Factory-Recommended Maintenance: 30K vs. 60K vs. 90K Services

When you purchase a new car, the manufacturer provides a maintenance schedule outlining the recommended service intervals for your vehicle.

The intervals typically occur at 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles. These are designed to help keep your car running smoothly and prevent costly repairs down the road.

In this post, let’s look at some of the most common services performed at these three intervals.

Typical Services Under 30K Maintenance

The 30,000-mile service is typically a new car’s first major service interval. At this point, your vehicle will have accumulated enough miles to require some basic maintenance.

The most common items under this service usually include:

Oil and filter change: Oil and oil filters are to be changed every 7,500-10,000 miles, depending on the manufacturer’s specifications. Now, at 30,000 miles, it’s most likely time again to replace the oil and filter.
Tire rotation and inspection: Rotating your tires (e.g., switching the front and rear tires) helps ensure even wear, deliver a smoother ride, and extend the life of your tires. Most manufacturers suggest you rotate the tires at every oil change in a specific pattern.
Brake inspection: Your brakes are your vehicle’s most important safety feature. Thus, they should be inspected regularly, including at the 30K-mile mark. During the inspection, your technician will examine all parts for wear and tear.
Air filter replacement: The engine air filter prevents debris and pollutants from damaging your engine. On the other hand, the cabin air filter prevents dust, dirt, exhaust gases, and other contaminants from entering your car’s HVAC system. Both need periodic replacement, including at the 30K-mile mark.
Fluid level checks: Your vehicle relies on several fluids to function. At 30,000 miles, all fluids should be checked, including coolant as well as transmission, power steering, and brake fluids.
Inspection of belts and hoses: The serpentine belt, timing belt, and hoses should be inspected for wear and damage.
Lubrication of various components: This includes the driveshaft bushing, propeller shaft, hood, steering knuckles, and door hinges.

Typical Services Under 60K Maintenance

The 60,000-mile service is the next major service interval. It involves more in-depth maintenance, although expect your mechanic to perform all services included under 30K maintenance.

On top of the services listed above, here are the additional service done under 60K maintenance:

Coolant flush: This drains the old coolant from the cooling system and replaces it with fresh coolant. This helps prevent corrosion, maintain proper engine temperature, and protect against engine damage.
Transmission fluid and filter replacement: The old transmission fluid is drained and replaced with fresh fluid. The transmission filter is also replaced. These tasks help maintain proper shifting and can prevent transmission damage.
Fuel line inspection: This involves checking the fuel lines for any cracks, leaks, or damage. This helps prevent fuel leaks, which can be dangerous and cause engine damage.
Suspension component inspection: Various components of the suspension system are checked, such as the shocks, struts, and springs, for wear and damage. This helps ensure proper handling, stability, and ride comfort.
Spark plug replacement: Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the fuel in the engine. However, they can become worn and need replacement over time. This is required to help ensure proper engine performance and fuel efficiency.

Typical Services Under 90K Maintenance

As your vehicle nears the 100,000-mile mark, many parts and components have sustained extensive wear and tear and will badly need replacement.

In addition to replacing parts and the services done at 30K and 60K miles, most manufacturers include the following maintenance items under the 90,000-mile service:

Turn or replace rotors: Resurfacing or replacing the brake rotors helps ensure proper braking performance and can prevent brake noise or vibration.
Battery service: This involves checking the battery’s condition and connections, cleaning any corrosion, and testing the charging system.
Timing belt replacement: The timing belt is a crucial engine component that synchronizes the movement of the engine’s valves and pistons. It’s a must that an old belt be replaced with a new one to prevent engine damage.
Transfer case fluid change: The transfer case is a component of a 4WD or AWD vehicle. It transfers power from the transmission to the front and rear axles. During a transfer case fluid change, the old fluid is drained and replaced with new fluid to prevent wear and damage.
Fuel filter replacement: The fuel filter removes impurities and debris from the fuel before it reaches the engine. Over time, the filter can become clogged and need replacement. This action helps prevent engine damage and maintain proper fuel flow.

Note that not all vehicles will have the recommended services at the 30K, 60K, and 90K-mile marks. The recommendations may vary based on the make and model of your vehicle. It’s best to refer to your owner’s manual or speak with a certified mechanic to determine what services your car needs.

Contact Kanuga Tire & Auto for Factory-Recommended Maintenance in Hendersonville, NC

It’s not a secret—preventative and factory-recommended maintenance is necessary if you want to preserve your vehicle and protect your wallet. However, you don’t have to take your car to the dealership to have your vehicle maintained. Savvy drivers throughout Hendersonville, NC have instead turned to the experts at Kanuga Tire & Auto!

Contact Kanuga Tire & Auto at (828) 697-2860 for an appointment. We are conveniently located at 432 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739.