New Year, Fresh Car: The Ultimate Car Maintenance Checklist

One of the best things you can do for your car is pay close attention to the maintenance it needs. If you want to make sure that your car is always ready to drive when you need it, you should be on top of the necessary preventive care. In fact, you’re likely to find that preventive maintenance costs less than repairs that may pop up or a new car payment if your vehicle breaks down completely. If you’re looking forward to keeping a running, well-maintained car all year, this checklist will help.

Oil and Coolant Levels

No matter how many miles you put on your car each month, checking your oil and coolant levels is a good idea. You don’t want to be stuck without fluids on the road, and checking your car’s levels will ensure that it doesn’t have a leak. Your vehicle model may have specific recommendations for checking these levels.

Air Filter

Your vehicle’s air filter prevents debris from infiltrating your airflow. With the right filter, you can ensure that the cabin of your car is comfortable and that you improve your fuel efficiency in the process. A clean air filter also helps your engine last longer. Checking your air filter once a month is a good idea, and it’s something a mechanic will likely do with an oil change as well.

Tire Pressure and Tread Depth

Not only does a tire with the right pressure and tread depth make for a safer drive, but it also makes for a fuel-efficient one. At least once a month, you can check your tire pressure with a gauge, but you can provide a visual inspection weekly. This is also an excellent time to check your spare tire and make sure it has adequate pressure. If you aren’t sure what tire pressure you need, you can check your car’s owner’s manual.

Tread depth is also crucial because it helps your vehicle grip the road safely. If your tread is getting uneven or low, it may be time to rotate your tires. This process lets you balance the tread wear on your tires so that you need to buy new tires less frequently. Many drivers have their tires rotated when they get an oil change.

Lights

Once per month, you may want to check your turn signals, brake lights, and headlights. Turn on your lights and walk around your car, checking that each light turns on when it’s supposed to be. A visual inspection is all you need to ensure your lights operate safely. If you do need to change your lights, this is something you may be able to do on your own affordably.

Oil and Oil Filter

Generally, mechanics recommend getting an oil change every 5,000 miles, but older cars may need an oil change every 3,000 miles. For many drivers, an oil change lasts about six months. Oil changes are important because they help lubricate the parts in your car and prevent debris from working its way into important parts. Additionally, oil keeps your engine cool and prevents the engine from corroding.

Wax

Every few months, it’s a good idea to wash your car and apply a layer of wax. Not only does wax help your car look sharp, but it also preserves the paint and prevents rust from settling in. A coat of wax also helps prevent the seals around the doors and windows from cracking under intense temperatures.

Car Battery

Every few months, it’s a good idea to test your car’s battery. Batteries last several years, but the life span of your battery could be shorter due to severe weather in your area. When you test your battery, you prevent the chance that it’ll die and leave you needing a jumpstart and a new battery.

Shocks and Struts

Each year, you may want to inspect the shocks and struts of your car. They often need to be replaced every 50,000 miles, and they can prevent your car from bouncing and vibrating all over the road. Your car will also have an easier time driving over potholes and less-than-smooth roadways when it has great shocks.

Transmission Fluid

Your car uses transmission fluid to run properly. This fluid should be flushed and replaced periodically. If you don’t check and change your fluid, you could risk damaging your transmission. This is a costly repair.

Coolant

Every once in a while, your car is due for a coolant flush. Coolant is responsible for cooling your engine to avoid overheating. As your coolant operates, it gathers debris. This makes the fluid less effective. When you flush the coolant, your engine will work better.

Belts and Hoses

A mechanic can inspect your car’s belts and hoses, including the timing and serpentine belts. If you have a problem with your belts or hoses, your car won’t be able to operate effectively. While most cars don’t need these items replaced often, you definitely want to ensure they don’t break when you’re on the road.

Spark Plugs

Spark plugs help your engine run by igniting the fuel in your car. When your spark plugs aren’t doing their job, the engine won’t work. Having your spark plugs inspected and replaced regularly can prevent this issue from keeping you home.

Brakes

A brake inspection is crucial about once per year. Your brakes are a critical component of your car’s safety features, preventing car accidents. Even if it hasn’t been a year since your last inspection, it’s a good idea to check for issues, such as squeaking or grinding, that could impact your ability to drive safely.

Windshield Wipers

Each year, it’s a good idea to replace your windshield wipers. If you don’t replace your wipers regularly, you’ll get streaks and poor visibility throughout the rainy season. What’s worse is that most people don’t notice the wipers degrading over time.

With excellent maintenance, you can ensure that your car lasts as long as you need it to. When it’s time for a new car, you’ll also see that scheduling preventive maintenance may even help you when it’s time to trade your vehicle in for a new model. When it’s time, Herrin-Gear INFINITI in Jackson, Mississippi, can help you choose a car you’ll love.