Outside of your home, your car is one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make. It makes sense to spend time and money on routine maintenance because, to paraphrase a 1970s oil filter advertisement*, you can pay now or you can pay after.
To keep your vehicle in top condition and prolong its life as much as possible, here is a list of maintenance items that require regular care:
- Filters and liquids – Everyone knows to change the oil/oil filter regularly (check the owner’s manual, but usually every 3-4 months or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first). Also, be sure to check the power steering fluid, brake fluid and filters, and regularly check the engine air filter, cabin air filter, and fuel filter.
- Battery and Cable – Make sure that your battery is fully charged (if not the part is sealed), the cables are connected tightly and are not corroded. Start testing your batteries after about 3 years (especially in very hot climates) and plan to replace them around year 5.
- Belts and hoses – There is nothing worse than a damaged radiator hose or your engine being damaged by a broken cam belt. Check your belts and hoses every 4-6 months.
- Rotate and check your tires In addition to making sure they are always properly inflated, rotating your tires is key to extending the life of your tires. Be sure to check your tire manual or vehicle owner, as some tires may need to be rotated to a specific pattern. Also, regularly check your tread depth using a coin to make sure you’re not going below a 2/32″ safe tread depth.
- Powertrain and chassis – Check your owner’s manual for information on inspecting and lubricating the chassis, steering, suspension and differential. Also, regularly check your engine mounts and replace them as needed.
- car exterior Keep your car looking great by regularly washing and polishing it about twice a year to protect its gloss finish against the elements. Make sure to clean underneath your car, especially after winter, to remove any de-icing agent used on the road and clear mud and debris that may be trapped there.
All of these are essential to keeping your vehicle in the best possible condition, and if you decide to sell or exchange your vehicle, having a routine maintenance record can help increase the price. its value.
