When it comes to responsible vehicle ownership, ongoing maintenance is a priority. Ongoing maintenance for many vehicle owners only includes standard tasks such as oil changes, system fluid checks, tire rotations, and tire pressure.
But what about the bigger maintenance tasks? Where do they fit into your vehicle lifecycle?
In this month’s blog post, we review the 30/60/90-thousand-mile maintenance routine, its benefits, and what’s involved in this maintenance plan.
What is the 30/60/90-thousand Mile Routine?
Many auto manufacturers and vehicle dealerships have adopted a routine preventative maintenance plan for major vehicle systems set at 30,000-mile intervals. These intervals are timed to correspond with the various needs of these systems, and this is sometimes referred to as factory scheduled maintenance. Regardless of how old your vehicle is right now, it’s helpful to use this maintenance routine as your standard.
Why is it beneficial to adhere to a 30/60/90-thousand Mile Routine?
Your vehicle is a significant investment, and it should be properly maintained so that you have reliable and safe transportation. Many vehicle owners tend to overlook factory scheduled maintenance because they feel some of the tasks are not necessary. However, adhering to a plan brings value to you in several ways, including:
- It may be necessary to keep you compliant with your vehicle’s warranty.
- Small problems may be caught before they become big and expensive ones and save you money in the long run.
- Factory scheduled maintenance can protect your investment and extend the longevity of your vehicle.
- Factory scheduled maintenance tasks will improve the overall performance of your vehicle and driving experience.
What Maintenance is Covered in the 30/60/90-thousand Mile Routine?
If applicable, many major maintenance routines may start with a full check of the vehicle’s computer diagnostics. Many vehicle functions in today’s newer vehicles are controlled by computers and software. To check diagnostics, service technicians use a type of “diagnostic reading tool” that can download information about the major systems. A diagnostic check is helpful because it can identify possible problem areas that need to be inspected further during the maintenance routine.
If the diagnostics pass, then the service may include some or all the following tasks:
- Checking and/or replacing any aged or dirty vehicle fluids, such as transmission, power steering, brakes, and others.
- Inspecting and servicing the brakes, as needed.
- Replacing spark plugs and/or plug wires.
- Replacing engine and cabin filters, if necessary.
- Tire inspection and rotation, checking tire pressure, and possibly balancing if tires indicate premature wear.
- Inspection of belts and hoses, especially the timing belt.
- Other miscellaneous items that may need repair or replacement. For example, windshield wipers.
If you are interested in vehicle maintenance beyond the occasional oil change, give us a call at Shade Tree Garage. We can work with you to identify the right plan for your vehicle and one that meets your budget needs. During our servicing, we will never make repairs or replacements with discussing them with you and you can trust the service professionals and their expertise at Shade Tree Garage to service your vehicle carefully, efficiently, and thoroughly.