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Select A Service
Normal vs Severe Driving
Driving Conditions Impact How You Care For Your Vehicle Severe Driving Conditions
Two Things You Should Know
Most vehicle manufacturers have two classifications for driving conditions: normal and severe.
They routinely use these classifications to recommend how often you should have services, such as oil changes, performed on your vehicle.
  I drive in stop-and-go traffic
  I drive in extremely hot or cold temperatures
  I drive at prolonged higher engine speeds
  I take short trips averaging 5-10 minutes in length
  I have multiple cold start-ups each day
  I experience extensive engine idling
  I tow and/or haul heavy loads
  I drive in dusty or muddy conditions
  I drive in mountainous terrain
  None of these apply to me
The importance of vehicle maintenance

Regardless of the conditions in which you drive, it's important to follow your vehicle manufacturer's maintenance recommendations. Keeping your vehicle on a proper preventive maintenance schedule will help keep it running smoothly and preserve its value.

5 Top Tips for Vehicle Maintenance
  1. Know your driving conditions and reference your owner's manual for your vehicle's preventive maintenance schedule.
  2. Change your engine oil and filter as appropriate. The oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle.
  3. Keep your tires pumped. To maximize gas mileage, find the proper tire pressure in your vehicle owner's manual or door jamb. Be sure to check your spare too.
  4. Check your air filter. An engine air filter is like your vehicle's lung.
  5. Check your vital fluids every time you fuel your car. These vital fluids include:
    • Engine Oil
    • Coolant level
    • Washer fluid
    • Power Steering
    • Automatic Transmission
    • Brake Fluid (just look) good indicator of brake pad wear.
Normal vs. Severe Driving Conditions...

What's the Difference?
Service intervals can vary quite a bit for normal vs. severe driving conditions. For example, here you can see the difference in recommended oil change schedules for common vehicles serviced by Jiffy Lube.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2003 Honda Accord 2.4L
Normal Service
12 months or 10,000 miles
Severe Service
6 months or 5,000 miles
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2005 Ford F-150 5.4L
Normal Service
5,000 miles
Severe Service
3 months or 3,000 miles
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2004 Chevrolet
Trailblazer 4.2L
Normal Service
12 months, 7,500 miles
Severe Service
3 months or 3,000 miles
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