High Mileage Vehicle Maintenance Checklist

Driving a vehicle with over 100,000 miles on it, and determined to keep it going for another 100,000 miles or more? As long as you stay on top of all the recommended maintenance tasks, you shouldn't have any problem making that happen.

high mileage vehicle maintenance high mileage vehicle maintenance
  • ​Monthly (or More Often)

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Clean the backup camera lens

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Check the tire pressure 

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Check the oil level (high-mileage oil is recommended)

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Check the coolant level

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Every 3,000 Miles

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Change the oil and replace the oil filter (newer cars may be able to go longer. Check your owner's manual to see what's recommended for your car)

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Check the washer fluid level

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Add fuel injector cleaner to fuel

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Every Six Months

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Check the power steering fluid level

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Wax the car to extend the life of the paint and to prevent rust

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Every 5,000 Miles

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Adjust the clutch if a manual transmission (some are self-adjusting)

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Every 10,000 Miles

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Inspect the belts

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Rotate the tires

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Every Year

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Inspect the brakes

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Inspect the hoses and clamps

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Clean the battery connections

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Check the brake fluid level 

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Check the manual transmission fluid

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Check the coolant strength

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Back-flush the radiator from the engine side with a garden hose

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Rinse off the air conditioner condenser

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Buff the plastic headlight assembly, if dull, to maintain good visibility 

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Replace cabin air filter (you may need to do this more often, if you drive a lot—every 15,000 miles is a good rule of thumb. Older vehicles may not have cabin filters)

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Every 30,000 Miles

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Replace the spark plugs. Some are designed to last up to 100,000 miles, so check to see what kind you have and when it will be due.

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Replace the distributor cap and rotor (if applicable)

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Inspect the spark plug wires (if applicable)

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Change the transmission fluid

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Replace the oxygen sensors (for vehicles manufactured late 1970's to early 1990's)

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Inspect the shocks for leaks and perform bounce test

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Replace the PCV valve

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Clean the throttle body

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Every Two Years

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Flush the coolant system

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Check the battery electrolyte level

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Every 40,000 Miles

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Replace the fuel filter

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Every 60,000 Miles

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Replace the air filter

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Change the automatic transmission fluid

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Inspect the brakes

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Inspect the accessory drive belts

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Replace the timing belt (if your vehicle has a timing chain, it doesn't need to be replaced unless there's a problem with it)

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Have the front end alignment inspected and checked

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Every 80,000 Miles

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Inspect the U-joints

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Every 100,000 Miles

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  •  Replace the oxygen sensors (for vehicles manufactured after mid-1990's)

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Replace the rear axle lubricant

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • As-Needed Maintenance

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Have the alignment adjusted. This can help extend the life of your tires.

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:

1465 copy saved

1465 copies saved