Car Maintenance Schedule Generator
Know exactly what's due based on your car and mileage — never miss a service
Guessing at your maintenance schedule costs you money — either through missed services that cause early failures, or over-servicing based on outdated "every 3,000 miles" myths. Our maintenance schedule generator tailors service intervals to your specific make, model, and mileage.
Enter your vehicle and current mileage to get a color-coded service checklist: red means overdue, amber means due within 1,000 miles, green means you're covered. Print the checklist or email yourself a PDF to bring to the shop.
How to Use the Car Maintenance Schedule Generator
- 1 Select your car's Make, Model, and Year from the dropdowns (powered by NHTSA vehicle data).
- 2 Enter your current odometer mileage — the more accurate, the better your results.
- 3 Click Generate My Schedule to see all services with their due mileage and status.
- 4 Use Print Checklist or enter your email to receive a printable PDF version.
Modern synthetic oils typically last 7,500–10,000 miles, not 3,000. However, severe driving conditions — lots of short trips, extreme temperatures, or towing — cut intervals roughly in half. When in doubt, follow your owner's manual.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I really change my oil?
With full synthetic oil, most manufacturers recommend 7,500–10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. With conventional oil or vehicles older than 2010, stick to 5,000 miles. Your owner's manual is the definitive source and always overrides general advice.
What is the difference between a minor and major service?
A minor service typically includes an oil change, filter replacement, and visual inspection. A major service (usually at 30K, 60K, 90K miles) adds spark plugs, air filter, cabin filter, transmission fluid, coolant flush, and a comprehensive inspection — typically $300–$800 at a dealer.
Does skipping maintenance void my warranty?
Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, dealers cannot void your entire warranty for not using their service center. However, if a skipped maintenance item directly caused the failure, that specific repair may not be covered. Keep your own receipts and records as proof.
What happens if I skip a timing belt service?
On an interference engine, a timing belt failure causes catastrophic damage — bent valves, damaged pistons, and a repair bill of $3,000–$8,000. The service itself costs $500–$900. This is the single most critical maintenance item. Know whether your engine is interference or non-interference.