Keep Your Car in Top Shape by Following This Maintenance Schedule

Keep Your Car in Top Shape by Following This Maintenance Schedule

Routine maintenance is key to keeping your car running smoothly and out of the repair shop. You might think the time to replace and maintain transmission fluids, filters, batteries, and other replacement car parts is when there’s a problem, but it should actually be done before you’re stranded without safe transportation. Stay ahead of the curve by following this car maintenance schedule.

Car Maintenance Schedule

Make sure your car is always running in top condition by following this basic car maintenance schedule developed by the non-profit Car Care Council. Most of these checks can be done easily at home; if you aren’t sure where to look or what problems to watch for, consult an auto body shop.

Print out the car maintenance schedule below and keep it in your glove box as a reference. Set calendar reminders to check your car every three months. Checking these components regularly may feel like a lot of work, but it will pay off by catching any problems early.

Check Regularly

You should take note of your car’s general condition regularly, monthly, or even weekly. In particular, you should look for (and quickly follow up on) issues with any of these components:

  • Dashboard Indicator lights on: This is the first indication of a number of major and minor problems, so act quickly whenever you see a problem indicator light.
  • Headlight and rear light function: Replace lights as soon as possible for your safety, and to avoid a ticket.
  • Tire treads, inflation, and condition
  • Windshield wiper fluid
  • Engine oil: Keep a sticker on your dashboard marking when you need an oil change and get in the habit of double checking it.

Check Every 3 Months or 3,000 Miles

Make sure to check the following every 3 months, or 3,000 miles if you drive a lot:

  • Automatic Transmission Fluid
  • Battery and Cables
  • Belts
  • Dashboard Indicator Light On
  • Engine Air Filter
  • Engine Oil
  • Exhaust
  • Hoses
  • Lights
  • Power Steering Fluid
  • Tire treads, inflation, and condition
  • Windshield Washer Fluid

Check Every 6 Months or 6,000 Miles

Additionally, you should check up on the following every 6 months, of 6,000 miles (at this point chassis lubrication and wiper blades should also be checked):

  • Automatic Transmission Fluid
  • Battery and Cables
  • Belts
  • Chassis Lubrication
  • Dashboard Indicator Light On
  • Engine Air Filter
  • Engine Oil
  • Exhaust
  • Hoses
  • Lights
  • Power Steering Fluid
  • Tire treads, inflation, and condition
  • Windshield Washer Fluid
  • Wiper Blades

Check Every 9 Months or 9,000 Miles

Once you hit the 9-month or 9,000-mile mark, check up on the items on this list (the same as the 3 month/3,000 mile mark):

  • Automatic Transmission Fluid
  • Battery and Cables
  • Belts
  • Dashboard Indicator Light On
  • Engine Air Filter
  • Engine Oil
  • Exhaust
  • Hoses
  • Lights
  • Power Steering Fluid
  • Tire treads, inflation, and condition
  • Windshield Washer Fluid

Check every 12 Months or 12,000 Miles

Lastly, at the end of 12 months, or 12,000 miles, follow up with all of the following, which additionally includes brakes, cabin air filter, coolant, steering and suspension, and wheel alignment:

  • Automatic Transmission Fluid
  • Battery and Cables
  • Belts
  • Brakes
  • Cabin Air Filter
  • Chassis Lubrication
  • Dashboard Indicator Light On
  • Coolant (Antifreeze)
  • Engine Air Filter
  • Engine Oil
  • Exhaust
  • Hoses
  • Lights
  • Power Steering Fluid
  • Steering and Suspension
  • Tire treads, inflation, and condition
  • Wheel Alignment
  • Windshield Washer Fluid
  • Wiper Blades

This schedule offers a general timetable for examining and replacing parts. If your car is older or regularly driven in harsh conditions, you might consider following an even more aggressive maintenance schedule. Also, remember to look at your owner’s manual for maintenance suggestions specific to your vehicle. Additionally, certain parts will need to be inspected, changed, or replaced upon 30, 60, and 90,000 miles.

Benefits of Regular Car Maintenance

The biggest benefit of following a car maintenance schedule is safety. If you wait until crucial car parts such as the belt or battery fail, you could find yourself in danger or stranded somewhere. Regular car maintenance will ensure that you are safe on the road and catch problems before they become inconvenient or, in a worst-case scenario, deadly.

Though it may seem counterintuitive, you’ll also save yourself time and money: without routine maintenance, you’ll be spending more money on replacement car parts, and lots of time examining crucial components. Replacing aging parts and keeping your oil changed regularly will prevent major damage that requires expensive and time-consuming repairs.

Ultimately, regular maintenance will keep your car engine running smoothly, increasing its longevity. This means that you’ll get to go longer before having to look for a new car—or that your car will be in great condition for selling. Potential buyers will be happy to hear that you followed a car maintenance schedule and will be more willing to buy and pay a higher price for a car that’s in great condition, even if it has a high mileage.

Looking for replacement car parts to keep your vehicle in peak performance? Visit Wade Auto to find great deals on affordable car parts.

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