If you don’t know too much about cars, you might find it overwhelming trying to remember everything you have to do on a routine basis.
You know you need to get your oil changed, but you might not know how often.
You’re sure you need to change your windshield wipers at some point, but when. And how do you know?
You know your fleet vehicles’ windshields should be checked often, but what else?
If you click any of the previous links, they will take you to learn more about these routine maintenance services, but how do you remember to do all of this?!
Keeping up with your car’s maintenance can be a hassle, especially if you don’t know how important it is. By reading a few of the links we provided above, you can learn why each oil change and windshield wiper replacement is pivotal to your safety in your vehicle. Car manufacturers don’t require this routine maintenance for nothin’! It’s for your safety and for the safety of other drivers on the road.
Now, as a car owner, what is required of you on a regular basis?
Read the owner’s manual for your car. These manuals tell you everything you need to know about maintaining your vehicle specifically. Typically they even have a maintenance checklist in them in some shape or form which you can use to keep track of when you service your vehicle.
Keep all of your vehicle’s fluids clean and topped off. This includes your engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, even windshield wiper fluid. When you go to a mechanic or car dealership for your routine oil change, always ask for them to check your fluids and top them off. Typically they won’t charge you unless they need to add fluids.
Every month you should check for the following:
- Is your check engine light on?
- Are your headlights dim or cloudy?
- Are your tires at the right PSI (pounds per square inch) as recommended in your owner’s manual?
- Is your vehicle’s windshield washer fluid running low?
- Do you notice any small cracks or noticeable wear on your windshield?
Every 3 months or 3,000-5,000 miles you should check for the following (all of this can also be checked by your mechanic if you take your vehicle to a shop or car dealership for an oil change):
- Is your transmission fluid running low?
- Do you see any corrosion on your car battery or cables?
- Do you notice any signs of wear on the belts in your vehicle?
- Have you changed your oil and filter?
- Is your power steering fluid running low?
- Do you notice any loose or worn hoses in your vehicle?
Every 6 months or 6,000-8,000 miles you should check for the following:
- Does your engine’s air filter look clogged or dirty?
- Do you notice any wear on your windshield wiper blades?
- Do you notice any small cracks or problems with your car’s windows?
Using a checklist or a smartphone app to keep up with your car’s maintenance ensures your car will stay safe and in the best condition possible, extending the life of the vehicle. If you prefer to keep everything in your phone, we know of a few great apps you can use to keep up with your vehicle’s routine maintenance.
- Driving with a Cracked Windshield is Dangerous! - November 28, 2019
- Common Causes of Windshield Cracks: What You Need to Know - November 20, 2019
- The Best Road Trip Snacks for Kids - November 20, 2019
