Any long-distance commuter will tell you that automotive maintenance is vital to your sanity and your car’s health. Dealing with car troubles during rubbernecking traffic is sink-or-swim-level stressful.
But, working with your trusted team for car maintenance advice provides an opportunity to plan for the worst before it happens. The key is to remember the different types of important car maintenance that must be performed and when.
Keep reading for a checklist of auto maintenance services to include in your car maintenance schedule.
Check the Fluids
It’s important to check your transmission fluid, steering fluid, and brake fluid. These should be checked to make sure they are not too low or too dirty.
For some cars, it may be necessary to replace the fluid when it is too contaminated or has reached a certain mileage. Checking and maintaining all these in your vehicle is crucial to keep it running smoothly.
Change the Oil Regularly
Set realistic intervals between oil changes that make sense for your particular make, model, year, and engine type. Every 5,000-7,000 miles is a generally accepted guideline, and if you drive multiple highway miles, it might be closer to 5,000.
Make sure the oil type displayed in your owner’s manual is the one you’re using and that the API grade is certified for your engine. A synthetic oil blend is recommended for high performance and extended drain intervals, but regular oil changes must also still be done regularly every few thousand miles.
Check for Wear and Tear
When checking for wear and tear as part of your car maintenance schedule, be sure to look for any loose, worn, or frayed belts and hoses. Inspect brake linings for major wear and tear. And check for loose, corroded, or missing parts in the engine, suspension, and braking components.
This is essential to keeping your vehicle running efficiently, so be diligent with routine wear and tear checks.
Check Your Tires Regularly
Tire pressure should be checked at least once a month using a tire gauge, and tread depth should be checked regularly as well. It is also important to rotate your tires at least every 5,000 to 8,000 miles for even wear and to check for signs of wear, such as cupping and feathering.
Inspect tires for bulges, cracks, punctures, and other signs of damage, and a regular wheel alignment should also be part of your car maintenance.
Check Batteries
At the minimum, your maintenance schedule should include a spring and fall check of your battery. Visually check to ensure there are no visible cracks, corrosion, or leaks that could be problematic. If there are signs of wear and tear, it is advised to replace the battery before any other issues arise.
Don’t forget to inspect the terminals and cables as well, as a weak connection could cause the battery to fail. Check the reserve capacity battery and test using a multimeter, and record the readings for future reference.
Plan Your Car Maintenance Schedule Now
Regularly scheduled maintenance is key to avoiding costly repairs and keeping your car running efficiently. Make sure to include oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid changes in your vehicle’s maintenance schedule. Don’t forget to check your brakes and belts too!
To get your car running at its best and prevent breakdowns, take the necessary precautions and create a car maintenance schedule today.
Make sure you check out more of what we have to offer by visiting our blog!
