Developing a Maintenance Schedule

Keeping your GM vehicle maintained is less costly than a major repair. Small problems only become bigger when they are left unattended and can lead to expensive towing charges, repair bills and poor performance. To maintain your car, you should always follow your owner's manual instructions, as it is full of information that applies directly to your vehicle. For your convenience, however, here is a universal maintenance schedule that you might find additionally helpful.

Once a week or at each fill-up

Check your oil, water, wiper fluid, engine coolant/antifreeze level and tire condition and pressure.

Monthly check

Inspect transmission fluid and brake fluid, windshield wiper blades and power steering fluid. Review condition of belts, hoses and battery cables.

Every six months or 6,000 miles

Check the brake system and inspect and/or rotate tires. Review condition of clutch system (manual transmissions) and chassis lubrication.

Once a year

Have under-body flushing performed and service engine cooling system (which should include inspecting the radiator, water pump, fan belt, thermostat(s), radiator cap and antifreeze). Check accelerator control system, and lubricate doors, locks, hinges and parking brake.

15,000 miles

Inspect automatic transmission. Change auto transmission fluid and filter.

30,000 miles

Change spark plugs and fuel filter, inspect spark plug wire, check engine timing.
This schedule is a sample of the maintenance inspections and services required for many cars and trucks. It is not meant to replace the schedule provided in your owner's manual. Always refer to your owner's manual to achieve the best performance from your vehicle.

Note: In some cases, automakers do not advise tire rotation. Check your manual to find out when wheel alignment and wheel balancing are necessary.