You may have waited to step up to a Lincoln and while it’s all new, it still can’t take care of itself. That’s where you, the owner, or lessee comes in. That’s why the Lincoln division of Ford Motor Company has published a service schedule for all its vehicles.

Lincoln Maintenance Guidelines

Your Lincoln owner’s manual lists all the service schedules associated with your vehicle. The first oil change is on Lincoln, but after that the rest is up to you.

With some models, the vehicle information display alerts you to significant messages regarding your vehicle’s health. It could be something as simple as a reminder for upcoming service or a non-functioning sensor somewhere on the vehicle. Through the use of the Intelligent Oil Life Monitor, the vehicle will calculate optimal oil change intervals, and when needed, flash a message saying “Change Engine Oil Soon” when 5-percent oil life remains. It will release one saying “Oil Change Required,” when it reaches 0-percent.

The rest of the service schedule comes directly from the Lincoln’s Owner’s Manual. Here are just a few examples of what to expect:

10,000 miles:

By the time you get to the 10,000 milestone you most likely will have been alerted by the vehicle message center that it’s time to change the oil and to replace the oil filter with a high-performance synthetic oil. Tire rotation at this point is also important to insure even tire wear at all four corners. At the same time, inspect the brake pads, and rotors, brake lines and hoses as well as the parking brake system. Inspect the cooling system and hoses, the rear axle lubricant (if applicable), and wrap up with a multi-point inspection.

20,000 miles:

At the 20,000-mile mark, Lincoln recommends more of the same, starting with an oil and oil filter change using a high-performance synthetic oil. It’s also time for a new cabin air filter. Rotate the tires, and if necessary, have your Lincoln mechanic perform a wheel alignment to insure even tire wear at all four corners. Perform a multi-point inspection and check the cooling system and hoses, the exhaust system, the automatic transmission fluid, brake system, including brake pads and rotors.

30,000 miles:

At 30,000 miles it’s time to exchange the used engine air filter with a new one, rotate and inspect tires, and change the oil and oil filter. The correct time for such will be indicated on the vehicle message center, but it should occur every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Inspect all hoses, connections and fittings under the hood. Inspect the complete exhaust system and all heat shields for damage or possible leaks. Check the automatic transmission fluid level, and the rear axle lubricant. Inspect brake pads, rotors, brake lines and hoses, along with the parking brake system. Inspect and lubricate all suspension joints, half- and drive-shafts and u-joints. Finally, wrap it all up with a multi-point inspection.

40,000 miles:

Change the engine’s synthetic oil and oil filter, once again, replace the cabin air filter, rotate and inspect tires, inspect the spare tire (if equipped), inspect automatic transmission fluid level (if dipstick equipped), inspect rear axle lubricant, brake pads and rotors and the parking brake system. Check all hoses, fittings, exhaust system and suspension parts, ball joints, half and drive-shafts and u-joints.

The cycle continues as the mileage increases, but by staying with the program, you will continue to receive miles and years of service and reliability from your vehicle.

If for some reason you subject your Lincoln to extreme, high-stress driving, stop and go traffic, dusty, desert-like surroundings, or high-speed runs and travel along mountainous grades, Lincoln recommends a more frequent oil and filter change regimen than listed above. As always, your mileage may vary.

Extended Service/Extended Warranty

Prepaid Lincoln Protect Premium Maintenance Plan

For buyers planning to keep their Lincoln vehicles for extended periods of time, the company offers the prepaid Lincoln Protect Premium Maintenance Plan which varies in lengths ranging all the way out to 8 years and 150,000 miles. It provides basic servicing like oil coolant and transmission fluid changes and rotations, as well as replacement of normal “wear and tear” items including brake pads, shock absorbers and struts, spark plugs, engine belts and wiper blades among others, at pricing today to protect against future increases.

Extended Service PremiumCARE Plans

Lincoln also offers various Extended Service PremiumCARE Plans, which cover more than 1,000 components (less a $100 deductible) and includes coverage of engine, transmission, electrical, braking, suspension, drivetrain, HVAC, safety and emissions components. Durations are from 36 months/48,000 miles, to 96 months/150,000 miles. Not to be confused with third-party extended warranty plans, service can be performed at any Ford or Lincoln dealership. The plans cover many parts included in the original warranty plan, for a longer period of time. It is transferable, but pricing varies and negotiated at the dealership level, so practice up on your art of dealing and see your Lincoln dealership for more details.