What Is the 30/60/90 Rule For Cars

Every vehicle needs consistent maintenance to stay reliable long-term. One of the easiest ways to keep your car running smoothly and avoid surprise breakdowns is by following the 30/60/90 maintenance rule—a factory-recommended service schedule used by most vehicle manufacturers.

This rule is designed to address wear and tear before it turns into expensive repairs, helping your car last longer and perform better over time.

What Does the 30/60/90 Rule Mean?

The 30/60/90 rule refers to major service intervals at approximately:

• 30,000 miles

• 60,000 miles

• 90,000 miles

At each of these mileage milestones, a technician inspects and services key vehicle systems based on manufacturer recommendations. While routine services like oil changes still happen more frequently, they’re often included as part of these larger scheduled checkups.

Following this schedule helps:

• Prevent breakdowns

• Catch problems early

• Maintain resale value

• Keep a clean maintenance history

What’s Included in a 30/60/90 Service?

At these intervals, a professional technician typically inspects and services many of the vehicle’s critical components, which may include:

• Oil and filter change

• Tire rotation and pressure check

• Replacement of air, cabin, or fuel filters

• Spark plug inspection or replacement

• Brake inspection and brake fluid service

• Coolant and transmission fluid service

• Inspection of belts, hoses, and seals

• Suspension and steering checks

The exact services vary depending on the vehicle’s make, model, and driving conditions.

What Happens at 30,000 Miles?

At 30,000 miles, most vehicles don’t need major repairs yet, but preventative maintenance is key.

Common services include:

• Oil change

• Engine air and cabin filter replacement

• Fluid top-offs

• Tire rotation

• General inspection

This service focuses on keeping the engine clean and ensuring all systems are operating as intended.

What Happens at 60,000 Miles?

By 60,000 miles, more components begin to show wear.

Technicians may:

• Inspect or replace brake components

• Service brake fluid

• Check or replace transmission fluid

• Test the battery

• Inspect belts, hoses, and spark plugs

This milestone is important because it helps prevent mid-life vehicle failures.

What Happens at 90,000 Miles?

The 90,000-mile service is usually the most involved.

Common services may include:

• Spark plug replacement

• Timing belt or chain inspection (or replacement if required)

• Hose and belt replacement

• More extensive fluid services

• Deeper inspection of worn components

At this stage, driving habits and vehicle age play a big role in what needs attention.

Why Following the 30/60/90 Rule Matters

Skipping these services can lead to:

• Reduced fuel efficiency

• Poor performance

• Costly repairs later

• Unexpected breakdowns

Staying on schedule keeps your vehicle reliable, especially as it gets older.

How to Know What Your Car Needs

Your owner’s manual is the best source for your specific maintenance schedule. If you’re unsure what services your vehicle needs at its current mileage, a trusted repair shop can review your maintenance history and recommend the right next steps.