The term “30-60-90 maintenance” refers to a scheduled vehicle maintenance plan that is based on mileage intervals: every 30,000 miles, 60,000 miles, and 90,000 miles (or the metric equivalent: ~50,000 km, 100,000 km, and 150,000 km).

This schedule is followed by most automakers and service centers to ensure your car stays in optimal condition throughout its life.

Let’s go step-by-step in detail 👇

1. What Is 30-60-90 Maintenance?

The 30-60-90 maintenance schedule is a manufacturer-recommended service plan that specifies which parts of your vehicle should be inspected, replaced, or serviced at every 30,000-mile interval.

It’s called:

30,000-mile service
60,000-mile service
90,000-mile service

Each stage includes more in-depth checks and replacements, because parts wear differently over time.

2. Purpose of 30-60-90 Maintenance

Objective	Explanation
Prevent breakdowns	Identify and fix wear before it causes a failure.
Maximize performance	Keeps the engine, transmission, and brakes working efficiently.
Increase lifespan	Regular servicing prevents major component damage.
Maintain warranty	Following scheduled service keeps manufacturer warranty valid.
Preserve resale value	Service records increase the car’s resale price.

3. 30,000-Mile Service (Approx. 50,000 km)

This is the first major service for a new car — focuses mainly on fluids, filters, and inspections.

Typical Maintenance Tasks:

Replace engine oil and oil filter
Replace air filter
Replace cabin (AC) filter
Inspect brakes, rotors, and pads
Check and top up:
- Coolant
- Transmission fluid
- Brake fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Windshield washer fluid
Inspect tires (rotation, alignment, balancing)
Check battery health and charging system
Inspect belts and hoses
Scan for engine diagnostic codes (OBD)

🕒 Goal: Maintain engine health and vehicle reliability in early life.

4. 60,000-Mile Service (Approx. 100,000 km)

This service digs deeper — addressing systems that wear more slowly but are critical for performance and safety.

Typical Maintenance Tasks:

All 30,000-mile services, plus:
Replace spark plugs
Replace fuel filter
Replace brake fluid
Flush coolant system
Check and possibly replace transmission fluid/filter
Inspect suspension components (shocks, struts)
Check drive belts and timing belt (if applicable)
Inspect exhaust system
Inspect steering components

🕒 Goal: Keep the engine, transmission, and cooling system efficient for the long term.

5. 90,000-Mile Service (Approx. 150,000 km)

This is a major service milestone. Many critical components approach the end of their lifespan here.

🔧 Typical Maintenance Tasks:

All 30,000 and 60,000-mile tasks, plus:
Replace timing belt/chain (very important in many cars)
Replace water pump (if timing belt driven)
Replace transmission fluid (automatic or CVT)
Replace differential and transfer case fluids (for 4WD/AWD vehicles)
Inspect or replace drive axles and CV joints
Replace serpentine belts
Check engine mounts and suspension bushings
Comprehensive computer diagnostics scan

🕒 Goal: Overhaul aging systems to prevent major failures as the vehicle reaches midlife.

6. Additional Checks at Every Interval

At 30k, 60k, and 90k, these are always checked:

Tire tread and pressure
Lights (headlights, indicators, brake lights)
Windshield wipers
Battery terminals and voltage
Fluid leaks or corrosion

7. Why These Intervals Matter

Interval	Focus Area	Risk if Ignored
30,000 miles	Filters and fluids	Reduced engine efficiency
60,000 miles	Ignition and cooling	Poor performance, overheating
90,000 miles	Major mechanical systems	Timing belt failure, breakdown

8. Average Cost (Approximate)

Service	Cost in USA (USD)	Cost in India (INR)
30,000-mile service	$150–$300	₹5,000–₹10,000
60,000-mile service	$400–$700	₹10,000–₹20,000
90,000-mile service	$700–$1,200	₹20,000–₹35,000

(Cost depends on make, model, and whether it’s done at a dealership or local garage.)

9. Signs You’re Overdue for Service

Warning lights (Check Engine, Oil, Battery, etc.)
Poor fuel economy
Rough idling or misfires
Noisy brakes
Hard starting
Delayed gear shifting
Unusual vibrations

10. Summary Table

Interval	Maintenance Tasks	Main Goal
30,000 miles (50,000 km)	Oil, air filter, brakes, fluids	Basic preventive maintenance
60,000 miles (100,000 km)	Spark plugs, coolant, transmission fluid	Midlife performance tune-up
90,000 miles (150,000 km)	Timing belt, water pump, drive belts	Major mechanical service

In Simple Terms

30-60-90 maintenance is like your car’s long-term health check-up schedule —
Just like humans need regular medical exams at different ages, cars need these periodic maintenance services to stay healthy, efficient, and safe.