Vehicle maintenance schedule: the complete guide

Key maintenance intervals to remember

Every 10,000-15,000 km: engine oil change and oil filter replacement
Every 20,000-30,000 km: air filter, cabin filter, spark plugs
Every 30,000-60,000 km: brake fluid, accessory belt
Every 60,000-100,000 km: timing belt, shock absorbers
Annually: general inspection, summer/winter tyre change
Switzerland-specific: cantonal vehicle inspection and motorway vignette (CHF 40)

Why a maintenance schedule is essential

Regular vehicle maintenance is not optional: it is a necessity for your safety, for preserving the resale value of your car and for avoiding costly breakdowns. In Switzerland, where weather conditions vary considerably between summer and winter, rigorous maintenance is all the more important. Frost, road salt and mountain passes put far greater strain on your vehicle than in other European countries.

A well-planned maintenance schedule allows you to anticipate expenses, never forget a critical replacement and extend the life of your vehicle by several years. According to the TCS (Touring Club Switzerland), regular maintenance can reduce unexpected breakdowns by 40% and save up to CHF 2,000 per year in avoided repairs.

This comprehensive guide presents all the recommended maintenance intervals, average costs in Swiss francs and the Swiss-specific requirements you need to know to keep your vehicle in perfect condition.

Every 10,000 to 15,000 km: oil change and oil filter

The engine oil change is the most frequent and most fundamental maintenance task. Oil lubricates the moving parts of the engine, reduces friction and dissipates heat. Over time, it becomes contaminated with impurities and loses its protective properties.

Engine oil change

The recommended interval is between 10,000 and 15,000 km, or at least once a year, whichever comes first. Modern vehicles equipped with long-life systems can sometimes reach 30,000 km, but it is advisable not to exceed the manufacturer\'s recommended interval. In urban or mountain driving conditions (common in Switzerland), wear is accelerated.

Oil filter

The oil filter must be systematically replaced with every oil change. It traps metal particles and combustion residues. A saturated filter allows impurities to pass into the circuit, accelerating engine wear. The cost of this operation in Switzerland is between CHF 150 and CHF 300 depending on the type of oil (synthetic or mineral) and the garage chosen.

Every 20,000 to 30,000 km: filters and spark plugs

Air filter

The air filter prevents dust and debris from entering the engine. A clogged filter reduces power and increases fuel consumption by 5 to 10%. Replacement is straightforward and inexpensive: expect to pay between CHF 30 and CHF 80 including parts and labour.

Cabin filter (pollen filter)

Often overlooked, the cabin filter purifies the air inside the vehicle by trapping pollen, fine dust and pollutant particles. In Switzerland, where pollen levels can be very high in spring (birch, grasses), a clean filter is essential for allergy sufferers. Replacement cost: CHF 40 to CHF 100.

Spark plugs

Spark plugs (for petrol engines only) ignite the air-fuel mixture. Worn spark plugs cause misfires, increased fuel consumption and higher emissions. Standard spark plugs are replaced every 20,000 to 30,000 km, whilst iridium or platinum plugs can last up to 60,000 km. Cost: CHF 80 to CHF 200 depending on type.

Every 30,000 to 60,000 km: brakes and accessory belt

Brake fluid

Brake fluid is hygroscopic: it absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point and reduces braking efficiency. In Switzerland, descending mountain passes and driving in the mountains put particular strain on the braking system. Replacement is recommended every 2 years or 40,000 km. Cost: CHF 100 to CHF 200.

Accessory belt

The accessory belt (or serpentine belt) drives the alternator, power steering pump and air conditioning compressor. A cracked or slack belt can snap without warning, leaving your vehicle immobilised. Replacement every 40,000 to 60,000 km. Cost: CHF 150 to CHF 350.

Brake pads and discs

Brake pad wear varies according to driving style. Front pads wear out more quickly and are generally replaced between 30,000 and 50,000 km. Discs last roughly twice as long. Allow CHF 250 to CHF 600 for a complete replacement (pads and discs) per axle.

Every 60,000 to 100,000 km: timing belt and shock absorbers

Timing belt

Replacing the timing belt is one of the most critical and costly routine maintenance operations. If the belt snaps, the consequences can be catastrophic: pistons and valves collide, often requiring a complete engine replacement. The interval varies between 60,000 and 120,000 km depending on the manufacturer, or every 5 to 6 years. Cost: CHF 800 to CHF 1,500, including the water pump (it is strongly recommended to replace it at the same time).

Shock absorbers

Shock absorbers ensure road holding and ride comfort. In Switzerland, mountain roads and potholes cause shock absorbers to wear out more quickly. Worn shock absorbers increase braking distances and reduce grip through corners. Replacement is recommended between 80,000 and 100,000 km, always in pairs (front or rear). Cost: CHF 600 to CHF 1,200 per axle.

Annual and seasonal maintenance

Annual general inspection

A comprehensive annual inspection at a garage allows the overall condition of the vehicle to be checked: fluid levels, tyre condition, lighting, battery, suspension and exhaust system. This check-up costs between CHF 100 and CHF 250 and can help you avoid unpleasant surprises during the cantonal vehicle inspection.

Summer/winter tyre change

In Switzerland, there is no federal legal obligation to fit winter tyres. However, Article 29 of the SVG (Road Traffic Act) stipulates that the driver must maintain control of their vehicle at all times. In the event of an accident on snow with summer tyres, your liability may be established and your insurance may reduce its cover. Moreover, some cantons and many mountain pass roads require winter equipment.

The seasonal changeover (generally in October and April) costs between CHF 40 and CHF 80 for fitting/removal, or CHF 400 to CHF 800 for a set of 4 new tyres (depending on size and brand). Do not forget to check tread depth: the legal minimum is 1.6 mm, but the TCS recommends at least 3 mm for summer tyres and 4 mm for winter tyres.

Swiss specifics: cantonal vehicle inspection and vignette

Cantonal vehicle inspection

In Switzerland, the technical inspection is called the cantonal vehicle inspection (Motorfahrzeugkontrolle/MFK). It is compulsory and managed by each canton. The first inspection takes place 4 years after the vehicle is first registered, then 3 years later, then every 2 years. The cost varies by canton: expect between CHF 50 and CHF 100. The vehicle is inspected for safety, emissions and general condition. Regular maintenance throughout the year ensures you pass this inspection without any issues.

Motorway vignette

To drive on Swiss motorways and semi-motorways, a vignette is compulsory. Since 2024, the e-vignette (digital version) has been available in addition to the classic sticker vignette. The price is fixed: CHF 40 per year, valid from 1 December of the previous year to 31 January of the following year. Driving without a vignette incurs a fine of CHF 200, plus the compulsory purchase of a vignette.

Summary table of intervals and costs

Maintenance	Interval (km)	Frequency	Estimated cost (CHF)
Oil change + oil filter	10,000 - 15,000	Min. 1x/year	150 - 300
Air filter	20,000 - 30,000	Every 1-2 years	30 - 80
Cabin filter	20,000 - 30,000	1x/year	40 - 100
Spark plugs	20,000 - 60,000	Depends on type	80 - 200
Brake fluid	40,000	Every 2 years	100 - 200
Brake pads + discs	30,000 - 50,000	According to wear	250 - 600
Accessory belt	40,000 - 60,000	Every 3-4 years	150 - 350
Timing belt	60,000 - 120,000	Every 5-6 years	800 - 1,500
Shock absorbers (per axle)	80,000 - 100,000	Every 5-7 years	600 - 1,200
Tyres (set of 4)	40,000 - 50,000	Every 3-4 years	400 - 800
Summer/winter tyre change	-	2x/year	40 - 80
Annual garage inspection	-	1x/year	100 - 250
Cantonal vehicle inspection	-	Per cantonal schedule	50 - 100
Motorway vignette	-	1x/year	40

Garage or DIY: what can you do yourself?

Some simple checks and operations do not require a professional mechanic. Here is what you can check regularly:

Do it yourself

Check tyre pressure (1x/month)
Check engine oil level
Check coolant level
Check windscreen washer fluid
Check that all lights are working
Visually inspect wiper blade condition
Replace the cabin filter (depending on model)

Leave to the garage

Oil change and filter replacement
Timing belt replacement
Brake pad and disc replacement
Brake fluid flush
Shock absorber replacement
Electronic diagnostics (OBD)
Wheel alignment and balancing

Tip: even if you carry out checks yourself, always have a comprehensive annual inspection done by a professional. Certified Swiss garages offer a guarantee on their work and can detect problems that are invisible to the naked eye.

How Fuel Log helps you manage your maintenance

Keeping track of all these intervals can seem daunting. That is exactly what Fuel Log was designed for. Our application offers you powerful tools to ensure you never miss a maintenance task:

Maintenance tracking: record each maintenance operation with the date, mileage, type of work and cost in CHF. You have a complete history available to consult at any time.
Custom service intervals: set your own maintenance intervals for each vehicle (oil change, belt, tyres, etc.). Fuel Log automatically calculates the next due date based on your actual mileage.
Reminders and notifications: receive push notifications when a service is approaching, whether by mileage or by date. No more noting deadlines on a paper calendar.
Cost statistics: see how much you spend on maintenance per month, per year or per category. Compare costs between your different vehicles and identify the biggest items.
PDF and CSV export: export your maintenance history to present when selling your vehicle or for your personal accounting.

Fuel Log is free, works on all your devices and can be installed directly on your home screen like a native app. Your data is hosted in Switzerland and protected to the highest standards.