Personal finance guru Jrod Money recently outlined the 30-60-90 rule for vehicle maintenance.
The core philosophy is that keeping a car paid off and well-maintained is a primary driver of wealth, as it allows you to invest what would otherwise be a monthly car payment.
Here is the breakdown of the maintenance milestones:
30,000 Miles: Engine & Performance
Focuses on keeping the engine running smoothly and ensuring basic safety.
Replacements: Engine air filter, engine oil, and oil filter.
Inspections: Fuel filter, brakes (pads and rotors).
Tires: Rotation and alignment.
60,000 Miles: Fluids & Wear Items
Focuses on replacing components and fluids that degrade over time.
Fluid Services: Transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant system flush.
Mechanical: Replace spark plugs and inspect/replace drive belts.
Tires: Deep inspection of tire tread for potential replacement.
90,000 Miles: Deep Inspection & Critical Parts
Focuses on "big-ticket" items to prevent catastrophic failure.
Critical: Replacing the timing belt and inspecting the water pump.
Systems: Inspecting the suspension, exhaust system, and battery for corrosion.
TL;DR
While the specific needs vary by make and model, the "expensive" part of car ownership is usually neglect, not the maintenance itself. Spending a few hundred dollars on a service can prevent a multi-thousand-dollar repair later.
Thanks for reading everybody!
-Paul