#Routine maintenance car checklist how to
#Routine maintenance car checklist manual

Taking your car to backstreet repair shops because they offer slightly lower prices could be costly in the long run. Some electrical issues include wiring concerns, control module problems, issues with the engine control unit (ECU) or the transmission control module (TCM) or turbo actuator glitches. This will include symptoms of electrical inconsistencies that may affect a ride. Electrical Repair ServicesĪs time goes by, your beloved vehicle will begin exhibiting signs of old age. More importantly, don’t ever ignore puddles of liquid that appear underneath your vehicle as these may be a sign of a leak. When in doubt, seek help from a licensed mechanic.

#Routine maintenance car checklist manual

Your owner’s manual should have some information on the ideal fluid levels. Even if you’re not heading out on long drives, do this at least once every month to avoid engine problems. Some fluids can be checked using a dipstick, while others can only be monitored using built-in gauges in the vehicle.īefore you go on long road trips, make sure that you inspect fluid levels as you fill the gas tank up.

#Routine maintenance car checklist how to

From the fuel, oil, and coolant to the transmission and steering fluids, you must remember to check the levels of the liquids that make your vehicle run.Įven if you don’t know how to change the power steering fluid, coolant, antifreeze, and your wiper fluid, you should at least learn how to determine if they are at optimal levels. It's also good to do a tread depth and tire pressure check, along with a topping off your oil, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid.Like the human body, a vehicle runs smoothly because of several different fluids that flow through its components. You'll want to ensure all your lights are working, including your turn signals, brake lights, parking lights, and fog lights (commonly known as 'brights'). Monthly maintenance is usually a bit easier, with many tasks involving a simple check or topping off a fluid. Even your wiper blades, which may seem trivial, are essential for allowing you to see the road in adverse weather conditions. While none of these are major systems on their own, each serves a vital purpose in keeping your car running. There are several other components to check every three months, including: Some synthetic oil types can last as long as 10,000 miles, so make sure to check to see whether you are changing your oil too often. While it's more important to observe how much mileage you've accrued since your last oil change, getting one every three months doesn't hurt.

You may also need to have your battery tested every six months if it is more than three years old, as this is about when they begin to break down. Getting your tires rotated is a good maintenance task to take care of every six months, along with an inspection of your exhaust system. You'll also need to flush your coolant system and replace the fluid once a year, and any air filters in your car should be changed.

You should also make sure your brake fluid is at the correct level.

These will be the pads, linings, and rotors for your brakes.

Yearlyīrakes, shocks, and struts are all good areas to inspect once a year any worn or broken parts should be replaced. You'll also want to change your transmission fluid yearly or every 35,000 to 65,000 miles. Still, it's good to test your battery one to two times a year. More critical components of your ignition system, like your car's battery, will only need to be changed every three to five years. Every Two YearsĪnnual maintenance will include checking anything related to your vehicle's ignition system. Whether a particular section of your car needs maintenance is determined by what function it serves: something like a check engine light may require immediate service, while less frequent car repairs and maintenance tasks can be done once every 3, 6, or even 12 months.