Your vehicle requires regular maintenance to avoid expensive repairs. Unless you are made of gold, you don’t want your prized possession turning into a money pit. There are so many mechanical parts that require constant supervision that the cost of a used car could triple over a few years from the initial investment without annual maintenance.
The only time you want that kind of increase is if you’re selling.Most drivers understand the routine: check your fluids every few weeks, perform an annual inspection, and renew your registration. But until you look under the surface, you could be wasting money on costly repairs by simply avoiding your annual maintenance checkup.
The following 10-point vehicle checklist can keep your vehicle running at peak performance, saving you money in the long run, so pop the hood and let’s get down to business.
❏ Oil Change
Oil is considered the lifeblood of a vehicle. Regular oil changes should be a part of any responsible driver’s maintenance schedule. For most vehicles, on average it’s recommended that you complete an oil change every 5,000-7,500 miles to prevent engine corrosion; check your vehicle’s oil changing intervals for exact mileage.
A recent survey from the Car Care Council found that 25% of cars possessed low or dirty engine oil. Regular oil changes will significantly expand the lifespan of your engine and will help prevent overheating.
❏ Automatic Transmission Fluid
It’s recommended that you check your transmission fluid at least twice a year. Your transmission is a part of a closed system, meaning your fluid level should always be consistent.
If you discover low transmission fluid levels take it to a mechanic. Automatic transmissions have a dipstick, just like your engine, that should be checked while the engine is running. The quality of your transmission fluid is more important than the quantity. If you possess an old car, consult a mechanic before performing a transmission flush as this could harm the vehicle more than it could help it.
❏ Wiper Blades and Washer Fluid
The winter months can take a toll on your wiper blades. Often times, wiper blade stop working in completely random startups. Check your wiper blade at least once a year, for any loose screws, missing contact or low wiper fluid. Operating your wiper blades with low washer fluid will create significant wear for your wiper blades and will create safety hazards for your vehicle.
❏ Battery and Cables
Car batteries fail when we least expect them to. Car batteries typically have a short lifespan and should be replaced every three to five years. You could expand the life of your battery by regularly cleaning battery terminals) and connections, which could help prevent corrosion within the battery itself. Battery connections and cables can become loose and corroded overtime, causing those pesky startup issues.
❏ Brakes
It’s ideal to check the condition of your brake pads every year, depending on how much you drive. Brakes can wear significantly without our knowledge. Replacing caliper or rotor can cost a couple hundred dollars depending on the amount of wear. Weak brakes create safety hazards for your car and regular brake pad maintenance and brake fluid checkups will help prevent wear to your braking system. If your brakes are not operating smoothly, it’s time to take it to the mechanic.
❏ Exhaust
Most drivers will be alerted of exhaust failures by the loud grinding sound they hear from pressing on the gas pedal. It’s ideal to regularly check the undercarriage of your exhaust system to see if there are any holes or parts hanging or dragging. A faulty exhaust not only presents safety hazards, but also environmental hazards. Newer cars contain many expensive parts within their exhaust system. If you’re looking to pass inspection, it’s ideal to fix any potential exhaust issues before they spread across the entire system.
❏ Tire Condition/ Wheel Alignment
Quality tires could last as long as 40,000 miles. But if you’re not maintaining proper psi levels or alignments, you could be looking at regular tire replacements. In order to avoid the dreaded flat tire, regularly check your tire pressure and fix any alignment issues that will significantly cut down on the life of your tires.
Tires with lots of wear and reduced tread can create safety hazards in precipitous conditions. If you’re looking to check the tread of your tires, the classic penny tire test always works. Simply place a the top of a penny (Lincoln’s head) into a few tread grooves across the tire. If you see Lincoln’s head, your tires should be replaced. If Lincoln’s head is covered, that means you have more than the recommended 2/32” of tread depth, which is acceptable.
❏ Steering/Suspension
Your vehicle’s suspension system aids in making turns as well as making those emergency maneuvers. It’s ideal to check your suspension system for wear every 15,000 miles and to get your tires aligned every 10,000 miles. Most drivers don’t have to worry about lubricating suspension parts, but it’s ideal to take your car to a mechanic when a potential suspension issue pops up.
❏ Spark Plugs
This small component helps create combustion within your engine and helps keep the pistons operating at smooth efficiency. Often overlooked, spark plugs could often represent many startup failures and choppy engine performances. Replacing spark plugs and checking their charge will help prevent freak engine failures.
❏ Cabin Air Filter
The cabin air filter is very easy to check and most times simply requires removing a box from under the hood. The cabin air filter helps prevent smog and toxins from being filtered through your car’s HVAC system. Checking the quality of your cabin air filter will help keep the quality of air circulating through your vehicle clean.
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