Every 30,000 Mile Service
What, More What, & When
What?
This service replaces or incorporates almost all the maintenance procedures necessary for older cars, and, other than oil changes, is normally the only maintenance needed on a modern vehicle. You already know that every mechanical system needs maintenance, so we're going to skip the "Why?" section. Of course this long list does vary from one manufacturer and model to another; diesels don't have spark plugs and wires, many current models don't have removable fuel filters, and two-wheel-drive cars don't have transfer cases. In short, not all cars need all these things, and in some conditions we would recommend additions based on your car's current condition and your driving patterns.
More What:
Tune up
On newer cars, starting in about 2000 (varies some what) all that gets changed is the air filter. We tend to change the Positive Crankcase Vent valve as well. Modern cars have in-tank fuel filters that do not require maintenance. They have direct ignition with iridium tipped spark plugs that last 90,000 to 120,000 miles. Direct ignition has one coil per cylinder. No other ignition parts. This extended maintenance schedule and reduced complexity is largely a result of EPA mandates requiring car to stay in tune (running cleanly) for as long as possible.
SUVs ,trucks and most all wheel drive cars are classified as SUVs are not under the same EPA requirements. They require most or all of the below maintenance at 30,000.
- Replace spark plugs (at 60K, 90K, or longer)
- Replace distributor cap and rotor
- Inspect spark plug wires
- Replace air filter
- Inspect fuel lines and connections
- Replace fuel filter
- Replace PCV valve or orifice and hose
- Inspect PCV vent hose
- Inspect crankcase breather filter
- Clean throttle body sludge deposits
- Check fuel tank vapor vent system including hoses
- Remove and clean idle air control motor
- Check and adjust minimum air rate
- Check and adjust throttle position sensor
- Load test battery
- Clean battery terminal connections
- Perform engine analysis
- Scope test
- Scan engine control computer and perform self test
- Clear adaptive memory and perform idle relearn procedure
Lube, oil, and filter change service
- Drain crankcase oil and refill with new oil
- Change oil filter
- Check, and change as needed, underhood fluid levels
- Power steering fluid
- Battery electrolyte
- Automatic transmission fluid
- Brake fluid
- Clutch hydraulic fluid
- Windshield washer solvent
- Check crankcase vent filter condition
- Check operation of all exterior lights
- Check tire inflation and condition
- Check, and change as needed, under vehicle fluid levels
- Front differential
- Manual transmission
- Transfer case
- Rear differential
- Lubricate all grease fittings
- Inspect drivelines and U-joints
- Inspect steering linkage
Cooling system service
- Pressure test cooling system
- Check belts and hoses
- Drain coolant from block and radiator and save for recycling
- Refill system with a 50/50 mixture of new antifreeze and water
Brake inspection
Tire rotation
Check air conditioner operation
Under the car
- Check exhaust pipes, mufflers, hangers, and hardware
- Check brake lines and hoses
- Inspect ball joints and dust covers
When?
In general this major service is repeated every 30,000 miles so that it also represents your 60K, 90K, 120K, and 150K service. If you plan on keeping your car over 120K you may wish to consult our major maintenance schedule to learn about timing belts, clutches, power steering components, etc.