A Maintenance Timeline to Help You Keep Track of Car Upkeep in Gary, IN

You’ve likely heard you need to \schedule routine auto service every 3,000 to 6,000 miles, and specific services at 30,000, 60,000 and 90,000 miles—don’t wait until something goes wrong with your car! Don’t worry if you are not familiar with the 30-60-90 schedule used by many vehicle manufacturers. Whether you’ve owned a car or truck for years or are a newly licensed driver, now is the time to learn when certain parts need to be inspected, serviced or replaced.

Car upkeep in Gary, IN does not need to be a mystery. Below is a car maintenance timeline showing what you should do, when you should do it and why it’s necessary.

Regular car maintenance

In order for your car to run smoothly, the oil and oil filter need to be changed regularly. Dirty oil can cause problems, because even though the engine will still run, metal, carbon and dirt particles will end up in the oil. The result is excessive wear on the engine. Non-synthetic oil can be used between 3,000 and 6,000 miles, but synthetic oil has a life of between 5,000 and 10,000 miles. Much will depend on your specific vehicle, your driving habits and which type of oil you use.

Maintenance between 15,000 and 30,000 miles

At this mileage, start thinking about your car’s air filter and fuel filter.

• Air filter: At this stage, have the air filter replaced or a reusable one cleaned—a clogged air filter will choke your engine, put strain on it and decrease driving performance. Consider the environments where your vehicle is used or stored. Change the air filter sooner if these areas are dusty; otherwise, holding off is probably fine.
• Fuel filter: A clogged fuel filter is likely to make an engine run rough, or not at all. Since the timeframe for fuel filter replacement varies by manufacturer, your best bet is to consult your owner’s manual and discuss it with your mechanic.

Maintenance between 50,000 and 60,000 miles

Now is the time to focus on a few parts in particular: the battery, brake fluid, brake pads, brake rotors, transmission fluid and coolant. We’ll explain a few:

• Battery: Fluctuating temperatures, age and extended periods of non-use affect car batteries. Most batteries last four to five years. Most are covered under warranty, but they are designed to wear out after a time and will need to be replaced.
• Brakes: Ask your mechanic to check the brake fluid, pads and rotors. Replace as needed.
• Transmission fluid: Low transmission fluid levels can cause shifting problems and more. Monitor your fluid, and have it replaced when it’s no longer a pink color and sweet smelling.

Maintenance around 90,000 miles

From hoses to spark plugs, here’s some of what you need to do:

• Hoses: Rubber hoses will age and begin to crack and break. Have them checked and replaced as needed at this mileage milestone.
• Spark plugs: Failing spark plugs will affect the ignition system, and you may experience hard starts or rough running. A computerized car code will inform your mechanic of what the issue is.
• Timing belt: Timing belt failure can be catastrophic. Avoid destroying your engine by getting it inspected before 90,000 miles.

You can trust Miller Brakes and Mufflers, Inc. to help track your car upkeep in Gary, IN for you. Call us today to schedule an appointment!

Categorised in: Auto Maintenance

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