Should you get service based on time vs based on mileage? (2024)

FAQs

Should you get service based on time vs based on mileage? ›

It is recommended that, even if you do not drive often, you should get your oil changed at least twice a year to keep everything running smoothly. So, if you've hardly driven at all in six months or longer and haven't hit that 3,000 or 5,000 mile threshold, it is still recommended to change your oil anyway.

Both mileage and time are crucial factors when considering vehicle maintenance. The simple rule of thumb is to use whichever interval comes up first. If, for instance, you reach the recommended mileage (say every 15000 miles or every 30000 miles) before the time-based recommendation, then use mileage as your cue.

The truth is that both mileage and time intervals are important when determining when you should change your oil. The mileage recommendation is important because the longer your drive, the more your oil becomes exposed to high temperatures. Eventually, the additives meant to keep your engine clean begin to diminish.

It's a good idea to flush out your fluids at this appointment and replace the oil, coolant, transmission, brake, and power steering fluids. At this point, it's likely you've already had to replace your brake pads. At your 100,000-mile appointment, the mechanic will take a look to see if they need to be replaced again.

Most manufacturers recommend having a full car service once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. But this depends on your car and how you drive it. You can check your service book to see when your car was last serviced – and it should be updated or stamped by the mechanic after completion of a service.

Reaching the 100,000-mile mark is a significant milestone for any vehicle. By this point, your car has likely endured various road conditions, weather elements, and daily wear and tear. A comprehensive 100k mile service is essential to address any underlying issues and proactively maintain vital components.

Transmission fluid is also essential, especially at the 100,000-mile mark, where frequent gear changes with that much wear on it can definitely make for an easy target for failure—so having the transmission oil refreshed and the transmission inspected are top priorities when you've got 100,000 miles on your vehicle.

By ensuring critical components like brakes and tires are in top condition, the 60K mile service significantly enhances your vehicle's safety.

A car takes time to accustom - the Engine, Piston, Fuel Lines all takes time to lubricate and initial mileage will be low. It generally takes upto 800 to 1000 kms for your car started to offer a better mileage.

What's the Average Life of a Car? In the past, the average lifespan of a car was significantly lower than it is today. Now, you can expect a standard car to last around 12 years or about 200,000 miles. More advanced vehicles like electric cars can go even longer, up to 300,000 miles.

How much does a 100,000 mile tune up cost? ›

High Mileage Oil

Oil is an engine's lifeline, so it's essential to change your oil regularly — ideally every 3,000 miles — but especially after 100k miles. At this point, most oils have lost their effectiveness and must be replaced with a high mileage synthetic blend designed to extend your engine's life.

What is considered high mileage on a car? Often, 100,000 miles is considered a cut-off point for used cars because older vehicles often start requiring more expensive and frequent maintenance when mileage exceeds 100,000.

According to Carter's extensive experience, certain vehicle models demand more repairs and break down more often, particularly after they surpass the milestone of 100,000 miles.