Your Ultimate Car Maintenance Checklist

Most people don’t think of their car as a financial investment. It’s a means of transportation and part of your daily life. However, without proper maintenance and care, your vehicle could derail your finances with unexpected repair costs and more. 

Most brand-new cars purchased today come with extensive warranties, and often include the first few years of maintenance. But what if you have a pre-owned or hand-me-down car that is an older model? Keeping your vehicle properly maintained is crucial to ensure your finances continue to run smoothly.

Here’s a guide that outlines standard vehicle performance checks. You can use these timelines not only for self-guidance but also to ensure dealerships or repair shops are not suggesting repairs that are unnecessary at the time. 

Monthly Checks

Check Oil: It’s not a bad idea to check your oil level every time you put gas in your car or at least once a month. Getting in the habit of checking your oil regularly will help you prevent issues. 

Monitor Fluids: Check the levels of all your various fluids, including coolant/anti-freeze, windshield wiper fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, etc. The levels shouldn’t fluctuate often, so any sudden changes will alert you to possible issues.

Clean Interior & Exterior: Keeping your vehicle clean inside and out helps you protect your investment. Wash the exterior to remove dirt and bugs and clean the inside to get rid of dust and crumbs. 

3 Months 

Check Tires: Check the pressure, treads, and condition of all tires – and don’t forget the spare! Look for uneven wear patterns, damage to treads or sidewalls, and low treads. The Penny Test is a quick and easy trick to check your tire’s treads. Grab a penny and place it upside down into the tread of your tire. If Lincoln’s face on the coin is covered, you’re still good to go. If you can see Lincoln’s face, get your tires replaced as soon as possible. 

Inspect Hoses: Make sure none of your hoses are brittle, cracked, or leaking. If they are, they need to be replaced right away, or they can cause more significant issues. 

Examine Belts: Make sure your belts are tight, secure, and in good condition. If any are frayed or worn, replace them immediately.   

Check Exhaust: Inspect for damage or leaks, especially if the exhaust has been making any strange noises. Repair or replace the exhaust immediately if there are any problems. 

Monitor Air Filters: Filters should be primarily white or off-white. If it’s dirty or has debris, replace it. 

6 Months 

Change Oil & Filter: Oil change intervals can vary widely depending on your vehicle and usage, but typically should be replaced at least twice a year. Consult your owner’s manual for the specific manufacturer’s recommendations. 

Rotate Tires: Swapping out the placement of your tires ensures they last longer by helping them wear out evenly and improves your safety on the road. 

Check Battery: Make sure the battery is mounted securely, and cables are fastened tightly. Verify that there’s no evidence of corrosion. 

Replace Wiper Blades: Wipers should be replaced 1-2 times a year, even if they are not noticeably damaged or worn, to ensure they remain functioning in tip-top condition. 

Wax Exterior: Polishing your car twice a year when it’s freshly washed helps protect the paint and clear coat and defends against damage and rust. 

1 Year 

Inspect Brakes: Inspect all components of the brake system, including the pads, linings, rotors, and fluid. 

Check Alignment: Make sure your car isn’t pulling to one side. Even if it tracks in a straight line, it’s a good idea to double-check the alignment once a year. Driving misaligned could lead to premature wear on your tires.  

Replace Coolant/Anti-Freeze: Replace this fluid annually. Depending on where you live, you might need to change this more often.

Replace Air Filters: Ensure you replace your engine and cabin air filters once a year, even if they’re not noticeably dirty. 

2 Years  

Monitor Transmission Fluid: Change transmission fluid as recommended to avoid costly damage to your transmission or having to replace the whole thing – which is even more expensive. 

Inspect Brake Fluid: Completely replace your brake fluid to prevent damage to the brake system that could cause your brakes to fail. 

Check Fuel Filter: Failure to change out your fuel filter can result in engine stalling, misfires, and numerous other problems. 

Other Maintenance as Needed 

Many car maintenance and repair items will depend on the age of your vehicle and how often it’s driven. Use the following timelines as a reference for budgeting for upcoming repairs.

Spark Plugs: Spark plugs typically last around 2-3 years. Start checking your spark plugs at 30,000 miles and replace them as necessary. 

Tires: Tires typically last around 4-6 years, depending upon driving frequency. Replace your tires as soon as they are worn out. 

Brakes: Brakes typically last 3-6 years. Replace your brake pads as soon as they are less than ¼ inch thick or if they start to make a squealing sound. 

Battery: Batteries typically must be replaced every 3-5 years. You can extend the life of the battery by checking for and cleaning up any corrosion. 

Timing Belt: Replace the timing belt based on your owner’s manual instructions, typically between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. 

Address ASAP

Of course, concerns may occasionally pop up outside of their typical maintenance schedule. Some things can be put off for a short while, but some can’t. If any of these issues arise, make sure you take care of them immediately. 

Check Engine Light Is On: When your check engine light comes on, it means your car’s system has encountered a problem it can’t fix. If the light stays constantly on, get your vehicle checked out as soon as possible. But if the light is flashing, take it to a repair shop immediately!

Tire Pressure Light Is On: When this light comes on, check your tire pressure. Put extra air in your tires to get them to the appropriate level. If the light comes on again or you notice the air in the tire is low, you will likely have a leak that needs to be repaired.  

Headlight or Taillight Is Out: Check for a blown fuse if a light goes out. If the fuse isn’t the problem, get the light replaced immediately. Driving with a burnt-out light is dangerous for you and other drivers as it impacts visibility - and it’s one of the most common reasons to be pulled over by the police. 

Wiper Blades Not Working: If your wipers aren’t doing their job, replace them immediately. Ineffective wipers result in limited visibility, which endangers everyone on the road. The cost of new wiper blades is usually minimal.

Maintaining your vehicle will increase its performance and longevity while preventing many unforeseen and costly repairs. Remember, a well-maintained car is not only safer to drive, but it also holds its value better over time. Take care of your car, and it will take care of you. 

If you’re facing unexpected car repair costs and looking for an affordable financing option, we’re here to help. Our team will work with you one-on-one to get you the help you need to either repair your vehicle or purchase a new one. Please stop by any of our convenient branch locations or call 248-322-9800 extension 5 to speak with a team member today. 

 

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