#Car engine maintenance checklist manuals#
#Car engine maintenance checklist manual#
#Car engine maintenance checklist professional#

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. 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. Many irritants such as dust, sand, and salt can build up and environmental factors like ozone and ultraviolet light can cause microscopic damage, but waxing can help minimize this by forming a protective seal to extend your paint’s life. Making certain to wax your vehicle every six months after washing it won’t just keep it shiny, it’ll also help to keep both the paint in good shape and reduce the chance of rust. 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. ROTATE TIRESĭepending 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.

#Car engine maintenance checklist professional#

Check your vehicle owner’s manual and consult with a professional to be certain what is appropriate for your vehicle.

#Car engine maintenance checklist manuals#

Many newer vehicles’ owners’ manuals will recommend changing your oil less frequently – often in-between 5,000 and 10,000 miles. 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. Keeping it clean is vital for good engine health. The motor oil in your vehicle’s engine serves a whole slew 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. Have a friend stand behind the car while you engage the brakes to be certain that your brake lights are functional.

Walk around your car and visually inspect both turn signals and your parking lights. Once a month, turn on your headlights when you’re parked in front of a flat surface and check that both headlights are working properly and well-positioned. It’s important that the lights on your vehicle are properly functioning, but oftentimes it can be easy item to overlook. HEADLIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, BRAKE, AND PARKING LIGHTS You can check your tread depth using the simple penny method. Your owner’s manual will tell you how much air pressure your tire needs. Also, during the colder months, note that tire pressure drops one pound with every 10 degree decrease in pressure. A tire pressure gauge will be needed to check your tire pressure. Check the pressure in your tires every month, and before long trips or carrying extra load. Since well-maintained tires are integral to a safe, fuel-efficient ride, make it a habit to visually inspect your tires often. This can be done easily at home, so check your owner’s manual for instructions and how often it needs to be changed. By making certain that your air filter is flowing properly, you can improve your fuel efficiency, decrease your emissions, and help ensure the life of your engine. Your engine’s air filter is what regulates the air that flows into your engine and helps keep out debris and particulate.

Refer to your owner’s manual to locate both on your specific vehicle. Low levels of either can lead to engine problems if left unchecked. SHORT TERM CHECK-UPSįor proper vehicle maintenance, inspect the following: OIL AND COOLANT LEVELSĮvery 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. To make it easy to keep track of your car maintenance schedule, we’ve created a simple, downloadable car maintenance checklist to help you keep on top of your automotive maintenance. And, of course, it’s important to remember that car maintenance costs, while not always cheap, can ultimately help you avoid expensive repairs down the road. By knowing the basics about what your car needs, and when you should perform routine car maintenance, you’ll ensure that your car is in top-running condition.Īs an added bonus, if you can prove that your vehicle has been well maintained, you’ll be able to ask top dollar when it’s time to resell it. The biggest hurdle is being aware of what needs to be done-and how often-for optimal vehicle upkeep. Be sure to follow your vehicle’s maintenance schedule and service interval record.Ĭaring for your car and keeping it in proper running order takes a little bit of effort, but you definitely don’t have to be a mechanical whiz to keep your vehicle running well. Some of these parts of your vehicle should be checked regularly, and others only in the long run. To maximize the life and performance of your vehicle, here is a list of items you should check depending on the time and season.