Modern automobiles are technological marvels. As advancements in automotive technology have made cars more reliable than ever, drivers may feel as though vehicle ownership also is more hands-off than ever before. Though it’s true built-in diagnostic technology is designed to alert drivers when issues arise, it can still benefit motorists to rec ognize when certain issues may arise.
Cars and the people who drive them are different, so mileage intervals are not always the best measuring stick for maintenance issues. However, the following rundown can serve as a guidebook for drivers who want to know what to expect at various mileage intervals.
• 30,000 miles: The experts at Auto Trader note that dispos- able engine air filters usually last between 15,000 and 30,000 miles. If it’s been around 30,000 miles since the engine air filter has been replaced, now is a good time to replace this important part, which prevents components like dirt and debris from getting into the engine. This also might be a good time to replace the fuel filter, which prevents debris from clogging fuel injectors.
• 50,000 to 60,000 miles: It’s around this time that drivers may need to replace their vehicle batteries. Little-used vehicles may need a new battery much earlier, as lengthy periods of little or no use adversely affect the life expectancy of vehicle batteries. Brakes also may need to be replaced around this time, as the experts at AutoZone note that most drivers get between two and five years out of a set of brake pads. If that sounds like a signifi cant disparity, it is, and that’s be- cause driver behavior is a signifi cant variable affecting the life of the pads. Drivers who brake hard will likely need to replace their brake pads with greater frequency than drivers who brake slowly.
• 50,000 to 90,000 miles: As noted, there is no uniform guideline governing when vehicle components will need to be replaced. Hoses are a good example of that, as recommendations regarding when to replace hoses range from 50,000 to 90,000 miles. That’s a significant gap, but drivers can be on the safe side and start discussing the status of their hoses with their mechanics around the 50,000 mile marker. It’s unlikely the hoses will make it all the way to 90,000 miles before they need to be replaced, but drivers can keep that mileage marker in mind and aim to replace the hoses before that point even if no issue has arisen. Timing belts also tend to fail between 80,000 and 100,000 miles, so this is another part to consider replacing as a vehicle reaches this point.
These mileage markers are not set in stone, and should only serve as a guideline for drivers who want to stay ahead of vehicle repairs. Drivers also are urged to discuss any additional changes that might be necessary with their mechanics during routine maintenance appointments.
