Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Severe Service Defined

SEVERE SERVICE
Vehicles operating under severe service conditions will require more frequent service. Component service information is included in appropriate units for vehicles operating under one or more of the following conditions:
1. Police, taxi, or commercial type operation
2. Operation of Vehicle
(1) Short-trip operation at freezing temperature (engine not thoroughly warmed up)
(2) More than 50% operation in heavy city traffic during hot weather above 32°C (90°F)
(3) Extensive idling
(4) Driving in sandy areas
(5) Driving in salty areas
(6) Driving in dusty conditions
(7) Driving off road

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.