How often should I get my car serviced?

Most cars should be serviced every 5,000–7,500 miles or about every 6–12 months, whichever comes first. If your driving is mostly stop-and-go, towing, or extreme weather, you may need service closer to the 5,000-mile range.

What This Means

Service intervals aren’t one-size-fits-all—your schedule depends on mileage, driving style, and how the car is used day to day. For example, a used Chevrolet Equinox doing school runs in Findlay traffic will typically need routine checks sooner than a Chevy driven mainly on highway commutes.

• Follow your owner’s manual for the official baseline intervals.
• Ask for a multi-point inspection (brakes, fluids, tires, filters, belts/hoses) even when you’re “close” to the next interval.
• Don’t skip seasonal items—wiper blades in winter and battery/charging checks can prevent roadside issues.

One helpful benchmark: studies show that regular maintenance can improve reliability and reduce the chance of major failures. For instance, AAA has reported that maintaining a vehicle helps prevent breakdowns and can extend component life; see [Source] for details.

Why It Matters

Staying on schedule helps you catch small problems early—like a slow coolant leak, worn brake pads, or an aging battery—before they turn into expensive repairs. It also protects performance and fuel economy, which matters for family budgets when you’re driving a used vehicle like a Chevrolet Silverado for work or weekend projects.

• Brake and tire wear are often the biggest “everyday” costs—inspect them regularly.
• Fluid health (oil, coolant, transmission fluid) supports longevity.
• Safety components get checked on time: lights, wipers, steering/suspension, and more.

Your Next Steps

To decide your exact timing, check your current mileage and note how you drive—then plan service before the next milestone. If you’re unsure what a used Chevy needs, bring it by for an inspection and we’ll help you build a simple, affordable schedule.

1. Look at your owner’s manual for the recommended interval.
2. If you drive in heavy stop-and-go or weather extremes, shift toward the earlier end (about 5,000 miles).
3. Schedule service at Cars On Main in Findlay, OH before warning lights or symptoms show up.

Ready to keep your used Chevrolet running right? Contact Cars On Main to get in touch and we’ll help you plan your next service visit.