Time Vs. Mileage: When Should You Do Car Maintenance?

Every driver should know that routine maintenance is the only answer to ensuring the long life of a car. However, it is a normal thing for vehicle owners to be confused about whether to schedule their next car maintenance based on time or mileage. Knowing the best approach for your car will save you from spending on unneeded repairs and keep your car in top condition. Let’s have a look at both methods and their advantages and disadvantages to find out which way is the best for your car maintenance.

Why Consider Time-Based Maintenance?

• Preventive Care: As opposed to mileage-based maintenance, time-based maintenance places an emphasis on regular check-ups based on a particular period of time instead of the distance traveled. This type of maintenance is needed for parts that disintegrate from oxidation, moisture, and contamination during their lifetime. Fluids like motor oil, coolant, and brake oil start to lose their effectiveness and even break down even if the car is driven only occasionally. Therefore, by maintaining a schedule according to a time-related parameter, these fluids are replaced before they become too corroded, avoiding the risk of any damage to your engine and other key systems.
• Seasonal Changes: Another advantage of time-based maintenance is that it helps you to prepare your car for seasonal changes. Extreme temperature changes and weather conditions may damage your vehicle. Take for example, before winter you might need to do the coolant replacement, check the tires for adequate tread, and make sure the windshield wipers are working fine. Also, going into summer, it’s a good idea to get your air conditioning system, coolants, and battery checked. The scheduling of the maintenance by time allows you to be prepared and address any needs that could arise from the season so that your car can handle whatever the weather brings.

Downsides of Time-Based Maintenance

• Over-Maintenance: A regular system of time-based maintenance service might result in some of the service being completed in vain, mostly when the car is not used a lot. For example, to an extent, it is a waste of time and resources to change the oil in your car after let’s say six months when you only drove the car for a few hundred miles during that time. It may mean more expense for parts and labor, and no great performance improvements or longer life expectancy of your car.
• Ignoring Actual Wear and Tear: The time-based maintenance type isn’t always adapted to the state of the car’s components. Some parts, like brake pads, tires, and filters, may seem to be in equally good condition after the recommended time period has passed. On the other hand, exposing the car to rough conditions can cause some parts to wear quicker than the expected or scheduled time. Adherence to time intervals in scheduling may lead to the replacement of parts that still have a lot of life left or a dismissal of parts that require more frequent attention depending on your specific driving habits.

Why Consider Mileage-Based Maintenance?

• Actual Wear and Tear: The Mileage-based plan focuses on car usage. Components like tires, brakes, and spark plugs that get used more tend to wear out faster depending on how much the car is utilized. Through this strategic approach, maintenance is only done when it’s necessary, e.g. repairs are performed before breakdowns thereby extending the lifetime of the car.
• Cost-Effective: Using mile-based maintenance helps to avoid unnecessary spending. For instance, this is no reason to replace parts that have not been used. This can save you some money in the long term.

Downsides of Mileage-Based Maintenance

• Neglecting Time-Sensitive Components: Certain car components deteriorate much faster than mileage would suggest. Adhering to mileage-based maintenance would make you miss these things and eventually cause problems.
• Inconsistent Schedules: Irregular driving habits can make it tough to remember when the next service is due. This inconsistency may be a reason why it is difficult to adhere to an appropriate maintenance timetable.

Trust MNM Auto Repair With Your Routine Maintenance Needs

At MNM Auto Repair, we are the best repair shop for European cars located in Fords, New Jersey. If you don’t know in advance whether you should schedule a routine car maintenance based on time or mileage, we’ll recommend the exact schedule that suits your specific vehicle and driving style. Call us at (732) 738-3988​ or come to our workshop in Woodbridge Township to enjoy the most upscale customer experience.