Hey there, car owner! If you’re reading this, it’s because we’re probably on the same page. You and I both know that the average driver can’t afford to neglect their vehicle care, but they also don’t have time to be a mechanic.
That’s why I’m here: to help you get through your maintenance list as quickly and efficiently as possible.
With these tips in hand, you’ll be able to make sure your car is in good shape every step of the way without having to spend an entire weekend at an auto shop!
So whether you need a quick fix or something more involved, just check out these 15 tasks any driver should do regularly and always remember: safety first.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| – Regular maintenance is essential for the longevity and reliability of your vehicle. |
| – Don’t overlook the important car maintenance tasks, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections. |
| – Follow the maintenance schedule recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. |
| – Older cars require special attention and maintenance to prevent premature wear and tear. |
| – Keeping your car in top condition not only enhances performance but also promotes safety on the road. |
Change Your Oil Regularly
Changing your oil is a great way to know that your car is running smoothly and that you’re saving money on costly repairs.
It’s also one of the easiest tasks on our list—a quick Google search will yield countless tutorials and videos on how to perform this task yourself, whether you’re changing your own oil or taking it into a shop (which is also an option).
Here are some tips:
Change your oil at least every 5,000 miles. Most manufacturers recommend changing it more often than that if you drive in stop-and-go traffic or take long drives regularly.
Use an SAE 5W30 grade motor oil with API certification (look for “CF”). This will help keep engine components protected from corrosion while helping reduce friction loss between moving parts for better fuel economy over time.
Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity of your vehicle. The Top 10 Car Maintenance Tips for a Long-Lasting Vehicle can help you keep your car running smoothly for years to come, saving you time, money, and headaches in the long run.
Check Tire Pressure
It’s important to check your tire pressure at least once a month, but some people do it more often. Why? Because the temperature can affect how much air is in your tires, and that can lead to problems with both safety and gas mileage.
If you have low tire pressure (less than 20 PSI), it could cause damage to your wheels and tires while they’re moving around on the road.
This is especially dangerous if you have a blowout when one or more of your tires suddenly loses all its air pressure so make sure you check them often for any signs of leakage or wear.
If there are leaks in several places along a single tire’s sidewall, then there may be damage somewhere inside that needs attention before driving further than necessary until repairs can be made by professionals who know what they’re doing!
Rotate Your Tires
Unless you’re driving a unicycle, your tires need to be rotated every 5,000 miles. That’s because they wear differently depending on how much they are used and where they are situated on the car.
Plus, if you tend to drive in circles (e.g., through a parking lot), your tires will also wear faster on their outside edges than the inside ones—which is bad news for tread depth.
The process is simple: You’ll want to rotate front-to-rear and then side-to-side until all four wheels have been moved one slot over from where they started out.
So if your front right tire was closest to dead center of the wheelwell at first and then ends up behind your front left after rotation, that’s fine!
The only thing that matters here is having three new tire surfaces facing outward instead of two—and ideally having two rear tires pointing at each other (which helps with even tread wear).
Keeping your car in top condition is not just about performance, but also safety. Check out The Top 15 Car Maintenance Tips for Keeping Your Vehicle Safe on the Road to learn about the essential maintenance tasks that will help you keep your driving safe and comfortable.
Check the Air Filter
Make sure you’re checking the air filter on your car regularly. A clogged air filter can reduce engine performance and fuel economy, which means that you’ll be spending more money at the pump. Plus, a dirty air filter could cause excess wear on your engine parts, resulting in more costly repairs down the road.
How do you know if it’s time to replace your air filter? Check to see what kind of mileage or time frame is recommended by the manufacturer; if there isn’t one specified for your vehicle, 3 months or 3,000 miles should suffice as a general rule of thumb (but check with them before purchasing anything).
Generally speaking though, an old or clogged-up air filter will make your car run rough when accelerating from low speeds—and eventually result in stalling once you reach higher speeds.
Inspect Belts and Hoses
Inspect belts and hoses. Check belts for cracks, wear, and damage. Replace them if they’re cracked or damaged in any way—or if they’re more than 3 years old. Also check hoses for cracks or leaks; replace if necessary.
Change Your Cabin Air Filter
A cabin air filter cleans the air that circulates in your car, so it’s important to make sure this is working properly.
How often you should change your cabin air filter depends on how much driving you do and what kind of environment your car spends most of its time in (e.g., lots of stop-and-go traffic or more freeway driving). Most manufacturers recommend changing them every 12,000 miles or so—but it’s up to you!
If not, don’t worry! We can help get this task done for you at any Pep Boys location! Just bring in your vehicle identification number (VIN) and we’ll pull up all the information needed for servicing.
Routine maintenance is key to preventing costly repairs and unexpected breakdowns. Learn how to keep your car running smoothly with The Top 10 Car Maintenance Tips for Keeping Your Vehicle Running Smoothly, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a reliable vehicle.
Inspect Lighting and Electrical Components.
Check bulbs, fuses and wiper blades. Check window and door locks, horn and lights. Power window, sunroof or seat controls that don’t work can cause problems with other things like the radio or air conditioner not turning on properly so it’s best to check them all at once!
| Maintenance Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Check headlights, taillights, and brake lights | Every month |
| Inspect turn signals and emergency flashers | Every 6 months |
| Check license plate lights | Every 6 months |
| Test the battery and charging system | Every year |
| Inspect and replace the battery if necessary | Every 3-5 years |
| Check the alternator belt and replace if necessary | Every 3-4 years |
| Inspect and replace the spark plugs and wires as needed | Every 30K-100K miles |
| Check and replace the fuses as needed | As necessary |
Regular inspection and maintenance of your lighting and electrical components are essential for your safety on the road.
Malfunctioning headlights, taillights, or any other electrical components can lead to accidents, so it’s important to check them frequently. Additionally, electrical issues can cause problems with other systems in your car, so addressing any issues promptly can save you time and money in the long run.
If you’re unsure about any issues with your electrical components, consult with a qualified technician to ensure proper diagnosis and repair.
Keep Fluids Topped Up
Once you’ve checked your oil and coolant levels, check your brake fluid and power steering fluid. The next step is to make sure that the transmission fluid is at adequate levels.
Here’s what those fluids do for your car:
Engine oil lubricates moving parts of your engine, helping them slide against each other without wearing down.
Coolant keeps the engine from overheating by circulating water through its system.
Brake fluid helps apply pressure to stop a vehicle when pressing on the brake pedal.
Power steering fluid keeps hydraulic systems working smoothly, allowing you to steer easily while driving.
Transmission fluid, which is separate from engine oil, helps transmit power from the engine to various components within the transmission assembly
If you are planning to keep your car for a long time, it’s important to give it the attention it deserves. The Essential Car Maintenance Checklist for Long-term Ownership provides a detailed guide on how to maintain your vehicle in top condition and maximize its lifespan.
Check Battery Terminals
If you have a battery terminal that’s corroded, it can cause the car to not run properly or even die out on the road.
Make sure to check your battery terminals at least once every few months to make sure they aren’t showing signs of corrosion.
If you notice any rust or corrosion on them, take some sandpaper and clean off any loose pieces before applying a bit of grease or petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) to prevent future buildup. This also prevents any moisture from getting into the connection if there is corrosion present.
Inspect Suspension and Steering Components
Now that you’ve completed a visual inspection of the exterior, it’s time to move inside the vehicle. Here are some things to check:
- Inspect suspension and steering components for leaks, fluid levels and abnormal noises.
- Check all hoses, belts, pulleys, connections and fasteners for signs of wear or damage.
- Look for signs of corrosion on any metal parts; if rusting is present (it should be completely gone), it will need to be removed before driving again.
Inspection of Suspension and Steering Components
| Maintenance Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Check the shocks and struts | Every 50K miles |
| Inspect the drive shafts and CV joints | Every 75K miles |
| Check the steering components, including the tie rod ends, ball joints, and steering gear box | Every year or 15K miles |
| Inspect the suspension components, including the control arms, bushings, and springs | Every year or 15K miles |
| Check the wheel bearings | Every 100K miles |
| Inspect the power steering system, including the hoses and fluid level | Every 2 years or 30K miles |
Regular inspection and maintenance of your suspension and steering components are crucial for the safe and smooth operation of your vehicle. Neglecting these components can lead to excessive wear and tear, reduced performance, and even accidents. If you notice any signs of wear or damage, such as vibrations, pulling to one side, or uneven tire wear, have them inspected by a qualified technician.
Change Out Wiper Blades Regularly.
Wiper blades should be changed at least twice a year. Replace them if they are worn, cracked, or torn. Follow these steps to change your wiper blades:
- Move the wiper arm so you can access the wiper blade screws.
- Unscrew the old wiper blade by holding it firmly and turning counterclockwise until it releases from its mountings. Remove any remaining adhesive with a razor blade or scraper tool if necessary.
- Install your new replacement blades by reversing these steps in order to secure it back onto its mounts.
Car maintenance doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With Car Maintenance Made Easy: A Step-by-Step Guide, you can learn the basics of car maintenance and develop a plan that suits your needs and schedule.
Check Tire Tread Depth and Wear Patterns.
You should check your tires for a variety of issues, including tread depth and wear patterns. If you find that your tread is thin or uneven, it’s time to replace your tires. Also be sure to check the pressure in each tire it’s easy to forget this one!
Also look out for any signs of damage. For example, if you notice an unusual bulge on a tire, you should bring it into a mechanic right away before driving with it again.
Check A/C and Heater Controls
You should also check to make sure that the A/C and heater controls are working properly. These knobs will allow you to control which vents are blowing air out of, as well as how cool or warm the air gets.
If your vehicle has a temperature gauge, checking it periodically is an important part of car maintenance.
You should be able to see if your car is heating up too fast by using this gauge, and then adjust accordingly by increasing the speed at which your heater blows warm air through its vents.
Finally, make sure that all of the buttons and knobs on these systems are working properly so that you can control them easily when needed.
A/C and Heater Controls
| Maintenance Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Check A/C and heater controls | Every 3 months |
| Test the A/C system | Every year |
| Check the cabin air filter | Every 12K-15K miles |
| Clean or replace the cabin air filter | Every 30K-45K miles |
| Inspect the blower fan | Every year |
| Check the refrigerant level | Every year |
| Check the heater core and coolant level | Every year |
In addition to regular checks, it’s important to address any issues with your A/C and heater controls as soon as possible to prevent further damage or wear and tear. If you notice any unusual sounds or smells coming from your A/C or heater system, have it inspected by a qualified technician.
Schedule a Full Inspection Once a Year
The best way to ensure that your car is in good working order is a full inspection. A mechanic will check the following systems:
- General safety check
- Brakes
- Tires and wheels
- Lights and electrical systems (including headlights, taillights, turn signals, brake lights)
- Fuel system
- Engine cooling system
Conclusion
We hope we’ve encouraged you to take a proactive approach to your car maintenance. By taking care of these 15 tasks, you can keep your vehicle in top shape and avoid costly repairs down the line.
The most important thing is to find out what works best for you—and then stick with it!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to help you keep your car in top condition:
- The Top 8 Overlooked Car Maintenance Tasks You Can’t Afford to Ignore: Discover the essential car maintenance tasks that are often overlooked and learn how to avoid costly repairs and breakdowns.
- 5 Important Old Car Maintenance Tips: If you own an older car, check out this guide to learn how to keep it running smoothly and prevent premature wear and tear.
- Maintenance Tips That You Must Follow for Your Car to Last Longer: Find out how to extend the lifespan of your vehicle and maximize its performance with these essential car maintenance tips.
FAQs
What are the most important car maintenance tasks?
Some of the most important car maintenance tasks include regular oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and fluid checks. These tasks help you maintain the performance and safety of your vehicle.
How often should I change the oil in my car?
Most car manufacturers recommend changing the oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or every six months, whichever comes first. However, you should refer to the owner’s manual for your specific vehicle for the recommended schedule.
How can I extend the lifespan of my car?
Regular maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections, can help extend the lifespan of your car. Additionally, avoiding harsh driving conditions, such as extreme temperatures or rough terrain, can also help extend the life of your vehicle.
When should I replace my car’s tires?
The average lifespan of car tires is around 50,000 miles. However, you should monitor your tire wear regularly and replace them when the tread wears down to 2/32 of an inch.
How can I keep my car safe on the road?
Regular maintenance, such as brake inspections, tire rotations, and fluid checks, can help keep your car safe on the road. Additionally, following traffic rules, driving defensively, and avoiding distractions can also help reduce the risk of accidents.
Hello friends. My name is Hellen James and I’m here to help you make good decisions when it comes to buying, selling, and maintaining your vehicles.
