New England’s Tough Driving Conditions: Why Follow Your Car’s Severe Service Schedule
Are you confused about how often to service your car? You’re not alone. The simplest answer is: follow the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual (or the one your service center provides for your specific vehicle). Every car has its own recommended service intervals these days, and the old one-size-fits-all rules are long gone.
For example, oil change recommendations from manufacturers can vary anywhere from 3,000 miles to
15,000 miles depending on the engine and oil type. But here’s the truth:
- The 3,000-mile interval was for much older vehicles – and there are very few of those left on the road in our area.
- The 15,000-mile extended intervals will usually get you through your warranty, but in our experience they often lead to sludge buildup and engine issues over time.
That’s why at Accomplished Auto, we recommend a 5,000-mile oil change interval by default. This falls right in the safe range for both normal and severe duty in the vast majority of today’s vehicles. It gives you the best balance of protection, longevity, and peace of mind.
Normal vs. Severe Service Schedules
Most car manufacturers provide two maintenance schedules in the owner’s manual: one for “normal” driving and one for “severe” driving. Severe service means the car is used in harsher-than-average conditions that put extra stress on components. In those cases, the maintenance tasks (oil changes, filter replacements, inspections, etc.) need to be done more often to keep the vehicle healthy.
And remember—there’s really no safe exception to stretching your service intervals longer than recommended. In fact, the factory intervals already assume pretty ideal conditions. Here in New England, where we rarely drive in “ideal,” sticking with a 5,000-mile oil change and following the severe service schedule is often the smarter, safer choice.
What Counts as “Severe” Driving in New England?
You might be thinking, “Severe driving? That doesn’t apply to me – I just drive around town.” Don’t be so sure! New England’s climate and road conditions often meet the definition of severe service in many owner’s manuals. Here are some common driving conditions in New Hampshire and across New England that require following the severe maintenance schedule:
- Frigid Winters & Road Salt: If you regularly drive in snow, ice, and freezing temperatures,
you’re in severe conditions. Cold starts and sub-zero days are tough on your engine and battery. Plus, salted roads combat ice but cause corrosion on your car’s underside and brakes – a double whammy that warrants more frequent checks and fluid changes. - Hot Summers & Humidity: Our summers are no picnic either – high heat and humidity put stress on cooling systems and batteries. Stop-and-go traffic in road construction zones on a 90°F day counts as severe service because it can make your engine and transmission run hotter, breaking down fluids faster.
- Short Trips & Stop-and-Go Driving: Do you take the kids to school, run frequent errands around town, or drive for a delivery/rideshare side hustle? Frequent short trips (under ~10 miles) and constant idling in traffic prevent your engine from reaching optimal temperature. This leads to moisture buildup and oil sludge, meaning you need oil changes and other services more often. City driving with lots of stop-and-go is actually considered severe use by manufacturers.
- Rough Roads & Heavy Loads: New England roads can be rough – potholes, cracked
pavement, and even dirt or gravel roads in rural areas are common. Navigating bumpy, unpaved roads or construction potholes can wear out tires, alignment, and suspension parts faster (severe use!). Likewise, if you tow a trailer, haul heavy loads, or frequently travel in hilly terrain, you’re putting extra strain on your engine, brakes, and transmission – another case for the severe schedule.
If any of these sound familiar, your driving falls under “severe service.” That means you should follow the shorter maintenance intervals listed for severe conditions in your owner’s manual. It’s all about keeping your vehicle safe and reliable despite the harsh usage. After all, preventative maintenance is much cheaper and easier than dealing with breakdowns or expensive repairs later on!
We Handle All Your Maintenance Needs at Accomplished Auto
The good news is, you don’t have to navigate those service schedules alone. Accomplished Auto LLC in Concord, NH has a team of experienced technicians ready to help you stick to the right maintenance plan for your vehicle – especially if you’re driving in New England’s severe conditions. We offer comprehensive maintenance and inspection services to keep your car running its best year-round. For instance, our team can take care of all these routine services for you:
- Oil Changes: Timely engine oil and filter changes (using the right oil for your car)
- Tire Care: Tire rotations and wheel balancing to ensure even tire wear and safe handling
- Fluid Replacements: Coolant flushes, transmission fluid service, power steering fluid service, etc., at the proper intervals
- Drivetrain Services: Differential and transfer case services for AWD/4WD vehicles
- Fuel System Service: Cleaning fuel injectors and throttle body as needed to keep your engine efficient
- Brake Maintenance: Brake pad inspections, brake fluid changes, and full brake system service to keep you stopping safely
We also perform thorough multi-point inspections, which include checking all the crucial systems and components in your car:
- Alignment & Suspension: Alignment checks and suspension/axle inspections (especially after harsh winter potholes!)
- Brake Inspection: Ensuring your brake pads, rotors, and lines are in good shape
- Steering Components: Checking steering linkage and power steering operation
- Belts & Hoses: Inspecting drive belts and coolant/heater hoses for wear or leaks
- Exhaust & Emissions: Making sure your exhaust system is sound and your car meets emissions standards
- Air Conditioning & Cooling: Testing the A/C and engine cooling system for optimal performance in extreme weather
- Tires & Lights: Inspecting tire condition/pressure and all lights for safety
(In fact, your owner’s manual’s maintenance schedule likely lists all these services and inspections!)
By following a severe service schedule, you’re giving your vehicle the extra care it needs for our environment. Our technicians at Accomplished Auto can help you prioritize which services are due and when, based on your driving habits and manufacturer guidelines. You’ll drive away with confidence that your car is prepared for whatever Mother Nature – or the roads of New England – throw at it.
Stay Safe – Schedule Your Service Today!
New England driving might be tough on cars, but a well-maintained vehicle will handle it with no trouble. The key is sticking to that maintenance schedule – especially the severe service schedule if your conditions call for it. And when it comes to oil changes, trust Accomplished Auto’s 5,000-mile standard for long-term protection.
Don’t wait until a minor issue becomes a major repair! Give Accomplished Auto in Concord, NH a call today to schedule your next service or inspection. Our friendly, professional team will help keep you on track with maintenance so you can enjoy safe and reliable driving in every season.