General Maintenance
Complete car maintenance schedules, mileage milestones, and preventive service checklists.
10 articles
Windshield wiper replacement - size and cost
Wiper blades cost $15-$40 for a pair and take 5 minutes to install with no tools. Shops charge $30-$60 for the labor, which is almost always unnecessary.
Spark plug replacement - when, how, and cost
Expect $100–$500 to replace spark plugs by engine type. Iridium plugs last 80,000–100,000 miles. Intervals by plug type, costs by vehicle, and DIY steps.
Timing belt replacement - signs, cost, and when
Expect $500-$1,000 to replace a timing belt at an independent shop, due at 60,000-105,000 miles. On interference engines, a snapped belt means $3,000+ damage.
Power steering fluid - when and how to change it
Most cars built after 2015 have electric power steering and no fluid to change. If yours has hydraulic steering, expect $80–$150 at a shop or $10–$20 DIY.
Car maintenance tips for beginners (2026)
Five maintenance tasks that prevent the most expensive failures, three easy DIY jobs that save real money, and how to find a mechanic you can actually trust.
Car maintenance cost by make, ranked (2026)
Toyota averages $5,996 over 10 years to maintain. BMW averages $17,800. Cost data by brand from RepairPal and Consumer Reports, with per-service comparisons.
Car maintenance checklist - 30-point inspection
Printable 30-point car maintenance checklist covering fluids, tires, brakes, lights, belts, and underbody - one-line checks plus what failure looks like.
Car maintenance by mileage - 30K to 150K guide
What your car needs at every mileage milestone — 30K, 50K, 60K, 75K, 100K, and 150K — with 2026 cost ranges from AAA, RepairPal, and Kelley Blue Book.
Air filter replacement - engine and cabin filters
Engine and cabin air filters cost $10-$25 each and take 2-10 minutes to install with no tools. Shops charge $40-$95 in labor for the same 2-minute job.
Car Maintenance Schedule: What to Do and When (2026)
A complete car maintenance schedule by mileage — from oil changes every 5,000-10,000 miles to timing belts at 60,000-100,000. Covers normal vs. severe service schedules, costs for every major service, and the milestone services at 30K, 60K, and 100K miles.