Keep your vehicle operating at top performance
To maintain the value, safety, and performance of your vehicle, it’s important to keep up with routine maintenance consistently. Regular service will help you prevent major, costly problems down the road and a record of routine maintenance history can help improve the car’s resale value, too. But most people are not car or engine experts, so don’t have a very clear idea of what needs service, when, and how often.
Many manufacturers will recommend a 30-60-90 schedule when it comes to car maintenance. That means: inspecting, changing, or replacing various components at 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles. However, this system doesn’t encompass everything, because many components like rubber gaskets, hoses, windshield wiper blades, and tires wear out at irregular intervals based on driving habits.
Recommended car care schedule
Many modern cars let you know when certain components need changing or service. However, it’s not always clear why the check engine light may be turning on or what it’s indicating. To help you out, below is a list of service schedule recommendations from HEART Certified Auto Care. It’s important to note, though, that the vehicle’s manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations and warranty requirements may differ, so always be sure to consult your owner’s manual.
| Headlights & Small Bulbs | Check Weekly |
|---|---|
| Battery | 6,000 Mile Inspection |
| C-V Boots | 6,000 Mile Inspection |
| Tire Rotation | 5,000 Miles |
| Wheel Alignment | 6,000 Mile Inspection |
| Air Filter | 12,000 Mile Inspection |
| Breather Filter | 12,000 Mile Inspection |
| Canister Filter | 12,000 Mile Inspection |
| Cooling System Service | 12,000 Miles/12 Months |
| Emission Service | 12,000 Mile Inspection |
| Engine Analysis | 12,000 Mile Inspection |
| Engine Tune-Up (Non Computer) | 12,000 Miles |
| Exhaust Parts | 12,000 Mile Inspection |
| Fuel Filter (Carburetor) | 12,000 Miles |
| Fuel Filter (Injection) | 12,000 Miles |
| PCV Valve | 12,000 Miles/24 Months |
| Shock Absorbers | 12,000 Mile Inspection |
| Steering Parts | 12,000 Mile Inspection |
| Struts & Cartridges | 12,000 Mile Inspection |
| Wheel Bearings Repack Seals (Non-Drive Axle) | 12,000 Miles |
| Wiper Blades | 12,000 Mile Inspection |
| Air Conditioning Service | 24,000 Miles/24 Months |
| Brakes | 24,000 Mile Inspection |
| C-V Joints | 24,000 Mile Inspection |
| Drive Axle Bearings & Seals | 24,000 Mile Inspection |
| Engine Tune-Up (Computer) | 24,000 Miles |
| Fan/Accessory Belts | 24,000 Miles |
| Fuel Injector Cleaning | 24,000 Miles |
| Power Flush Cooling System | 24,000 Miles |
| Suspension Parts | 24,000 Mile Inspection |
| Transmission Service | 24,000 Miles/24 Months |
| Oxygen Sensor | 30,000 Mile Inspection |
| Cooling System Hoses | 36,000 Miles/36 Months |
| Universal Joints | 36,000 Mile Inspection |
| Vacuum Modulator | 36,000 Miles/36 Months |
| Timing Belts | 60,000 Miles/48 Months |
No matter what type of maintenance or repairs your car needs, you can bring it in to one of HEART Certified Auto Care’s three Chicago area locations, HEART Certified Auto Care Wilmette, HEART Certified Auto Care Evanston, or HEART Certified Auto Care Northbrook. Our certified technicians are highly trained and we offer complimentary courtesy shuttles and loaner cars to make your visit as convenient as possible.
