So we've got an '09 F150 and are following the manufacturer's recommendation of 7500 mi intervals - does that mean we're destroying the engine? Where would I find the "best" maintenance schedule if I can't trust what Ford says? I am not mechanically inclined (every single time I try to take something apart I have to get DH to help me put it back together) but I keep good records and am great about getting maintenance done on time.
Double check the manual- there are going to be two maintenance schedules. 'Regular' and 'Severe'. If you look for the fine print, they define what 'severe' means- including things like stop and go traffic, idling, short (<10 mile) trips, and any driving below 0°F, or in hot/dusty conditions.
Essentially, you'd be pretty hard pressed to find a car in say, the Northeastern USA or in Canada that
doesn't fit the bill for 'Severe' service- Salt, cold, snow, traffic...
It basically changes a couple of intervals- the Transmission Fluid 'Severe' is things like driving on hills, in the winter, or *ever towing anything*. It's astonishing how the intervals change violently- My Sonata's regular Trans fluid service is something like ever 100K or 5 years, whichever comes first, and the 'severe' drops it down to about 30K miles or 30 months, whichever comes first
So you really can't go wrong always using the 'severe' schedule for your cars- it's how taxi fleets go forever, cop cars, etc. etc.
But to each their own. Much like others in the forum, 40 minutes on my back, 2 ramps, 2 jackstands, a socket set and 2 torque wrenches (fine and coarse, and *theoretically* optional) buys me an oil change/transmission fluid change, air filters (cabin and engine), and spark plugs. Coolant takes longer ('cause it includes a flush). Spark plugs too. (though you'd never want to try and take the coil packs off a 2007 sonata without finding out how the clippies work- first pull locking tab A, then squeeze the connector *directly in the center* of tab B to remove...). The Youtube Guy I was watching do it didn't even bother, and had to remove the entire power rail the coils were attached to (unnecessarily) which brings me to my next point-
Many of the standard maintenance are easy as pie when you go to the library, get your service manual (check for a subscription to 'AllData' or any other service manual database) and it tells you where all the little tabs/screwy screws are. With pictures and torque values. Worst case scenario, spend a few bucks and buy the "Factory Service Manual" (not Chilton's or Hayne's, though those are both reasonable- try for the actual manufacturer), and for less than the cost of one dealership oil change, you can at least see what you're up against.
Seriously, people- if you've ever built an Ikea desk, many car maintenance tasks are certainly not beyond you. Just make sure to take all recommended safety precautions while working, and if you get in over your head, call a professional.