ERIN HUFFSTETLER

High Mileage Vehicle Maintenance Checklist

high mileage vehicle maintenance

• ​Monthly (or More Often)

• Clean the backup camera lens

• Check the tire pressure 

• Check the oil level (high-mileage oil is recommended)

• Check the coolant level

• Every 3,000 Miles

• Change the oil and replace the oil filter (newer cars may be able to go longer. Check your owner\'s manual to see what\'s recommended for your car)

• Check the washer fluid level

• Add fuel injector cleaner to fuel

• Every Six Months

• Check the power steering fluid level

• Wax the car to extend the life of the paint and to prevent rust

• Every 5,000 Miles

• Adjust the clutch if a manual transmission (some are self-adjusting)

• Every 10,000 Miles

• Inspect the belts

• Rotate the tires

• Every Year

• Inspect the brakes

• Inspect the hoses and clamps

• Clean the battery connections

• Check the brake fluid level 

• Check the manual transmission fluid

• Check the coolant strength

• Back-flush the radiator from the engine side with a garden hose

• Rinse off the air conditioner condenser

• Buff the plastic headlight assembly, if dull, to maintain good visibility 

• Replace cabin air filter (you may need to do this more often, if you drive a lot—every 15,000 miles is a good rule of thumb. Older vehicles may not have cabin filters)

• Every 30,000 Miles

• Replace the spark plugs. Some are designed to last up to 100,000 miles, so check to see what kind you have and when it will be due.

• Replace the distributor cap and rotor (if applicable)

• Inspect the spark plug wires (if applicable)

• Change the transmission fluid

• Replace the oxygen sensors (for vehicles manufactured late 1970\'s to early 1990\'s)

• Inspect the shocks for leaks and perform bounce test

• Replace the PCV valve

• Clean the throttle body

• Every Two Years

• Flush the coolant system

• Check the battery electrolyte level

• Every 40,000 Miles

• Replace the fuel filter

• Every 60,000 Miles

• Replace the air filter

• Change the automatic transmission fluid

• Inspect the brakes

• Inspect the accessory drive belts

• Replace the timing belt (if your vehicle has a timing chain, it doesn\'t need to be replaced unless there\'s a problem with it)

• Have the front end alignment inspected and checked

• Every 80,000 Miles

• Inspect the U-joints

• Every 100,000 Miles

•  Replace the oxygen sensors (for vehicles manufactured after mid-1990\'s)

• Replace the rear axle lubricant

• As-Needed Maintenance

• Have the alignment adjusted. This can help extend the life of your tires.