7 Basic Maintenance Checks to Keep Your Car Running Smoothly

Uh oh – an indicator light appeared on your dashboard.  Is your tire pressure low? Do you need an oil change?  Don’t wait for something to go wrong to do maintenance on your car.   Taking proper care of your vehicle can help it last longer, create a more enjoyable ride, and prevent more serious problems later down the line. 

Sometimes it can be easy to forget the little things.  Here’s a car maintenance checklist to help you keep your car in tiptop shape:

Check Monthly:

1. Belts and Hoses

Check your belts and hoses every month.  Replace worn, frayed belts and bulging, rotten, or brittle hoses.

2. Engine Oil & Fluids

Check the oil level by pulling out the dipstick, wiping it off, inserting it back and then pulling it out again.  If the level is too low, add oil.  Don’t forget to check all your other fluids: your coolant, brake fluid, windshield wiper fluid, etc.

3. Tire Pressure

Many people forget to check their tire pressure monthly.  Don’t wait for the tire pressure indicator light to blink on.  Check your tire pressure once a month.  You can purchase a small pressure gauge that will fit on your key chain. 

4. Tire Treads

Measure the depth of the tire treads; the legal minimum is 1.6 mm.  Make sure you check the spare tire, too, and make sure that it’s properly inflated.

Check Every 2 Months

5. Air Filter

The air filter helps remove dirt and other impurities from the air.  If it is dirty when you check it, replace it with a new one – they are usually disposable, so it is an easy process.

6. Antifreeze/Coolant

Before you check your antifreeze, make sure the engine is cool.  If you don’t wait for the engine to cool down, then steam will come out of the valve when you open it and you could get burned.  The mixture should be a 50/50 solution of antifreeze and water.  When you are finished, make sure you dispose of the bottle or put the cap back on tightly and keep it out of reach of children – antifreeze is very toxic.

Check Every Three Months

7. Oil Filter

Check every 3,000 miles, or every 3 months, whichever comes first.  When you get an oil change, the service mechanic should place a sticker in your windshield telling you when you will be due for the next one. 

Other Tips:

To help you stay up-to-date on your car’s maintenance, you can create a maintenance log.  Put it on your fridge so you’ll see it every day.  Every time you check something – the tire pressure, the oil, etc – write the date.

For more information, check your owner’s manual.  This will have the best information for your vehicle.  If you have any questions, a member of our service department would be happy to assist you.