# I am new to the US. What car maintenance and inspections do I need?

Two kinds of upkeep matter. The first is what your state requires: in California that is a smog check every two years for most gasoline cars older than eight model years and when a car is sold or first registered; other states have their own safety or emissions inspections, or none. The second is routine care every driver needs: oil changes on the schedule in your owner's manual (often every 5,000 to 10,000 miles with synthetic oil), tire pressure checks every month, tire rotation about every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, and new tires when the tread reaches 2/32 inch or sooner.

## Key facts

- Required inspections vary by state; your registration renewal notice tells you what is due.
- The owner's manual sets the oil change interval for your car; many modern cars go 5,000 to 10,000 miles.
- Check tire pressure monthly when the tires are cold; the correct pressure is on the sticker inside the driver's door.
- Tires are worn out at 2/32 inch of tread; for rain, replacing at 4/32 inch is safer.

## A simple first-year plan

| When | What |
| --- | --- |
| Every month | Tire pressure, look for nails and uneven wear |
| Owner's manual interval | Oil and filter change ([how often](https://appointauto.com/guides/how-often-change-oil/)) |
| Every 5,000–7,500 miles | Tire rotation ([why](https://appointauto.com/guides/how-often-rotate-tires/)) |
| When the DMV notice says so | Smog check or state inspection |
| If the car pulls or the wheel is off-center | Wheel alignment |

Prices are not fixed in the US: call two or three shops and ask for the total, including fees and tax, before you agree to any work. California law gives you the right to a written estimate ([your rights](https://appointauto.com/guides/california-auto-repair-rights/)).

## Next step

[Find auto shops in your city](https://appointauto.com/us/) · [Car care guide for people new to the US](https://appointauto.com/new-to-the-us/)

Official sources: [dmv.ca.gov](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/), [nhtsa.gov](https://www.nhtsa.gov/).

## Related questions

- [Do I need a smog check if I am on an H-1B or student visa?](https://appointauto.com/answers/smog-check-on-h1b-or-student-visa/)
- [I am buying my first used car in California. Who pays for the smog check?](https://appointauto.com/answers/buying-used-car-california-smog-certificate/)
- [I just moved to California. When do I need to register my car and get a smog check?](https://appointauto.com/answers/moved-to-california-car-registration-smog/)
- [Do I need a Clean Truck Check for my truck in California?](https://appointauto.com/answers/california-clean-truck-check-explained/)

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Source: https://appointauto.com/answers/car-maintenance-basics-new-to-the-us/ · Last updated 2026-10-27. Station details are compiled from public listings and can change; call the shop to confirm hours and prices before you go.