Routine Car Care Schedule – What Needs to be Done When?
Posted Jul, 19, 2011
You know that auto maintenance is important to both the longevity and safety of your vehicle. You’re ready to get on a regular maintenance schedule to make sure your car is receiving the care it needs to stay in top working condition. So…now what?
Keeping track of your car’s maintenance schedule can be tricky, especially on top of the rest of life, so we recommend keeping a pocketed notebook in the glovebox where you can keep track of all past and upcoming maintenance appointments. You can keep receipts for work done in the pockets for future reference. For those who are handy with Excel, a simple spreadsheet is another great way to keep track of auto maintenance work.
Keep in mind that knowing what maintenance has been performed on your vehicle – and at what intervals – is important information for your auto technicians to know, so it’s important to keep detailed records of past maintenance and repair work.
Armed with a little organization, here is a basic schedule we recommend for the average vehicle. Keep in mind that not every vehicle has the same maintenance interval requirements; when you bring your car in for maintenance, our technicians can look up your vehicle’s specific manufacturer recommendations for a more custom-tailored schedule.
Monthly checklist:
When it’s not time for an oil change, these tasks can easily be done at home, at the car wash or at the gas station.
Check all fluids. This includes engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and coolant (under the radiator cap). Fluids should be topped off (not too full), and should not be dark and sludgy.
Check tire pressure. Improperly inflated tires can cause all sorts of problems, from uneven tire wear and “splashy” unsafe driving to inefficient fuel usage. Tires should be checked each month to make sure they’re all at their recommended levels.
3 month checklist:
Engine tuning. Things like clogged fuel injectors and burnt spark plugs can hinder an engine’s fuel efficiency by up to 30% and put extra strain on engine components.
Oil change. How often oil changes need to be made depends on your vehicle’s mileage and manufacturer recommendations. Some modern vehicles can go as far as 7,000 in between oil changes. Check with your auto technician to find out what frequency is best for your car. If you’re not sure, every 3 months, or every 3,000 miles is a good rule of thumb.
Battery maintenance and cleaning. Battery posts and cables accrue dirt over time, causing corrosion and faulty connections, which can lead to inefficient functioning and even failed a start. Battery cables, posts and fluid should be checked along with oil changes.
Lighting. Car owners aren’t always aware when headlights or taillights go out. Similarly, road wear and grit can scratch headlights, making them too dim. Having a mechanic inspect these lights along with oil changes makes sure you haven’t missed any burnt bulbs.
6 month checklist:
Engine belt check. Engine belts, such as timing belts and serpentine belts, become stiff, cracked and worn over time; when these belts break, they can cause a major inconvenience at best, severe damage to other components at worst. Every six months is a good timeline for making sure belts are in good condition.
Air filters. Like people, engines need to breathe clean air. Dirty, clogged air filters make it more difficult for engines to get the clean oxygen they need, making them less fuel efficient. Similarly, cabin air filters need to be kept clean to ensure drivers and passengers have fresh, breathable air.
Change windshield wiper blades. Most windshield wiper blades become stiff and brittle after six months, so they should be swapped out for a new set to avoid the safety hazard of poor visibility.
