Recommended Service Intervals

Once a week (or at each fill-up)

Check your oil, water, wiper fluid, engine coolant/antifreeze level, and tire condition and pressure.

Once a month

Check Inspect transmission fluid and brake fluid, windshield wiper blades, and power steering fluid. Review condition of belts, hoses, and battery cables.

Every 3 months or 3,000 miles

Change oil, oil filter, and air filter. Inspect engine drive belts, shock absorbers, and all lights on vehicle. Check battery.

Every 6 months or 6,000 miles

Check the brake system, and inspect and/or rotate tires. Review condition of clutch system (manual transmissions), and chassis lubrication.

Once a year

Have underbody flushing performed, and service engine cooling system (which should include inspecting the radiator, water pump, fan belt, thermostat(s), radiator cap, and anti-freeze). Check accelerator control system, and lubricate doors, locks, hinges, and parking brake.

15,000 miles

Inspect automatic transmission. Change auto transmission fluid and filter.

30,000 miles or 2 years

Change spark plugs and fuel filter, inspect spark plug wire, check engine timing

 
Auto Repair Links


American Automobile Association
http://www.aaa.com/scripts/WebObjects.dll/ZipCode

Auto Care Center 3.0
http://www.azatar.com/

Automotive Tips
http://www.asashop.org/tips/tips.htm

AutoSite
http://www.autosite.com/

CarSmart.com
http://www.carsmart.com/cgi-bin/looksmt2.exe

Consumer Reports Online: Cars & Trucks
http://www.consumerreports.org/Categories/CarsTrucks/

EHow: How to Find an Honest Mechanic
http://www.ehow.com/eHow/eHow/0,1053,3380,00.html?st=looksmart&cr=searchtext&lp=ie

Federal Consumer Information Center
http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cars.htm

KarKare
http://www.geocities.com/ResearchTriangle/6608/whatiskarkare.html

MSN CarPoint
http://ownership.carpoint.msn.com/ownership/NewUser.htm

Popular Mechanics
http://popularmechanics.com/

Understanding Your Car
http://www.familycar.com/auto101.htm