Automotive Service Check-Ups You Should Be Scheduling Regularly According To Your Odometer Mileage

May 13, 2025

Today is National Odometer Day, and we are here to help you keep your car running those miles as long as possible, from the first miles off the lot to the years of road trips ahead of you. Learn all about the different maintenance and service check-ups you should be performing to ensure your vehicle remains in mint condition! Let’s take a look at what the odometer is, how it measures your mileage, and what you can expect from your vehicle as the miles roll forward.

What is an Odometer? How does it measure mileage?

Odometers generally count wheel rotations, and use a formula calculating the number of rotations multiplied by the tire’s circumference. The formula by which odometer readings are calculated for a motor vehicle:

(Actual Distance Traveled) = (Final Odometer Reading – Initial Odometer Reading) multiplied by (actual tire diameter) divided by (Standard tire diameter). As a result of many shifting variables and modified possibilities, odometer readings can be off by several percent. This is part of the reason why it’s very important to maintain your tire treads, as underinflated or very worn tires can affect an odometer’s mileage tracking process. Likewise, if your vehicle is equipped with after-market and non-standard tires or wheels, the odometer reading may not be as accurate

Mileage Based Repairs, Tune-Ups and Maintenance

We’ve covered a lot of helpful service pointers and maintenance tips over the last few years with our blogs, but today we’re going to give you a thorough overview of mileage markers so you can plan ahead. Routine Maintenance checks are generally done at a “30-60-90” mileage marker, meaning every thirty thousand miles or so you should schedule a tune-up and maintenance appointment with your trusted mechanic or service provider. This ensures that your vehicle will run properly, and avoids costly repairs as some parts may wear out earlier than anticipated depending on your driving style/habits.

A great way to stay prepared so you never miss a service call is to have a running savings account for vehicle repairs and maintenance bills. To do that, most vehicles have an estimated calculator online for cost of operations and average maintenance, so you can best budget your finances to avoid costly repairs as often as you can.

Let’s take a look at what mileage markers you can expect to schedule an appointment:

Every 3,000-6,000 miles you should receive an oil change. (Check your vehicle’s manufacturer guide for specific mileage requirements and type of oil – synthetic or regular. Older models may need closer to the 3k mark)
If you’re purchasing or leasing a brand new vehicle, you’ll generally want to schedule a maintenance appointment at the 10,000 mile mark. This initial service will often include tire rotation, air filter, oil change and parts.
Older non-electronic ignition systems vehicles should be serviced either 10,000-12,000 miles or annually (whichever comes first!) and those with newer fuel injection systems and electronic ignitions can go 25,000+ between major tune-ups; check with your trusted mechanic or service department for guidelines, and consult your vehicle manufacturer handbook.
At 10,000 miles you should have your tires rotated and vehicle aligned.
At 30,000 miles you should have a full tune-up service including coolant, power steering, hoses and belts checked/replaced, and an engine checkup.
At 50,000 miles you may need to service the following: Shocks and struts (suspension system), replace brake pads, new fuel filter, exhaust system inspection, automatic transmission tune-up and service.
50,000-70,000 miles you’ll need to inspect all of the belts, valves, and hoses, and you’ll want to install new tires if you haven’t already. (Always replace your tires at least 2 at a time)
Around 60,000-70,000 miles you’ll need to have your fuel pump and water pump examined for cracks, wear, and tear and especially so if you notice any buzzing noises or your vehicle seems to stall frequently.
Car Batteries last roughly about 80,000 miles, so if you notice you need to frequently jump your car, there’s a lot of erosion or leaking fluids, then you’ll want to have that swapped out ASAP before your car breaks down.
Your spark plugs should be replaced between 80,000-100,000 miles.
90,000 miles is time to have another full tune-up and once over of your vehicle
At 100,000 miles, you’ll need to have a bumper-to-bumper inspection of your vehicle including engine, transmission, water pump, timing belt, etc. You’ll need to switch to high-mileage coolants and spark plugs, too.
At 125,000 miles, the O2 sensors will need to be replaced, the AC/Heating will need service, and you’ll need to replace: coolant, fuel filter, brake fluid, shocks and struts, and get an alignment.
For high mileage vehicles 180,000-250,000 miles, you’ll want to check the axles, drive shafts, airflow sensor, belts and timing chain, power steering, chassis, fuel injectors, etc. It will need a thorough inspection from bumper to bumper and may require more frequent service maintenance for a smooth ride.