The Ford Mustang has long been an icon of American road culture—fast, bold, and built for the open highway. Regular maintenance is the key to preserving your Ford Mustang’s performance and reliability. We've pulled together advice from repair professionals, enthusiast forums, and real-world Mustang drivers to create this practical and easy-to-follow Ford Mustang maintenance schedule.

Tip: Always refer to your owner’s manual for model-specific service details.

Each section starts with “every” to show these tasks aren’t just one-time—they repeat. For instance, the 5,000-mile service also applies at 10,000, 15,000, and so on.

Plus, if you’re thinking about upgrading your Mustang’s lighting, check out our full collection of LED lights for Ford Mustang to boost visibility and style on the road.

Every 5,000 Miles (or Every 3–6 Months): Ford Mustang Service Checklist

Routine maintenance for your Ford Mustang kicks in about every 5,000 miles—or roughly every 3 to 6 months, depending on how much you drive. Think of this as your car’s regular “health check,” making sure all the essential systems are in top shape. This might be your first trip to the shop after buying your Mustang.

Oil and oil filter change

Tire rotation

Inspect belts and hoses for wear

Visual brake inspection

Test battery and cables

Check tire pressure ?

Inspect engine air filter

15,000 Miles (Annually for Most Ford Mustang Drivers)

At 15,000 Miles, you need to include the 5,000-mile checks, and also add the following new services:

Replace engine air filter

Replace cabin air filter

Replace brake pad (if worn)

Replace windshield wipers (if worn)

Check wheel alignment

30,000 Miles (Every 2–3 Years)

By the time your Mustang reaches around 30,000 miles—usually every 2 to 3 years—it’s time for a more thorough checkup. Some shops may recommend doing this a bit earlier, around 25,000 miles.

At this stage, wear becomes more noticeable, so a detailed inspection and a few key replacements can help keep your car running at its best.

Here’s what’s typically on the 30,000-mile service list:

Repeat 15,000-mile service, including replace cabin and engine air filters as needed

Replace Brake rotor (Brake system service varies widely based on driving style)

Auto transmission service (such as Inspect or flush transmission fluid)

Exhaust system inspection

Flush power steering fluid

Inspect fuel filter and replace if necessary

45,000 Miles

By the time your Mustang reaches 45,000 miles, the goal is to prevent small issues from turning into costly repairs. This is the stage where a few components may begin to show more noticeable signs of wear, so a detailed inspection is key.

Typical 45,000-mile maintenance includes:

Repeat 30,000-mile checks

Drive belts and hoses

Motor mounts

Suspension bushings

Inspect tire tread depth – tire replacement may be needed

60,000 Miles (About 5 Years for Most Ford Mustang Drivers)

Hitting 60,000 miles is a big moment for most Mustang owners—not only because it’s a major maintenance milestone, but also because many factory warranties expire around this time. That makes it even more important to catch and fix any potential issues before they turn into expensive repairs.

Here’s what a 60,000-mile service typically covers:

Repeat the 45,000-mile service

Inspect or replace drive belts

Inspect or replace hoses

Inspect or replace brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid

Inspect HVAC system components

Replace timing belt (if equipped)

75,000 Miles

By 75,000 miles, your Mustang might still be running strong, but this service checkpoint helps keep everything running smoothly and prevents unexpected issues down the road.

Typical maintenance at this stage includes:

Repeat all previous service items

Replace shock absorbers or struts

Replace engine coolant

Inspect wheels and related components

100,000 Miles and Beyond

Hitting 100,000 miles doesn’t mean your Mustang is ready for retirement—in fact, muscle cars like this are built to go the distance. By now, you probably know the regular maintenance your Mustang needs.

At this milestone, here’s what you should focus on:

Repeat the 30,000- and 60,000-mile services

Replace spark plugs

Inspect accessory drive belts

Schedule a thorough, comprehensive inspection to spot any wear and tear

According to a Ford dealership, the average Mustang can last around 200,000 miles. With proper care, though, many owners see their Mustangs reach 250,000 to 300,000 miles—or even beyond.

Ford Mustang Parts that Need to Check Frequently

Even though these aren’t always part of the scheduled maintenance, there are some Mustang components you should keep an eye on regularly to make sure everything stays in top shape.

Lights: This includes headlights, fog lights, turn signals, brake lights, and interior lights like the map and trunk lights, etc.

Dashboard indicator lights: Watch for any warning lights on your dash—they can alert you to issues before they get serious.

Tire inflation and condition: Properly inflated tires with good tread are key for safety and performance.

Windshield washer fluid: Keep it topped off so you can always see clearly.

Engine oil level: Checking your oil regularly helps prevent engine damage and keeps things running smoothly.

Keeping an eye on these parts can help you avoid surprises and keep your Mustang running reliably between service visits.

Ford Mustang Lighting Care and Upgrade Tips

While inspecting your lights, look for dimming, flickering, those are signs it may be time to upgrade your bulbs for improved visibility and safety.

No matter its exterior light bulbs or interior light bulbs for Ford Mustang, SEALIGHT offers all bulb collections for different bulb positions.

Upgrading to SEALIGHT LED bulbs provides brighter, longer-lasting illumination that enhances visibility and gives your Mustang a modern look.

Tips for a Smooth Bulb Upgrade

Use the right bulb type: Make sure to match the exact bulb size and type recommended for your Mustang—our car bulb finder tool makes this easy.

Handle bulbs carefully: Avoid touching the glass part of the bulb with your fingers, as oils can shorten bulb life.

Check your connections: Make sure the bulb is seated properly and wiring is secure to avoid flickering or failures.

Consider upgrading in pairs: Replacing bulbs in pairs (like both headlight bulbs or fog light bulbs) ensures balanced lighting and consistent performance.

Final Thoughts

Sticking to a regular maintenance schedule helps your Mustang perform its best—whether for daily drives, weekend cruises, or track days. It’s about more than performance; it’s about safety and peace of mind.

Need a lighting upgrade? Explore SEALIGHT’s Mustang LED bulbs to brighten your ride and complete your maintenance.