A maintenance schedule helps you look after your vehicle before small, routine needs become unexpected repairs. But there isn’t one schedule that works for every car or truck. The right timing depends on your make, model, engine, age, mileage and how you drive.
Your owner’s manual is the best place to start. It sets out the service intervals and specifications for your vehicle. Use the schedule below as a helpful checklist, then follow your manufacturer’s guidance whenever it differs.
The most important rule: follow your vehicle’s schedule
Check your owner’s manual or vehicle maintenance app for recommended service. Some vehicles track oil life and other service needs with a dashboard reminder. Others use set mileage or time intervals. Follow whichever comes first, as specified by your manufacturer.
You may see different recommendations for normal and severe driving. Frequent short trips, heavy stop-and-go traffic, towing, dusty roads and extreme temperatures may count as severe use. If your driving habits fit the severe-use description in your manual, use that schedule.
Maintenance at the recommended intervals can help protect your vehicle’s components and support its factory warranty. At Schultz Automotive, we follow manufacturer guidelines for our oil changes and routine maintenance.
Monthly: check your tires and look for changes
A quick monthly check gives you a chance to spot issues between service visits. Check tire pressure when the tires are cold, and use the pressure listed on the driver’s door placard or in your owner’s manual. The maximum pressure printed on a tire’s sidewall is not the recommended pressure for your vehicle.
Look over the tread and sidewalls for cuts, bulges, cracks or objects lodged in the tire. Check for wear that looks uneven from one side to the other. If you have a spare tire, check its pressure too.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends checking tire pressure monthly. If you see a tire-pressure warning, or find damage or a tire that keeps losing air, arrange an inspection. A warning light may appear after a tire has already lost pressure, so it’s worth checking rather than waiting for your next service.
At your scheduled service: oil, filters and a general inspection
Change engine oil and the oil filter according to the mileage or time interval in your manual. Use the specified oil grade and type. The correct interval varies, so don’t rely on a universal “every 3,000 miles” rule, or assume that every vehicle needs service at the same mileage.
Check your oil level between visits if your manual recommends it, and watch for a low-oil warning, an unusual change in engine noise or a spot under the vehicle. If you notice a warning light or a leak, ask a technician to check it instead of simply topping up and carrying on.
Your scheduled service may also include a multi-point inspection. Depending on the vehicle and its service needs, that can cover fluid levels, belts and hoses, battery condition, tires, brakes, steering and suspension. Air and cabin filters have their own replacement intervals; they don’t necessarily need to be changed at every oil service.
Around every 8,000–13,000 kilometres: check whether your tires need rotating
Some manufacturers recommend tire rotation at regular service intervals, often in the range of 8,000–13,000 kilometres. Treat that as a general reference, not a rule for every vehicle. Your manual will tell you whether rotation is recommended, when to do it and which pattern to use.
Some vehicles have different tire sizes front and rear, or directional tires that limit rotation options. A technician can check the setup and follow the appropriate procedure. Rotating tires when recommended can help them wear more evenly.
Ask about an alignment check if your vehicle pulls to one side, the steering wheel sits off-centre, or the tread wears unevenly. A significant pothole or curb impact is another good reason to have the tires and alignment inspected. Learn more about our tire service and wheel alignment.
At every service visit: pay attention to your brakes
Brake wear depends on the vehicle, the parts and your driving. There isn’t a single mileage that tells you when every set of brake pads needs replacement. Regular inspections help assess pad thickness and the condition of rotors, calipers and other brake components.
Arrange an inspection if you notice squealing or grinding, vibration when braking, a soft pedal, a change in stopping distance, pulling to one side or a brake warning light. These signs don’t all point to the same problem, but a technician can identify what needs attention. For more information, see our brake and rotor repair services.
At the intervals in your manual: fluids, battery and other components
Different fluids and parts have different service schedules. Your manual may list intervals for coolant, transmission fluid and brake fluid, as well as spark plugs, drive belts and other components. Don’t assume they all need to be changed at the same time as your engine oil.
Check fluid levels only as directed by your manual. Never open a hot cooling system, and don’t mix fluids unless the manufacturer says they’re compatible. If a fluid is low, dirty or leaking, ask a technician to check the cause rather than topping it up repeatedly.
Battery condition can also change with age and weather. Slow cranking, dim lights, a battery or charging warning, or needing repeated boosts are good reasons to have the battery and charging system checked. Your service technician can assess the battery’s condition and advise whether it needs attention.
Before winter and before a longer trip
Seasonal checks can help you prepare for changes in weather and driving conditions. Before winter, pay attention to tire condition and pressure, battery performance, wipers, lights, washer fluid and the heating and defrosting systems. If you use seasonal tires, follow the advice of your tire and vehicle manufacturers about when to install them.
Before a road trip, check your tire pressure, tread, lights and fluid levels. Look for leaks and make sure your wipers are working well. The NHTSA’s summer driving and road trip tips include a practical pre-trip checklist.
Keep a simple maintenance record
A maintenance record makes it easier to see what’s been done and plan what’s due next. Note the date and mileage for oil changes, tire rotations, inspections and fluid services. Keep receipts and record any repairs or issues you’d like checked at your next visit.
If you’re unsure when a service is due, bring your vehicle’s make, model, year and recent service history. A technician can help you check the manufacturer’s schedule and explain what’s due now and what can wait.
Routine vehicle maintenance in Tavistock
At Schultz Automotive, we review your vehicle’s service needs, follow manufacturer guidelines and explain our findings before any work begins. Our technicians provide clear recommendations and an estimate so you can decide how to proceed.
If you have a maintenance question or want to schedule an inspection, contact Schultz Automotive or book an appointment. We’re here to help you keep your vehicle maintained with confidence.