Preventive maintenance is the cheapest car-ownership strategy there is. Every euro spent on timely service typically saves between 5 and 20 euros on the major repair you avoided. Here's the general mileage-based schedule we recommend to Sevenforce clients.
Every 10-15,000 km. Engine oil and oil filter change is the foundation. In parallel we check the other fluid levels (brake, coolant, power steering), the condition of the air and cabin filters, tire pressure, and brake pad thickness. A 1-2 hour job that heads off most urgent failures.
Every 30-50,000 km. Air and cabin filters if not already replaced. Brake fluid change (it's hygroscopic, absorbs moisture from the air and loses its properties). Spark plug check. Full suspension diagnostic: bushings, struts, CV joints. Inspection and re-tensioning of accessory belts.
Every 60-100,000 km. Timing belt and idler replacement, a critical job: if the belt snaps, engine repair costs ten times more than the belt service. Spark plug change. Coolant flush and refill. Transmission fluid change in automatic gearboxes (for most modern automatics this is required despite the marketing claim of "filled for life").
Signs you need an urgent visit rather than waiting for the scheduled service: the check-engine light comes on, strange noises while braking or turning, the car pulls to one side, fuel consumption rises for no reason, vibrations appear in the steering wheel. These symptoms rarely resolve on their own and are usually cheaper to fix immediately.
If you don't have a service log or can't remember what was done when, come in for a diagnostic. We'll reconstruct your car's service history and lay out a personalized schedule for the next 50,000 km.
