Regular maintenance is required in order to keep our vehicles functioning properly. Some things need to be checked more regularly, while others may only need to be checked every so often. These routine check-ups can make the difference between a vehicle that runs smoothly, and a vehicle that may require more serious repairs. And you don’t have to be a mechanic to perform these minor check-ups. Take a look at our car maintenance checklist to help you keep your vehicle functioning as it should.
Frequent Check-Ups
These short term check-ups should be done more frequently than other vehicle maintenance check-ups. These are simple check-ups that can be done at your home or while you’re on-the-go.
Oil and Coolant Levels
Low levels of oil or coolant in your vehicle can lead to engine problems later on. Coolant is responsible for keeping your vehicle’s engine from overheating, and oil helps keep the moving parts of the engine lubricated. Your vehicle’s oil is also responsible for keeping the engine cool and reduces wear and tear. You should check your vehicle’s oil and coolant levels about every month to every few months, and especially before going on a long road trip. To properly check the levels, the engine should be cool, meaning the engine is not running. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will help you figure out where these are located under the hood and what to check for.
Along with the oil is the oil filter, which also needs to be checked every few months. Older vehicles usually require an oil change and oil filter change every 3,000 miles, while newer vehicles may need an oil change after 5,000 to 10,000 miles.
Air Filter
Your vehicle’s air filter is responsible for regulating proper airflow to the engine. It also prevents debris and particulates from getting into the engine and causing problems. Having a clean air filter can improve fuel efficiency, decrease emissions, and prolong the life of the engine. To know how often you should be checking your vehicle’s air filter, refer to your owner’s manual. It will also give you instructions on how to properly replace the filter.
Tires
You may think that having newer tires on your vehicle means that you won’t have to check these as often, but that isn’t the case. Tire pressure can be affected by a number of different things such as cold weather or a hole punctured by a nail or piece of road debris. Cold weather can decrease a tire’s pressure by one pound for every 10 degrees decrease. You should visually check your tires about once a month, and use a tire pressure gauge to check the tire pressure. And be sure to remember to check the spare tire as well. A tire pressure sensor could be triggered by the spare tire just as much as the other four tires. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will have the proper pressure measurements for your specific vehicle.
You should also check the tread on your tires. To do this, you can use the simple penny method.
Lights
Don’t forget to include headlights, turn signals, brake lights, and parking lights into your car maintenance checklist. The lights on your vehicle serve very important functions. They allow you to communicate with other drivers on the road, help you see when it’s dark out, and help you stay safe on the road. You may need a little help to see the lights on the back end of your vehicle, but these are easy things to check. Start by having your vehicle running and then visually check that each light works properly. Test the turn signals in the front and back of the vehicle using the turn signal switches. Test the brake lights by putting your foot on the brake pedal, and continue through while testing each individual light on the vehicle.
If a light needs replacing, you can check your owner’s manual for instructions, or take it into the shop if you cannot replace it on your own.
Paint
Ensuring that your vehicle’s paint is in good condition will also help you prevent your vehicle from rust. Applying a wax coat to your vehicle’s body every 6 months will help prevent paint from chipping and rust from forming. The wax can also prevent damage from irritants such as dust, sand, and salt.
Seasonal or Long Term Check-Ups
These check-ups don’t need to be done as often as the frequent check-ups, but they are necessary to maintain a properly functioning vehicle.
Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid works similarly to oil. It keeps the moving parts inside of your transmission adequately lubricated so they’ll all function properly. You’ll want to make sure that you’re checking these levels while the vehicle is on a flat surface. Don’t check your transmission fluid if the vehicle is at an angle because this will affect your results. Usually, the vehicle should be hot when you check the transmission fluid. Make sure levels aren’t low, and the fluid is clean otherwise you could face serious transmission problems.
Serpentine Belt
The serpentine belt is critical for keeping peripheral devices such as the alternator and power steering pump working properly. You should visually inspect the belt for cracks or tears and if you do see any, have it replaced by a professional.
Windshield Wipers
This vehicle check-up is commonly overlooked by people. It’s crucial that you add this to your car maintenance checklist because often, we realize we need new windshield wipers when it’s too late. Check your windshield wipers seasonally to ensure that you can adequately see during your next rain or snowstorm.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are what ignites the gas and air mixture that starts your engine. If the sparks plugs aren’t working properly, then your engine will lose power while driving, you may have difficulty starting the vehicle, and you may experience engine misfires. It can be difficult for someone who isn’t trained to work with cars to check the spark plugs, so we recommend bringing your vehicle into the shop to have them looked at by a professional.
Connect With A1 Body Shop
Use this car maintenance checklist and you should be able to avoid costly repairs, and ensure that your vehicle is getting the necessary care it needs to run smoothly. If you do find yourself in a situation where you need repairs, then connect with the experts from A1 Body Shop! We also provide RV body repair services. We are a Reno auto body shop that cares more about your safety than anything else. That’s why here at A1 Body Shop we offer reasonable auto body repair rates to better serve you when these accidents happen compared to other body shops in Reno NV.