What is the highest priority service recommended for a late-model vehicle?

The highest priority service recommended for a late-model vehicle is typically the oil change. Regular oil changes are essential for maintaining engine health, as they ensure proper lubrication, reduce wear, and help to remove contaminants that build up over time. This routine maintenance is critical in preserving the longevity and performance of the engine, which is one of the most vital components of any vehicle.

While brake pad replacement, steering gear replacement, and transmission flush are all important in certain contexts, they do not hold the same level of frequency and necessity as oil changes. Brake pads, for instance, are only replaced when they wear down and affect braking performance, and steering gear replacement or transmission flushes are often specific to certain vehicle issues or maintenance schedules. Regular oil changes are universally recommended across all late-model vehicles as part of their standard maintenance routine, making them a higher priority.