High Mileage Vehicle Maintenance Checklist
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Monthly (or More Often)
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Clean the backup camera lens
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Check the tire pressure
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Check the oil level (high-mileage oil is recommended)
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Check the coolant level
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Every 3,000 Miles
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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)
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Check the washer fluid level
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Add fuel injector cleaner to fuel
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Every Six Months
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Check the power steering fluid level
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Wax the car to extend the life of the paint and to prevent rust
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Every 5,000 Miles
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Adjust the clutch if a manual transmission (some are self-adjusting)
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Every 10,000 Miles
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Inspect the belts
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Rotate the tires
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Every Year
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Inspect the brakes
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Inspect the hoses and clamps
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Clean the battery connections
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Check the brake fluid level
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Check the manual transmission fluid
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Check the coolant strength
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Back-flush the radiator from the engine side with a garden hose
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Rinse off the air conditioner condenser
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Buff the plastic headlight assembly, if dull, to maintain good visibility
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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)
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Every 30,000 Miles
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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.
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Replace the distributor cap and rotor (if applicable)
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Inspect the spark plug wires (if applicable)
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Change the transmission fluid
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Replace the oxygen sensors (for vehicles manufactured late 1970\'s to early 1990\'s)
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Inspect the shocks for leaks and perform bounce test
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Replace the PCV valve
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Clean the throttle body
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Every Two Years
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Flush the coolant system
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Check the battery electrolyte level
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Every 40,000 Miles
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Replace the fuel filter
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Every 60,000 Miles
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Replace the air filter
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Change the automatic transmission fluid
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Inspect the brakes
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Inspect the accessory drive belts
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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)
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Have the front end alignment inspected and checked
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Every 80,000 Miles
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Inspect the U-joints
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Every 100,000 Miles
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Replace the oxygen sensors (for vehicles manufactured after mid-1990\'s)
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Replace the rear axle lubricant
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As-Needed Maintenance
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Have the alignment adjusted. This can help extend the life of your tires.