Car Care Schedule

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 BulbsCheck Weekly
Battery6,000 Mile Inspection
C-V Boots6,000 Mile Inspection
Tire Rotation5,000 Miles
Wheel Alignment6,000 Mile Inspection
Air Filter12,000 Mile Inspection
Breather Filter12,000 Mile Inspection
Canister Filter12,000 Mile Inspection
Cooling System Service12,000 Miles/12 Months
Emission Service12,000 Mile Inspection
Engine Analysis12,000 Mile Inspection
Engine Tune-Up (Non Computer)12,000 Miles
Exhaust Parts12,000 Mile Inspection
Fuel Filter (Carburetor)12,000 Miles
Fuel Filter (Injection)12,000 Miles
PCV Valve12,000 Miles/24 Months
Shock Absorbers12,000 Mile Inspection
Steering Parts12,000 Mile Inspection
Struts & Cartridges12,000 Mile Inspection
Wheel Bearings Repack Seals (Non-Drive Axle)12,000 Miles
Wiper Blades12,000 Mile Inspection
Air Conditioning Service24,000 Miles/24 Months
Brakes24,000 Mile Inspection
C-V Joints24,000 Mile Inspection
Drive Axle Bearings & Seals24,000 Mile Inspection
Engine Tune-Up (Computer)24,000 Miles
Fan/Accessory Belts24,000 Miles
Fuel Injector Cleaning24,000 Miles
Power Flush Cooling System24,000 Miles
Suspension Parts24,000 Mile Inspection
Transmission Service24,000 Miles/24 Months
Oxygen Sensor30,000 Mile Inspection
Cooling System Hoses36,000 Miles/36 Months
Universal Joints36,000 Mile Inspection
Vacuum Modulator36,000 Miles/36 Months
Timing Belts60,000 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.