The Top Items For Your Car Maintenance Checklist

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car maintenance checklist

Car maintenance is the most important part of owning a vehicle. When you don’t take care of the basics, you run the risk of having much bigger problems down the line. Even worse, car accidents can occur when your vehicle malfunctions due to poor care. Proper maintenance is one of the best ways to avoid an accident.

Tires should be inflated to 35 psi, oil should be changed ever 3,000 to 5,000 miles, transmission fluid may need a change over time, and quality gas is always a good buy. The battery and spark plugs are also essential for your vehicle, so checking to see if the connections are tight and the battery still has plenty of energy will save you from a lot of headaches.

Most of the issues that pop up for car owners can be easily fixed when they care caught early. Best of all, catching a minor issue before it becomes a major problem will cost a lot less to fix.

Here is a car maintenance checklist for any vehicle owner:

Tires

As the only part of the car that hits the road, your tires have to be in great condition at all times. Most vehicles require the tires to be inflated to 35 psi for best performance, and the spare tire inflated to 60 psi. It’s good to check the tread depth, too. If the treads are wearing down, it may be time to get some new tires, which should be swapped every 50,000 miles. Also, be sure to get a rotation every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, as the tires do not wear out evenly if they stay on the same side of the car for too long.

Oil

One of the most important fluids in the car is the engine oil. Whenever you get an oil change, the shop will provide a sticker on your windshield telling when you need another oil change, typically every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Older cars and high-performance vehicles may need specific types of high grade oil, so be sure to check your user manual or ask a mechanic.

Check the oil every few weeks with the dip stick provided under the hood. Just wipe off the stick, put it back in and pull it back out to see the oil level. You can also see the oil color at this point, and if it is very dark, you probably need an oil change.

Transmission Fluid

This is a fluid that many people don’t think about, but it is essential to a smooth ride. If you find your car struggling to switch gears, always grinding loudly when speeding up before shifting, you may need a transmission flush. Unfortunately, this is usually not a job that can be done at home because most manufacturers build the system so that only the pros can reach the reservoir and flush the system with special tools. Luckily, transmission fluid is rarely needed and you can go the life of your car without needing more. However, if you are having trouble shifting, it is worth looking into.

Gas

Possibly the easiest and most obvious part of car maintenance is having gas in the tank. Every car comes equipped with a dial that shows how much gas is remaining, and many newer models will show a readout estimate of how many miles left before running out.

Depending on the type of car, you may need higher grade gas in order to see peak performance. It is also a good idea to pump “Top Tier” gas from time to time, as gas stations with the “Top Tier” logo have been tested and proven to provide better performance and engine leaning agents in their gas.

Battery

Most aspects of a car operate on mechanical parts, but there’s an entire electrical system doing its part, too. If your car has trouble starting, the lights seem dim or the internal controls don’t seem to work properly, you may need a new battery. Luckily, they are easy to find and install on your own.

If you think you need a new battery, it’s best to check with an automotive store first. They usually have a tool that can test the wattage and voltage of your battery to determine if your problems are related to the battery. Sometimes you just need a battery charging device, or you may have an issue with another part of the electrical system.

Spark Plugs

Another major part of the electrical system in the spark plugs. These work directly with the battery and engine to get things started when you turn the key. If your car is having trouble starting, it could mean you need new spark plugs. They tend to last 30,000 miles before needing replacing and can be installed on your own or by a mechanic.

Windshield Fluid

Another easy part of car maintenance is replenishing windshield fluid. If you try to splash the windshield and nothing comes out, you may need more fluid. Typically, there is a reservoir under the hood on the far left or far right side for windshield fluid.

Air Conditioning

The Air Conditioning system is key to a comfortable ride. If your AC is not blowing cool air, you may need a recharge, which can be done at a shop or with the right tools at home. If a recharge does not work, there may be a problem with the compressor, which is a larger job that typically must be done by a mechanic.

Most importantly, be sure to pay attention to any warning lights or odd sounds coming from your car. There are a wide range of lights that can tell you what’s wrong with your vehicle, making it easy to figure out the problem right when it begins. Most automotive stores can check the internal vehicle system and obtain a code for the exact issue, providing you with information on exactly what you need to do.

Keep up with your vehicle’s maintenance as much as possible. The earlier you catch a problem, the less of a headache it will be.

Car Maintenance for Cold Weather

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Car maintenance for cold weather

There’s nothing worse than unexpected, expensive car repairs. Most of us rely on our vehicles heavily to get to work, shuttle kids around, run errands and more. There are some circumstances that are beyond our control and can be the death knell for vehicles if not properly planned for.  Winter, and all of the challenging conditions that come with it is one of those circumstances.  Here are some of the most important car maintenance tips to help your vehicle and wallet survive the winter season.

8 Important Car Maintenance Tips for Winter Season 

1. Be Prepared

Even the most well-maintained vehicles can suffer an unexpected breakdown. This means you need to make sure you are ready, just in case. Your vehicle should be stocked with food, water, flashlights, blankets and a hand-held radio in your vehicle. Road salt and flares can also be handy to have on hand. While the tips below are all designed to ensure you don’t find yourself broken down on the side of the road in a winter storm, make certain you have all the necessities stocked and available, just in case. It is highly recommended to have all the necessary auto insurance coverage to be prepared for the worst case scenario.

2. Check Your Tire Tread and Pressure

Your tire tread is what helps grip the road. If you are driving in snow and ice with worn tires, your vehicle will have a much harder time staying on the road. Winter tires are built with deeper tread and more flexibility to maintain traction on winter and icy roadways.  While not every winter will require winter tires, you should ensure that your tires have enough tread and grip to help you travel safely.

In addition, your tire pressure will typically fluctuate during the cold season.  When the temperature drops so does your tire pressure. Cold temperatures can compress the air in your tires and cause your tire pressure indicator light to come on.  Make certain to check your tire pressure often to ensure there is not another underlying issue and keep a small emergency car repair kit that includes a portable air pump and pressure gauge in the vehicle.

3. Check your battery

Extremely cold weather can impair a marginal batteries ability to start. Low temperatures can put a strain on a battery that is not in tip-top shape. To better protect yourself, and prevent being stranded, make sure to have your battery inspected before the winter weather comes.

4. Windshield Wipers

While your windshield wipers may seem small they can make a big difference. Too often, people don’t realize they need new wipers until the rain or snow is pouring from the sky and visibility becomes zero. The cold winter weather can damage the rubber of your vehicles windshield wipers. The relatively small expense of new wiper blades is well worth the ability to see what’s ahead when driving in difficult conditions.

5. Belts and hoses

Winter weather takes a toll on your car’s belts and hoses and if they are not in optimal condition, they can snap and break. Taking the time to replace any parts that are not pristine will help you and your vehicle make it through the winter season in one piece.

6. Don’t be afraid to fill up

Driving with an almost empty tank can allow moist air to crystallize and possibly lead to ice in the fuel lines. Make sure that you stop regularly to fill up and keep gas in the tank to prevent this from happening.

7. Take care of your windshield

Just like your wiper blades, it is important to take proper care of your windshield to ensure safe visibility. While you may be tempted to thaw the ice on your windshield with a hot cup of water, don’t do it! The difference in temperature of the cold windshield and the hot water may actually crack your windshield causing inconvenient and possibly expensive damage. A much safer alternative is a sturdy ice scraper. They come in many different makes and models and can safely remove the ice from your windshield without damaging your car.

8. Wash your vehicle regularly

While it can be annoying to get your car washed and then have it rain a few hours later, regular washing is a long-term investment. Salt on snowy roads can damage your car’s paint and wheels. To prevent this, wash your car regularly and remove any salt that could be the culprit of damage over time.

While every person that reads this may think it doesn’t apply to them; overconfidence is all too common.  Whether you have driven in the snow your whole life or you have a vehicle that is designed to drive in the snow, use some common-sense tactics and defensive driving to make sure that everyone makes it to their destination safely: slow down, give yourself plenty of time, and be mindful of others on the road. Ice can be hidden under a layer of snow and can quickly spin your vehicle out of control if you are going too fast.  If you encounter someone driving dangerously, move over and allow him or her to pass.

While this list may seem like a lot, general car maintenance and a few preventative measures can keep your car running and on the road all winter long. Also, make sure your you have a car insurance before driving or you will be in trouble for not having one. An upfront investment in your vehicle’s car can prevent inconvenient and potentially expensive damage. If you would like to add or review your insurance coverage for towing, glass repair or roadside assistance, please give our office a call.