What are the recommended maintenance intervals?

Maintenance intervals depend on the device and manufacturer, but there are common ranges you can rely on as a baseline. This article surveys typical schedules for cars, home appliances, and climate/safety systems, with guidance to tailor them to your situation.

Automotive maintenance

Baseline milestones for most vehicles

Below are typical service intervals for everyday cars built in the last decade. Always check your owner’s manual and your service sticker, as exact numbers vary by make, model, and driving conditions.

• Oil and filter change: about every 5,000–7,500 miles with conventional oil; 7,500–10,000 miles with synthetic oil. Time-based changes (every 6–12 months) apply if you drive little or in extreme conditions.


• Tire rotation and inspection: every 5,000–7,500 miles; consider a wheel alignment check at least once a year or after hitting potholes/curbs.


• Brake system inspection: at least once a year or every 12,000 miles, including pads, rotors, and fluid condition.


• Air and cabin filters: engine air filter every 15,000–30,000 miles; cabin air filter every 15,000–30,000 miles (or per manual).


• Coolant/antifreeze: typically every 60,000 miles or about 5 years for many vehicles; some newer cars go to 100,000 miles.


• Transmission fluid (automatic): commonly 60,000–100,000 miles depending on vehicle and fluid; manual transmissions and CVTs vary—consult manual.


• Battery and charging system: test during routine service, with replacement often needed around 3–5 years depending on climate and usage.


• Spark plugs: roughly every 30,000–100,000 miles depending on plug type; more frequent changes for older engines or poor fuel economy.


• Belt, hoses, and seals: inspect around 30,000–60,000 miles and replace as needed or per manufacturer.

Sticking to these baselines, plus seasonal checks and responsiveness to warning lights, helps prevent breakdowns and protects resale value.

Home appliances and systems

Core domestic maintenance milestones

Domestic appliances and essential systems follow practical baselines that protect efficiency and prevent leaks or failures. Always consult equipment manuals for product-specific timelines.

• Water heater: inspect anode rod every 2–3 years, flush the tank annually, and plan for replacement after 10–15 years of use.


• HVAC air filters: replace or clean every 1–3 months depending on usage, filter type, and whether there are pets or allergies in the home.


• Refrigerator coils and seals: vacuum or brush coils every 6–12 months; check door seals for proper tightness at least quarterly.


• Dishwasher maintenance: clean spray arms and filters every 3–6 months; inspect door seals annually.


• Washing machine/dryer: inspect hoses annually; run cleaning cycles or lint filters as recommended; service every 2–3 years depending on usage.

Adhering to these guidelines limits energy waste, maintains performance, and reduces the risk of water damage or unexpected outages.

HVAC, plumbing, and safety systems

Annual safety and efficiency checks

Important home systems require professional and routine checks to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with local codes. The following intervals are typical baselines.

• Furnace/boiler service: annual inspection and tune-up by a licensed technician; replace filters monthly or as advised by the system.


• Thermostats and refrigerant levels: check annually and top off refrigerant or recalibrate as needed by a qualified technician.


• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: test monthly; replace batteries yearly and replace units on a 10-year cycle or per manufacturer guidance.


• Water safety and well systems (if applicable): service per manufacturer; sanitize wells annually if you rely on well water; water treatment systems every 1–2 years.

Regular professional maintenance helps prevent breakdowns, reduces energy costs, and enhances home safety.

Personalizing maintenance schedules

How to tailor intervals to your reality

No guide fits every household or vehicle exactly. Use these steps to customize the intervals to your climate, usage, and maintenance history.

• Keep a shared maintenance log with dates, odometer readings, and service details.


• Adapt intervals for extreme climates, heavy driving, or households with pets/allergies.


• Reference the manufacturer’s manual first; factor in local conditions and prior service history to set bounds.

A personalized plan helps you stay ahead of wear and tear while avoiding unnecessary service visits.

Summary

Maintenance intervals vary by device, manufacturer, and usage. This guide offers practical baselines for cars, home appliances, and major home systems, while emphasizing the need to consult product manuals and tailor schedules to your climate and driving or usage patterns. Consistent maintenance saves money, prevents breakdowns, and extends the life of your assets.

What is the 10 rule in maintenance?

The 10 percent rule states that for PMs to be effective, all PM activities must be performed within 10% of their due date. For example, if you give 30 days for your team to accomplish a PM activity, it should be accomplished within 3 (10% of 30 is 3) days of the due date.

What is the recommended maintenance schedule?

A recommended maintenance schedule for a car typically follows a 30-60-90 mile pattern, but you should always consult your owner's manual for specifics. Key tasks include regular oil changes, fluid checks, tire rotations, and replacing components like filters, belts, and spark plugs at specific intervals, which are detailed in your vehicle's manual.
 
Routine maintenance (every 3,000-10,000 miles) 

• Change the oil and check fluids: Intervals vary depending on your car and the type of oil used (conventional vs. synthetic). 
• Inspect brake pads, calipers, and rotors: Look for signs of wear. 
• Rotate tires: Follow your owner's manual for the recommended schedule and adjust tire pressure as needed. 
• Check and adjust fluid levels: This includes power steering, coolant, and brake fluid. 
• Replace filters: The engine air filter and cabin air filter should be replaced annually. 

Mileage-based milestones
30,000 miles 

• What to expect: Lighter wear and tear items are typically addressed. 
• Services may include:
  • More thorough inspection of various components. 
  • Replacing certain fluids like brake fluid (around 25,000 miles or every 2 years) or power steering fluid (around 40,000 miles or every 3 years). 
  • Checking and replacing any items recommended by the manufacturer. 

60,000 miles 

• What to expect: Deeper parts of the vehicle require more attention. 
• Services may include:
  • Inspection and replacement of components that have experienced more significant wear. 
  • Changing transmission fluid and filter. 
  • Replacing spark plugs, if not done sooner. 

90,000 miles 

• What to expect: Major systems need to be refreshed to prevent serious wear. 
• Services may include:
  • Replacing the engine coolant, especially if it has extended-life coolant. 
  • Replacing the timing belt, if your vehicle has one. 
  • A comprehensive inspection of the engine, transmission, and other major systems. 

What is the 30-60-90 rule for car maintenance?

The 30-60-90 maintenance schedule refers to key services most vehicles need as they hit those mileage milestones. At 30k miles, you're usually handling light wear; by 60k, deeper parts need attention; at 90k, it's time to refresh major systems before serious wear sets in.

What is 30-60-90 maintenance?

This includes common services like oil changes and tire rotations, as well as component inspections at certain mileage intervals. Common maintenance intervals include 30k, 60k, and 90k miles.