To maximize the life and performance of your vehicle through effective car maintenance, here is a list of items you should check depending on the time and season. Some of these parts of your vehicle should be checked regularly, while others only require attention in the long run. Be sure to follow your vehicle’s maintenance schedule and service interval record.
Caring for your car and keeping it in proper running order takes a little bit of effort, but you don’t have to be a mechanical whiz to keep your vehicle running well. The most important thing is knowing what to do—and when—to keep your car running its best. By knowing the basics about what your car needs, and when you should perform routine car maintenance, you’ll ensure that your car is always ready for the road.
As a bonus, showing that your vehicle has been well maintained can help you command a higher resale value if you decide to sell. And while car maintenance has costs, it can often help you avoid hefty repair bills later.
To make it easy to keep track of your car maintenance schedule, we’ve created a simple, car maintenance checklist so you can stay on top of what really matters.
For proper vehicle maintenance, inspect the following:
Every month, or every few gas fill-ups and especially before any longer road trips, it’s a good idea to get under the hood of your car and inspect both the oil and coolant levels while the engine is cool. Low levels of either can lead to engine problems if left unchecked. Refer to your owner’s manual to locate both on your specific vehicle.
Your engine’s air filter regulates the air flowing into your engine and helps keep out debris. When your air filter is in good shape, you improve fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and help protect your engine. You can check it yourself at home, just follow your owner’s manual for how and when it should be changed.
Well-maintained tires are key to a safe, fuel-efficient ride. Make it a habit to visually inspect your tires often. Check their pressure every month, and before long trips or if you’re carrying extra load. Don’t forget the spare. You’ll need a tire pressure gauge to check accurately. In colder months, tire pressure drops about one pound for every 10 degrees the temperature falls. Your owner’s manual has the right numbers for your tires. For tread depth, try the simple penny method.
It’s easy to overlook your vehicle’s lights, but they’re essential for your safety. Each month, turn on your headlights while parked facing a flat wall or garage door to check they’re working properly and well-positioned. Walk around to check your turn signals and parking lights, then ask a friend to stand behind you while you tap the brakes to make sure your brake lights all work.
The motor oil in your vehicle’s engine serves a variety of functions: it lubricates the moving parts, helps act as a sealant against debris, cools the engine, reduces wear and tear, and helps prevent engine corrosion. Keeping it clean is vital for good engine health. Depending on your car and what kind of oil you’re using, you may need to change both the oil & oil filter as much as every 3 months or 3000 miles. Many newer vehicles’ owners’ manuals will recommend changing your oil less frequently – often in-between 5,000 and 10,000 miles. Check your vehicle owner’s manual and consult with a professional to be certain what is appropriate for your vehicle.
Depending on your vehicle alignment, usage, and many other factors, the tread wear patterns on your tires may vary between the front and back tires, or even from one side of the tread to the other. Rotating your tires will help to extend the service life of your tires by more evenly balancing the tread wear, and helping prevent noise and vibration problems.
Waxing your vehicle every six months after washing doesn’t just keep it looking new—it helps protect the paint and reduces the risk of rust. Wax also shields against dust, sand, salt, and even microscopic damage from sun and ozone, keeping your car’s finish vibrant for longer.
Much like the oil in your engine, transmission fluid is a lubricant that helps keep all of the moving parts inside of your transmission functioning properly. Whether you’re driving an automatic or manual transmission vehicle, it is essential that you have your transmission fluid checked and changed when needed to avoid costly transmission damage or replacement. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.
In four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles, the transfer case is what shifts power from the transmission to the axles. Have its fluid checked by a pro at the intervals your manufacturer recommends to keep this system filled and leak-free.
Shocks and struts help your car handle bumps and keep the ride smooth. A professional should inspect them every 50,000 miles, or anytime you notice your ride feels rougher or less under control.
Your radiator keeps your engine cool. Flushing your coolant system regularly removes buildup and ensures the radiator stays at the proper level. Follow the exchange intervals in your owner's manual.
The spark plugs in your engine ignite the gas and air mixture that ultimately powers your vehicle. Worn or faulty spark plugs can cause your engine to lose power and efficiency. Have a professional check and replace them as recommended or if you feel a drop in performance.
The serpentine belt powers key components like your alternator, power steering, and air conditioner. Inspect it for cracks or wear—replace it if you spot any issues or as recommended by your vehicle’s manual.
Differentials send power from the engine to the tires. Rear- and front-wheel drive vehicles have one; many 4WD/AWD vehicles have both front and rear, or a center differential. Like many parts of your vehicle, the differentials need to be kept lubricated to ensure proper functionality. Have a professional check and change fluid whenever your vehicle manufacturer recommends it.
Your vehicle’s needs can change with the seasons. Following are a few suggestions to add to the notes section of your vehicle maintenance checklist:
Windshield wipers need to be replaced about once every year, or whenever the effectiveness is compromised. In winter months, it could also be a good idea to install winter wiper blades for optimum performance. You should also pull your wipers away from the window when parked during the winter to prevent ice buildup.
Your car battery is one of the most important components for your vehicle to run. A car battery supplies large amounts of electrical current for the starter, engine and other electronic accessories in the vehicle. Extreme hot and cold affect the performance of the battery so regular battery testing will ensure that battery will perform when you need it to.
Depending on where you live and the winter driving conditions you might encounter, you might want to switch your tires in cold, snowy months to a winter/snow tire. When the temperature hovers at or below freezing consistently, the tire compounds in non-winter tires hardens, decreasing traction and handling performance while increasing braking distance. Winter tires have tread patterns and compounds designed to remain soft in the cold and provide grip in snow, slush, and icy driving conditions.
It’s also important to check your antifreeze levels in your radiator in winter months to keep your radiator or engine components from freezing. A 50/50 mix of antifreeze to water is generally recommended, but check your owner’s manual or with a professional to be certain.
Sticking to a car maintenance schedule, and keeping good records of what you’ve done, can help extend the life of your vehicle and protect you against breakdowns, expensive repairs, and other unwelcomed surprises.