We’ve researched this and find that many “experts” disagree on exact numbers. First, check your vehicle owner’s manual. If you don’t have that or need a second opinion, here are some average, ballpark recommendations we’ve come across:
Engine Oil: Here at InSite OilChange, we change the oil and filter in our personal vehicles every 5,000 miles if we’re using conventional oil, and every 10,000 miles if we’re using full synthetic oil. Some old-timers still insist on doing it every 3,000 miles, but advances in lubricants and engines make this unnecessary under most conditions. Some new cars come with recommendations to do it every 7,500 or at other intervals. This may be okay, but changing the oil often has always been, and still is, the cheapest way to keep your engine running for a long, long time. That’s why we do ours every 5,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid: Per your Owner’s Manual or every 30,000 to 40,000 miles is a good idea.
Air Filter: Per Owner’s Manual or once a year depending on dirt and dust conditions.
Power Steering Fluid: Per Owner’s Manual or every 75,000 miles.
Brake Fluid: Per Owner’s Manual or every 50,000 miles.
Coolant / Anti-Freeze: Per Owner’s Manual or every 60,000 to 75,000 miles.
Differential Fluid: Per Owner’s Manual or every 75,000 to 100,000 miles.
NOTE: These are simply what we’ve seen as being the averages of recommendations by those in the know. The numbers listed here are not hard and fast rules, nor are they definitely a guaranteed way to prevent parts from wearing out (all mechanical parts eventually wear out). Better safe than sorry… in other words, doing regular, basic maintenance will pay off for you in the long run. And it does not have to be a hassle when we come and do it for you at your work or home!
