This is the
first mileage interval that manufactures recommend you have specific fluids and
filters inspected and or replaced. It’s can also be very confusing for many consumers
because of advertisements for this service have been known to have prices all
over the board. Most will ask the question. How much is this service for my
vehicle and why are there so many different prices? The answer is, it depends and
the reason is this. Manufacturers’ list a variety of different items in a
vehicle owner’s guide or manual that should be inspected and or replaced at
30,000 miles.
The
important thing to understand is the recommendations set forth by the
manufacturer should be used as a guide only. Maintenance is not a one size fits
all where no two drivers are the same and no two makes or models are same. Sure
the entry level 30,000 service is always a good place to start but there are just
too many variables involved when it comes to proper car care. For example;
Climate plays a major role, driving habits, driving conditions, dirt or dusty
roads, highway, city stop and go, high speed etc… Manufacturers’ do great job of designing and
building vehicle’s for us to enjoy however the maintenance procedures set forth
in most owner’s manual are based on the minimum requirements to keep the
warranty valid and, to show the lowest operating costs possible during that specific
time period. What’s interesting is, as the cost of vehicles have soared
maintenance procedures have been reduced or worst yet even eliminated. If you
are buying or leasing a new vehicle every 3-5 years and you do the minimum
required maintenance in your owner’s manual, this will get you to the first
100k miles with relatively trouble-fee operation. However; what got you to the
first 100k miles won’t get you to the second 100k and in some cases it won’t
even get to the next 50k miles.
