oil change, just consult your owner's manual and let it be your guide. Your car—and your wallet—will thank you.