I’m getting a new car soon and I want to make sure I take care of it properly, but I also don’t want to just do all the maintenance recommended by the dealership. With my current car, the only consistently recurring maintenance I do is change the oil every 5000 miles. It’s a 2010 ford Taurus at 215k miles, looking to probably get some Toyota hybrid for the next one.

What kinds of maintenance is actually necessary to maintain your vehicle life expectancy? I don’t trust asking the dealership about this because I’m sure they are biased towards me having more work done. Thanks!

  • Rich_T_@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    A lot will depend on car, and driving habits. A timing belt may need changing at 80k where a chain may never need it.

    Start with the manufacturer recommended (NOT dealer recommended) …

    Oil/Filter every 10k (or less);

    Brake Fluid every 2 years (you can test this before changing and in my case it’s never needed changing at less that 5 years);

    Air Filter/Cabin Filter every 40k;

    Spark Plugs 80-100k;

    Transmissions Fluid every 80k;

    Coolant, again test it, I’ve gone over 200k without issues.

    Belts/hoses - check, but maybe 5 years (hoses when you do coolant).