Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Severe Service Defined

U.S. Owners Follow the Severe Conditions
If you drive your vehicle mainly under one or more of the following conditions:
- Driving less than 5 miles (8 km) per trip or in freezing temperatures.
- Driving less than 10 miles (16 km) per trip.
- Driving in hot [over 9O°F (32°C)] conditions.
- Extensive idling or long periods of stop-and-go driving.
- Driving with a rooftop carrier, or driving in mountainous conditions.
- Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-iced roads.

Canadian Owners
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule for Severe Conditions.

Notes on "Severe Service"
Some vehicle manufacturers provide separate maintenance procedures for vehicles operated under Severe or Special circumstances. Other manufacturers provide recommendations for service at more frequent intervals for vehicles operated under severe conditions. For any vehicle operated under severe conditions, as defined by the vehicles manufacturer, always check the regular maintenance schedule for procedures that may not appear at the similar interval under severe service.

Example:
Manufacturer recommends tire rotation at 10,000 mile intervals under regular maintenance.
There is no tire rotation recommendation shown in the severe service schedule, which has 3,000 mile intervals.

At a minimum, recommend rotation at 9,000 and 18,000 mile intervals etc., or as close to the regular schedule as possible. Depending on vehicle usage and obvious tire wear, this recommendation should be increased as necessary.