What Is a 50,000-mile Vehicle Service?
An engine oil change, fuel filter replacement, and brake pad inspection are just some of what happens at a 50,000-mile service. Click here for the full details.
Written by Andrea Barrett
Reviewed by Pat Roache
Regular vehicle services are essential to maintain the optimal performance of your vehicle. At a 50,000-mile service, you’ll get an oil change, fuel filter replacement, brake pad and exhaust system inspection, and a suspension inspection.
Staying on top of your car’s maintenance is one of the simplest and most important ways to extend the life of your vehicle and ensure everything under the hood is working as it should. While the
check engine light
is one way to know something is wrong, the odometer reading is a quick cue that lets you know when it’s time to schedule a maintenance appointment. If you’re closing in on the 50,000-mile mark, we’re giving you all the details about what the 50,000-mile service entails and how to keep your vehicle performing at its best.
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What is a 50,000-mile service?
Once your odometer reaches 50,000 miles (give or take), it’s time to schedule a 50,000-mile maintenance service. Just as you do at 5,000, 10,000, and 25,000 miles, your mechanic will inspect certain components of your vehicle to ensure they’re operating correctly. But because wear and tear increase on your car per mile, certain parts that may not have been checked before will be checked at this service.
Oil change
An oil and filter change is one of the most basic maintenance services that keep your engine running smoothly. Vehicles using conventional oil should be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, whereas synthetic oil can be changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.
Low oil levels or
black and gritty engine oil
can easily damage your engine, so keeping up with regular engine oil changes is important to maintain engine performance and extend the lifespan of your vehicle. Be sure to change the filter when you do an oil change, as it can clog with sediment. MORE: Which is better: synthetic or conventional oil?
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Fuel filter replacement
A vehicle’s fuel filter is a permeable barrier that cleans the fuel of impurities, sediment, contaminants, and rust before they have an opportunity to get inside the fuel injection system and the engine. Because they’re a filter, they can quickly become clogged, interfering with fuel flow to the engine.
A pressure test is performed to determine if the fuel filter needs to be changed.
Brake pad inspection
Proper brake pad maintenance is essential for helping your car last, but it’s also necessary for your and your passengers' safety. Generally, brake pads should be replaced every 10,000 to 20,000 miles to reduce wear, while rotors should be changed between 50,000 and 70,000 miles to ensure optimal brake performance. But how often you need your brake pads changed will largely depend on your driving habits.
A brake pas inspection is a simple check to determine the brake pad's thickness. Ideally, brake pads should be thicker than 6.4 mm (¼ inches) for optimal performance. If they are thinner than this—minimum thickness is about 3.2 mm (⅛ inches)—it might be time for a brake pad replacement.
MORE: How to tell if your brake pads and shoes are worn out
Automatic transmission fuel and filter replacement
Most fluids in a vehicle perform two important functions: lubrication and cleaning. As the fluid circulates through the vehicle’s parts, it collects dirt and metal shavings that can accumulate over time. Sometimes this debris will settle at the bottom, while other times, it will circulate. That’s why a transmission fluid flush is important—it ensures any debris is removed before new transmission fluid is poured into the vehicle.
Regular transmission fluid changes are important for vehicles with an automatic transmission to maintain proper lubrication of moving parts and provide hydraulic pressure and friction to make the internal components work.
MORE: What is semi-automatic transmission?
Exhaust system inspection
Although a simple procedure, an exhaust system inspection is a critical service. A mechanic will visually inspect the exhaust manifold to the tail pipe. A properly functioning exhaust system is important to regulate your vehicle’s emissions and ensure your vehicle will pass an emissions test. They’ll check for visible or audible exhaust leaks, blockages in the exhaust system, catalytic converter health, and the fuel control system.
MORE: What is a straight pipe exhaust system?
Suspension system inspection
A vehicle’s suspension is an important component of a car that keeps your vehicle’s tires in contact with the road, regardless of how slanted, bumpy, or straight the road is.
The suspension system consists of three main parts: springs, dampers, and sway bars. During a suspension inspection, a mechanic will likely inspect for leaks, cracks, and other damage, spin the tires to determine any uneven wear and bounce the car to ensure the shocks and struts are functioning correctly.
Most often, suspension problems appear as ride control complaints—heavy "body lean" during turning, "nosediving" while braking, "bouncing" sensation or vibration from bumps and potholes. If you’re experiencing any of these, a suspension inspection might be what you need.
MORE: Suspension spring coil replacement cost
What is a good car maintenance schedule to follow?
Keeping up with regular car maintenance is important, but remembering when to do what can be tricky.
Following a basic car maintenance schedule makes it easy to stay on track—and keep your vehicle on the road where it belongs! Most manufacturers use 30-60-90 service intervals, meaning certain items need to be inspected or replaced at 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles. But sometimes, parts need to be checked before the recommended timeframe in your owner’s manual.
- At 5,000 to 7,500 miles: Engine oil and filter change, fluid level inspection, tire inspection.
- At 15,000 to 30,000 miles: Engine oil and filter change, engine air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, brake pad inspection, tire rotation, HVAC system, radiator hose inspection, belts, ignition system, and spark plugs.
- At 35,000 to 50,000 miles: Engine oil and filter change, battery inspection, power steering and suspension inspection, tire rotation, transmission fluid replacement, cooling system.
- At 60,000 miles: Transmission fluid replacement (if not done at 50,000 miles), brake fluid levels, brake pad and rotor inspection, serpentine belts.
- At 90,000 miles: Engine oil and filter change, belts, hoses.
MORE: Does car insurance cover repairs?
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FAQs
How much does a 50,000-mile maintenance service cost?
The cost of a 50,000-mile maintenance service depends on what needs to be done, but basic services can start at less than $100 per year. Here are some estimates for basic services:
- Engine oil and filter change: $50-$200
- Cabin air filter replacement: $60-$175
- Tire rotation: $25-$140
- Wiper blade replacement: $7-$90
- Brake pad replacement: $100-$350
- Multipoint inspection: Free-$250
Depending on the length of your vehicle’s warranty and if you’ve purchased a maintenance plan, these costs may be covered.
Is a 50,000-mile service important?
Yes—The 50,000-mile service is especially important, as you may need to replace worn parts such as brake pads, fuel filters, and fluids. This inspection also looks at the exhaust system and suspension to ensure your car is functioning optimally and safely.
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