What is Factory Scheduled Maintenance—and Does it Need to Be Performed at the Dealership?
When you purchase a car, you take on the responsibility of maintaining it to ensure its efficiency and longevity. Factory scheduled maintenance, often referred to as 30/60/90K maintenance, plays a critical role in keeping your vehicle running well—and in safeguarding your warranty.
What is Factory Scheduled Maintenance?
Factory scheduled maintenance is a comprehensive maintenance schedule determined by your vehicle’s manufacturer. It includes a detailed list of services tailored to your car’s specific make and model that are designed to optimize performance and prevent long-term damage. These maintenance intervals usually occur at 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles, but the intervals can vary from vehicle to vehicle.
The Benefits of Factory Scheduled Maintenance
Keeping up with your factory scheduled maintenance offers numerous benefits for your car and your wallet:
- Protects Your Warranty: Whether your car is still covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty or you have an extended warranty, following the factory maintenance schedule keeps your warranty intact.
- Prevents Costly Repairs: Regular maintenance helps detect and address minor issues before they escalate into major (and expensive!) problems.
- Prolongs Vehicle Life: Proper maintenance enhances your vehicle’s reliability and prolongs its road life so you can enjoy it for many years without significant issues.
- Boosts Resale Value: A well-maintained car holds a higher resale value and is more attractive to potential buyers.
What does Factory Scheduled Maintenance Typically Include?
Since maintenance items and intervals vary depending on a vehicle’s make and model, it’s best to check your owner’s manual for details related to your specific car, truck, or SUV. However, service intervals are typically every 30,000 miles and will include system inspections as well as basic maintenance items, such as:
- Inspection and replacement of belts and hoses
- Brake system inspection and service
- Filter replacement
- Checking and refilling or replacing fluids
- Oil change
- Inspection and replacement of spark plugs and wires
- Timing belt and chain inspection
- Tire rotation and inspection
If you look in your owner’s manual, you’ll see there will be two different service interval schedules: normal and severe. The severe maintenance schedule is designed for vehicles that frequently endure extra strain or more demanding tasks, such as long-distance driving, stop-and-go driving in heavy traffic, short trips at low speeds, and heavy towing and hauling. These conditions put more strain on the engine, so more frequent inspections and part replacements are needed. In addition, severe service includes our desert heat and dusty conditions so if you live in or around Yuma, you should follow the severe service schedule. If you’re not sure which service schedule you should be following, check with your service advisor.
Do I Have to Go to the Dealership for Factory Scheduled Maintenance?
Contrary to popular belief—or what some dealerships might have you believe—factory scheduled maintenance does not need to be exclusively performed at the dealership. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has stated that it’s illegal for dealerships to deny warranty coverage based on where routine maintenance was performed.
You have the freedom to choose a trusted and qualified independent shop for these services without voiding your warranty. Just be sure to maintain good records of which services were performed and when they were performed in case you ever need to make a claim.
Visit Accurate Automotive Attention for All Your Maintenance Needs
When it comes to your vehicle’s maintenance and repair needs, there’s no better choice than Accurate Automotive Attention in Yuma AZ. Our third-generation family-owned and operated shop has been providing exceptional auto care since 1969. As the only AAA Approved Auto Repair and service company in Yuma, you can be confident that our ASE-certified technicians will give your vehicle the expert care it deserves.
With comprehensive services for Domestic, Asian, and European makes, including factory recommended maintenance, pre-purchase inspections, electrical repairs, check engine light diagnostics, oil changes, and more, we have your automotive needs fully covered. Discover for yourself why our loyal customers have named us the Best Auto Repair Shop in Yuma for 20 years running—schedule an appointment at one of our two convenient locations today!
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