Could an Expert Post a sticky on Regular Car Maintenance for N00bs?

['Chair]

Could an Expert Post a sticky on Regular Car Maintenance for N00bs?

I was thinking something like

oil change every x miles/mths
tire balance and rotation every other oil change
timing belt every 90k (US cars use chains and don't require changing if IIRC)
air filter every x miles

[d10]

Aren't you purchasing a new car soon? There will be a manufacturer recommended schedule in the owners manual. Different cars will have different needs. Generally I'd say 5k miles for oil, 30k for air filter. Spark plugs is hard to say, copper plugs should be changed out every 5-10k miles but platinum plugs could be fine for 100k. Timing belt also varies, I'd be a lot more conservative with it on an interference engine vs a noninterference engine. Transmission and coolant changes I would just line up with whenever I do the timing belt.

[scotchnrocks]

[ QUOTE ]
Aren't you purchasing a new car soon? There will be a manufacturer recommended schedule in the owners manual. Different cars will have different needs. Generally I'd say 5k miles for oil, 30k for air filter. Spark plugs is hard to say, copper plugs should be changed out every 5-10k miles but platinum plugs could be fine for 100k. Timing belt also varies, I'd be a lot more conservative with it on an interference engine vs a noninterference engine. Transmission and coolant changes I would just line up with whenever I do the timing belt.

[/ QUOTE ]

This is good advice...as mentioned check the owners manual, it will have recommended maintenance up to 100-120k miles or more. Also check the power steering fluid level every 6 months or so.

[Thremp]

Some cars need oil every 3k some need it every 15k-18k. A standard guide is available with every car. It's called your owner's manual.