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Car maintenance schedule

Monthly: check tire pressure (including the spare) and tread, and look at the fluids and lights. By mileage: change the oil and rotate the tires on the schedule in your owner’s manual, often every 5,000 to 10,000 miles for newer cars. Yearly or by the manual: air filters, wiper blades, brakes and battery check. Your owner’s manual beats any general rule.

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Car maintenance schedule

Checklist

  • Check tire pressure (cold) and tread, including the spareMonthly
  • Check oil level, washer fluid and coolant levelMonthly
  • Walk around: lights, signals, brake lightsMonthly
  • Oil and filter changePer owner’s manual
  • Rotate tiresPer owner’s manual
  • Replace wiper blades6–12 months
  • Replace engine and cabin air filtersPer owner’s manual
  • Test the battery before winterYearly
  • Renew registration and inspectionYearly (check your state)

Get reminders for these automatically: upnextmaint.com/get

Typical intervals (always check your owner’s manual)
JobTypical intervalNotes
Tire pressure and treadMonthlyUse the door-jamb sticker, not the tire sidewall
Oil and filterPer manual (often 5k–10k miles)Older cars and severe use: sooner
Tire rotationOften 5k–7.5k milesMany people pair it with the oil change
Engine air filterPer manual, or when dirtySooner on dusty roads
Cabin air filterOften yearlyMusty smell or weak airflow means now
Wiper blades6–12 monthsStreaking or chattering
Battery testYearly after 3 years oldMany parts stores test free

Tires are the monthly job that matters most

NHTSA recommends checking tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the pressure on the sticker in the driver’s door jamb or in the owner’s manual, not the maximum printed on the tire. The dashboard warning light usually comes on only when a tire is already well under-inflated.

Correct pressure also saves fuel: FuelEconomy.gov puts it at about 0.6% on average and up to 3%.

Use the manual, not the sticker on the windshield

Oil change intervals have grown a lot with modern oils and engines. Many newer cars call for 7,500 to 10,000 miles, and many show an oil-life percentage on the dash. The quick-lube windshield sticker often says 3,000 miles, which is usually more often than your car needs. Your manual also lists a "severe" schedule for towing, lots of short trips, or dusty roads.

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Questions

How often should I change my oil?

Follow your owner’s manual or the car’s oil-life monitor. For many newer cars that is 5,000 to 10,000 miles; older cars and severe driving need it sooner.

How often should I check tire pressure?

At least once a month and before long trips, with the tires cold, according to NHTSA.

How often should tires be rotated?

Commonly every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or as your owner’s manual says. Doing it with every oil change or every other one is an easy way to remember.

Sources

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General guidance for typical homes. Follow your equipment manufacturer's instructions and local codes, and hire a pro for anything you're not comfortable doing.