Maintaining Your Car
Your car takes you everywhere you want to go. It keeps on runnin’ (hopefully) through rain, snow, heat, fender benders AND puts up with your stereo blasting day after day. Are you taking care of your car in return? A well-maintained car can easily make the 200,000 mile-mark so it’s worth the time and money to properly care for your vehicle. While your maintenance schedule may vary based on your car model and usage, the following is a general guide to keep your car running year-round. Oh, and turn that stereo down too, will you?
Follow Your Manual
Your car’s manual should be read within the first few weeks after you buy a car. Most maintenance books have a “normal” maintenance schedule and a “severe” schedule. According to the AAA, it is best to follow the “severe” maintenance schedule in virtually all situations. By following this schedule, you will ensure that your car is getting the best possible care. Use your manual to help you locate two important gauges to your car’s health: the engine oil dipstick and the coolant reservoir. You will need to check these gauges most frequently and make sure the fluid level is between the “high” and “low” marks. Also make sure you know how to operate all your car’s controls, including the wiper blades, emergency flashers and high beams. If your car is equipped with any special features, familiarize yourself with them while your car is parked.
General Maintenance Schedule
Fill in your car’s maintenance log after you complete any of the following maintenance jobs. This will keep your warranty intact and/or be a useful record if you sell your car.
As needed- Inspect the air conditioning system for problems. This means watching out for signs of trouble, including wet carpeting on hot days, a vibration or abnormal noise when the fan is on, a reduced amount of air coming out of the vents or a musty or mildew-like odor when the fan is on. Any of these issues may be a sign that your air conditioner needs to be serviced.
Monthly - Inspect the lights and check the tire pressure. AAA advises that you buy your own gauge because the ones on gas station air pumps are often inaccurate. Check the pressure after the car has been turned off for several hours.
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or every 3-4 months - Get oil and filter changes and a belt and hose inspection. Oil changes are perhaps the most important thing you can do for vehicle maintenance since it will help your car perform longer.
Every 6,000 miles or every other oil change - Have your tires rotated, your wheels balanced and your hose inspected.
24,000-50,000 miles - Replace your air and fuel filters and have automatic transmissions serviced.
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