Updated November 14, 2026 · By the AutoEase team
For most modern cars: oil change every 5,000–10,000 miles or 6–12 months, tire rotation every 5,000–7,500 miles, brakes inspected about once a year, engine air filter every 15,000–30,000 miles. Whichever comes first, miles or months. Your owner’s manual has your car’s exact schedule.
“Miles or months, whichever comes first”
Most services have two limits: a distance and a time. Oil breaks down with age as well as use, and rubber and fluids age even when a car sits. So a service is due when you hit either limit. If you drive little, the months will usually come first.
Typical service intervals
These are common ranges for modern passenger cars. Your owner’s manual lists the exact schedule for your car, and it always wins.
| Service | Typical interval | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oil and filter change | 5,000–10,000 mi / 6–12 mo | Most newer cars use synthetic oil and sit at the longer end. Many show an oil-life reminder on the dash. |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Often done with each oil change. Evens out wear so tires last longer. |
| Tire pressure check | Monthly | Use the pressure on the driver’s door sticker, not the number on the tire. |
| Brake inspection | About once a year | Sooner if you hear squealing or grinding, or the pedal feels soft. |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | More often on dusty or unpaved roads. |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi / yearly | Affects the air you breathe inside the car, and A/C airflow. |
| Wiper blades | 6–12 months | Replace when they streak or chatter. |
| Battery test | Yearly after 3 years | Car batteries often last 3–5 years; heat shortens that. |
| Coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, spark plugs | See your manual | Intervals vary widely by make and model, often 30,000–100,000+ miles. |
Do you drive in “severe” conditions?
Many manuals have a second, shorter schedule for severe service. It often applies to ordinary driving: mostly short trips, stop-and-go traffic, towing, dusty roads, or very hot or cold weather. If that sounds like you, use the shorter intervals.
Weather affects your car too
Tire pressure drops as the temperature falls, roughly 1 psi for every 10°F, so a cold snap can leave tires under-inflated overnight. Extreme heat is hard on batteries and the cooling system. Check tire pressure when it turns cold, and coolant and battery before a heat wave.
The schedule AutoEase uses
When you add your car, AutoEase starts with conservative intervals that suit most passenger vehicles and adjusts the oil change for makes that are known to differ. It tracks each one by miles and by time, and turns it yellow within 30 days or 500 miles of being due.
| Service | Every | Or every |
|---|---|---|
| Oil change* | 7,500 mi | 6 months |
| Tire rotation | 7,500 mi | 6 months |
| Brake inspection | 12,000 mi | 12 months |
| Engine air filter | 15,000 mi | 12 months |
These are general intervals, not your car’s exact factory schedule. If your owner’s manual or oil-life monitor says sooner, go by that.
Common questions
How often should I change my oil?
Most newer cars using synthetic oil need an oil change every 5,000 to 10,000 miles or 6 to 12 months, whichever comes first. Check your owner’s manual or your car’s oil-life monitor for your exact interval.
Is the 3,000-mile oil change still necessary?
For most modern cars, no. The 3,000-mile rule dates from older engines and oils. Follow your owner’s manual, and use its severe-service schedule if you mostly make short trips, tow, or drive in extreme heat or cold.
How often should tires be rotated?
Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, which is why many people do it with each oil change.
What if I don’t drive much?
Time limits still apply. Oil and fluids age even when a car sits, so a car driven little is often due by months before miles.
Let AutoEase remember for you. Scan your VIN once and AutoEase tracks your services, reminds you before they’re due and checks for recalls. Free, no account. Get AutoEase.
More guides: Where to find your car’s VIN · How to check if your car has a safety recall