How Often Should You Service Your Car?
If you’ve been wondering how often you should service your car, you’re not alone. The answer depends on your vehicle’s make, model, age, and how you drive it. Whether you’re commuting around Rexburg or taking road trips for the summer, keeping up with regular maintenance is one of the best ways to protect your investment and avoid costly repairs.
The best place to start is your owner’s manual. It provides maintenance recommendations specifically designed for your vehicle, including oil changes, fluid inspections, tire rotations, and other routine services. Following these guidelines can help extend the life of your vehicle while improving performance, fuel efficiency, and reliability.
Service Intervals for Newer Vehicles
Modern vehicles make maintenance easier than ever. Many newer cars include onboard monitoring systems that track important maintenance items, such as:
- Oil life
- Tire pressure
- Fluid levels
- Brake system alerts
- Scheduled maintenance reminders
When one of these alerts appears, don’t ignore it. These systems are designed to help you stay on a routine maintenance schedule, keeping your car running great without running into problems.
Even with these helpful reminders, there may be times when it’s helpful to have your vehicle inspected by a trusted technician. At Rexburg Car Shop, we perform detailed car inspections to catch any problems that sensors might miss. We won’t give you a lengthy list of repairs. We simply want you to understand and be aware of what’s going on with your vehicle. We’ll let you know if there are any repairs you should attend to immediately, as well as things you should just keep an eye on in case they get worse in the future.
If you’d like assurance on what’s going on with your car, call Rexburg Car Shop today to schedule an inspection. We’ll help you make the best decision for both you and your car.
Caring for Older Vehicles
If your vehicle doesn’t have an onboard maintenance system, keeping track of mileage becomes even more important.
Older vehicles often benefit from regular inspections every 30,000 miles, along with manufacturer-recommended maintenance throughout their lifespan. During these service appointments, technicians may inspect or perform services such as:
- Oil and filter changes
- Fluid checks and replacements
- Spark plug replacement
- Air filter inspections
- Belt and hose inspections
- Battery testing
- Brake inspections
Routine maintenance helps identify wear before it leads to breakdowns, giving you greater confidence every time you get behind the wheel.
Common Maintenance Schedule
While every vehicle is different, these general maintenance intervals are a good starting point:
- Every 5,000–7,500 miles: Oil change and tire rotation (depending on your vehicle and oil type)
- Every 15,000–30,000 miles: Replace engine air filter and inspect brakes
- Every 30,000 miles: Comprehensive vehicle inspection and fluid checks
- Every 60,000–100,000 miles: Replace spark plugs, transmission service (if recommended), and inspect belts and hoses
Always refer to your owner’s manual for the exact schedule recommended by the manufacturer.
The Importance of Seasonal Inspections
Living in Idaho means your vehicle experiences changing weather throughout the year. Before heading out on a long summer road trip or before winter arrives, it’s a good idea to have your vehicle inspected.
A seasonal inspection may include checking:
- Tire tread and tire pressure
- Brake performance
- Battery health
- Coolant and antifreeze levels
- Windshield wipers
- Lights
- Heating and air conditioning systems
These simple inspections can help prevent unexpected breakdowns and keep you safe on the road.
Let Rexburg Car Shop Help You Stay on Schedule
Keeping track of maintenance doesn’t have to be difficult. At Rexburg Car Shop, we’re here to help you protect your vehicle with honest recommendations and dependable service.
Our goal is simple: help you keep your vehicle safe and reliable for years to come.
If you’re not sure whether your car is due for service, stop by Rexburg Car Shop or give us a call. We’d be happy to inspect your vehicle and help you build a maintenance plan that fits your car and your driving habits.