The oil should be changed every 3,000 miles. Some cars don't require this attention, but older cars and used cars will benefit a great deal from regular attention. When you have the oil changed, you protect the engine and keep your vehicle running longer and more dependably. In addition to mileage, you should also consider the amount of short trips you take, the weather that you drive in, the amount of stop-and-go driving you do, whether or not you use your vehicle for towing, and any engine modifications, such as turbocharging.
Another routine part of servicing is to change the filters. Your car's engine runs because of an internal combustion process that utilizes both fuel and air. Without air, the fuels, either diesel or gasoline, will not be able to burn and the engine won't have power. The filter ensures that the air reaching the engine is clean. Without a clean filter, the engine will perform poorly as debris gets sucked inside and eventually the dirty engine will shorten the life of the car.
Don't forget to have the belts changed about every 100,000 miles. The timing belt maintains the precision that is so important to each of your engine's functions. It is responsible for coordinating the rotation of the valves and pistons, as well as the crankshaft and the camshaft. The belt has a variety of life expectancies, based on the type of the car. Refer to your owner's manual to determine when to change the belt.
Finally, make sure to review all of the information in your owner's manual. By having your used car regularly serviced, you will extend the life of the car and enjoy fewer problems along the way. If you don't have an owner's manual, speak to a technician about getting a maintenance and service schedule.
