This guide covers maintenance schedules for gas, diesel, and hybrid cars and trucks. Whether you drive a daily commuter, a family SUV, a work truck, or a weekend vehicle, select your powertrain type below and we'll show you what's due. We cover oil and filter changes, brake pad and rotor service, tire rotations, coolant flushes, transmission fluid, spark plugs, air and cabin filters, battery health, and seasonal prep. For diesel trucks, we include DEF fluid, fuel filter, and turbo-specific maintenance. For hybrids, we cover the high-voltage battery system, regenerative braking, and the interplay between electric and gas drivetrain service.
By Derek Hildreth, founder and lifelong rider
Change oil and rotate tires every 5,000 miles, or 7,500 to 10,000 on full synthetic. Inspect brakes and swap the engine and cabin air filters around 15,000 miles. Flush brake fluid and coolant near 30,000. Spark plugs and transmission service land around 60,000, with the timing belt near 100,000. Test the battery yearly. Your owner's manual sets the exact numbers for your model.
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These intervals are compiled from major manufacturer service manuals and adjusted for typical driving conditions. Always check your owner's manual for model-specific requirements. For personalized reminders tailored to your exact vehicle, download LookOver free on iOS and Android.
| Service Task | 5,000 Miles ~6 months | 15,000 Miles ~18 months | 30,000 Miles ~3 years | 60,000 Miles ~5 years | 100,000 Miles Major service |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Change engine oil and filter | |||||
Rotate tires | - | ||||
Check tire pressure and condition | - | - | - | ||
Check all fluid levels | - | - | - | ||
Inspect wiper blades | - | - | - | ||
Replace cabin air filter | - | - | |||
Inspect/replace engine air filter | - | - | |||
Inspect brake pads and rotors | - | - | |||
Test battery and clean terminals | - | - | |||
Flush brake fluid | - | - | |||
Flush and replace coolant | - | - | |||
Inspect power steering fluid | - | - | - | ||
Replace fuel filter | - | - | - | ||
Replace spark plugs | - | - | - | ||
Service transmission fluid | - | - | - | ||
Inspect serpentine/accessory belt | - | - | - | ||
Replace differential fluid | - | - | - | ||
Replace timing belt (if equipped) | - | - | - | - | |
Inspect/replace water pump | - | - | - | - | |
Inspect shocks and struts | - | - | - | - | |
Replace diesel fuel filter and drain water separator | - | ||||
Top up DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) | - | - | - | ||
Inspect hybrid battery cooling system | - | - |
Track mileage, set service reminders, and log every maintenance item. LookOver works offline wherever you go.
Clean oil is the single most important thing you can do for your engine's longevity.
Change oil every 5,000-7,500 miles for conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic, depending on manufacturer specs and driving conditions.
Severe conditions: Frequent short trips, dusty roads, towing, or extreme temperatures may require shorter intervals.
What you need:
Diesel engines run higher compression and produce more soot. They need oil rated for diesel applications.
Oil spec: Look for CK-4 or FA-4 API rating. Use the weight your manufacturer specifies.
Interval: Typically 7,500-10,000 miles, but towing and heavy use may shorten to 5,000.
Fuel filter: Replace every 15,000-20,000 miles. Water in the fuel system destroys injectors.
Engine air filter keeps debris out of your engine. Cabin air filter keeps your interior air clean.
Engine air filter: Replace every 15,000-30,000 miles. Inspect at every oil change.
Cabin air filter: Replace every 15,000-20,000 miles. More frequently if you drive in dusty areas or have allergies.
Signs of a dirty engine air filter:
Build a complete service history. Know exactly when your last change was and what oil you used.
Your braking system is safety-critical. Inspect regularly and never ignore warning signs.
Inspect pads every 15,000 miles or at every tire rotation. Most pads last 30,000-70,000 miles depending on driving style.
Minimum thickness: 3mm. Replace before they hit the wear indicator.
Warning signs:
Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, lowering its boiling point and reducing braking effectiveness.
Flush interval: Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Fluid type: DOT 3 or DOT 4 per your manual.
Check: Fluid should be clear to light amber. Dark or cloudy fluid needs flushing.
Rotors wear alongside pads. Inspect for scoring, warping, and minimum thickness.
Warped rotors: Cause pulsing when braking. Can sometimes be resurfaced but often need replacement.
Minimum thickness: Stamped on the rotor. Measure with a micrometer at the thinnest point.
Lifespan: Rotors typically last 50,000-70,000 miles, but vary widely.
Four contact patches keep you on the road. Proper tire care improves safety, fuel economy, and ride quality.
Rotate tires every 5,000-7,500 miles to promote even wear. Front and rear tires wear differently due to weight distribution and steering.
Pattern: Front-to-back for same-size tires. Check your manual for staggered fitments.
AWD vehicles: Even more critical. Uneven wear can damage the drivetrain.
Check alignment annually or whenever you notice uneven tire wear or the vehicle pulling to one side.
Signs of misalignment:
Replace tires when tread depth reaches 2/32" (1.6mm). Most tires last 40,000-60,000 miles.
Age limit: Replace any tire older than 6 years regardless of tread. Check the DOT date code on the sidewall.
AWD vehicles: Replace all four tires at once to prevent drivetrain damage from mismatched diameters.
A healthy battery and electrical system keep everything working reliably.
Test your battery annually, especially before winter. Most batteries last 3-5 years.
Check: Clean terminals of corrosion. Ensure tight connections. Test voltage (12.6V fully charged).
Extreme temperatures: Both heat and cold stress batteries. Have it tested before the season changes.
Hybrid vehicles have a high-voltage battery pack with its own cooling system.
Battery cooling: Clean intake vents every 30,000 miles. Blocked vents cause overheating and premature degradation.
Regenerative braking: Extends brake pad life significantly. Inspect pads less frequently but watch for caliper seizing from disuse.
12V battery: Hybrids still have a 12V battery for accessories. It needs the same attention as any other vehicle.
A few minutes of prep each season prevents costly problems year-round.
Track all your service intervals in one place. LookOver handles hours, miles, and dates so you never miss a service. Download free on iOS and Android.
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