Timing Guides for Life
39 expert-backed guides for replacing, repairing, and maintaining everything in your life. Car, home, health, finances, and more.
When should I replace my tires?
Every 40,000ā60,000 miles or 6 years, whichever comes first.
When should I change my oil?
Every 5,000ā7,500 miles for conventional, 7,500ā10,000 for synthetic.
When should I replace my car battery?
Every 3ā5 years, or sooner in extreme climates.
When should I rotate my tires?
Every 5,000ā8,000 miles, or with every other oil change.
When should I replace my windshield wipers?
Every 6ā12 months, or as soon as they streak.
When should I replace my roof?
Every 20ā30 years for asphalt shingles, 50+ for metal or tile.
When should I repaint the exterior of my house?
Every 5ā10 years, depending on siding material and climate.
When should I replace my HVAC system?
Every 15ā20 years for AC units, 20ā30 years for furnaces.
When should I clean my gutters?
Twice a year ā late spring and late fall.
When should I replace my water heater?
Every 8ā12 years for tank, 15ā20 for tankless.
When should I get a flu shot?
Every year in September or October, before flu season peaks.
When should I see the dentist?
Every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup.
When should I replace my toothbrush?
Every 3ā4 months, or sooner if bristles are frayed.
When should I get an eye exam?
Every 1ā2 years for adults, annually if you wear glasses or contacts.
When should I replace my running shoes?
Every 300ā500 miles, or about every 6 months for regular runners.
When should I refinance my mortgage?
When rates drop 0.75ā1% below your current rate and you plan to stay 3+ years.
When should I open a Roth IRA?
As soon as you have earned income, ideally in your 20sā30s when your tax rate is lowest.
When should I file my taxes?
As early as possible in late January, but no later than April 15.
When should I check my credit score?
At least once a year; monthly if you're building credit or planning a major purchase.
When should I replace my phone?
Every 3ā4 years, or when it stops receiving security updates.
When should I upgrade my laptop?
Every 4ā6 years, or when it can't run the software you need.
When should I change my passwords?
Immediately after a breach; otherwise, use strong unique passwords and a password manager.
When should I back up my data?
Continuously via automatic cloud backup, plus weekly local backups.
When should I replace my mattress?
Every 7ā10 years, or sooner if you wake up with aches.
When should I wash my pillows?
Every 3ā6 months; replace pillows every 1ā2 years.
When should I replace my smoke detectors?
Every 10 years; replace batteries every 6ā12 months.
When should I replace my kitchen sponge?
Every 1ā2 weeks; microwave daily to kill bacteria.
When should I replace my home air filter?
Every 1ā3 months, depending on the filter type and household.
When should I service my car's AC?
Every 2ā3 years, or when cooling performance drops.
When should I replace my brake pads?
Every 25,000ā65,000 miles, depending on driving habits.
When should I deep clean my house?
Every 3ā6 months for a thorough deep clean beyond regular tidying.
When should I check my tire pressure?
Once a month and before long road trips.
When should I replace my furnace filter?
Every 1ā3 months during heating season.
When should I get a physical exam?
Annually for adults, or as recommended by your doctor for your age and risk factors.
When should I update my phone's operating system?
Within 1ā2 weeks of release for security patches; wait a week for major OS updates.
When should I replace my water filter?
Every 2ā6 months, depending on the type and usage.
When should I review my insurance policies?
Annually, and after any major life change.
When should I defrost my freezer?
When ice buildup reaches 1/4 inch, or at least once a year.
When should I replace my shower curtain liner?
Every 6 months, or when mildew appears that won't wash off.
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