Routine Vehicle Maintenance

What does regular car maintenance include?

On a regular basis, you should bring your car in for a car tune up as well as replace consumable items such as motor oil, radiator coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, wiper blades and brake pads. Some vehicles also require mechanical maintenance like replacing spark plugs, drive belts, timing belts or chains, and air and fluid filters.

Belts and hoses wear out over time. Rubber hoses can crack or swell, which leads to leaks that could leave you stranded. As your car approaches 100,000 miles, a check of hoses for the radiator, power brakes and power steering are a necessity.

Keeping up to date with scheduled maintenance will help your car run more efficiently. You’ll avoid the potential for expensive damage that could cost a lot more down the road.

How often should you take your car in for maintenance?

Many manufacturers set up basic maintenance at intervals of 30,000 miles. So certain items should be inspected and changed as needed at 30,000, 60,000 and 90,000 miles. The engine oil should be changed more often, usually at 7,500 to 10,000 miles depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations and whether your vehicle uses standard or synthetic motor oil.

What are signs that my car needs a tune up?

If the car is hesitating, lacks acceleration or has trouble starting, a tune up may be the ticket. Tell your technician what you feel and hear when the car starts acting up. Of course, if the check engine light or service engine soon light are illuminated, take your car in for inspection and service as soon as possible. Tune-up services for modern cars with fuel injection – most new cars on the market today – include cleaning or replacing spark plugs and plug wires, changing the air filter and fuel filter, as well as fuel filter, oxygen sensor and PCV valve.

How can I maintain my car’s performance?

Follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. Be sure to look at the heavy-duty schedule as well. Many people put a lot of wear and tear on their cars through normal activities, such as ferrying kids to school, commuting in heavy traffic, and towing trailers. Your vehicle will perform better, enjoy improved fuel economy and give you lots of trouble-free miles.

Checklist for proper vehicle maintenance

Inspect these items and repair/replace as needed.

Fluids

• Engine oil

• Radiator coolant

• Brake fluid

• Power steering fluid

• Transmission fluid

• Differential fluid

• Windshield washer fluid

Belts

• Alternator belt

• Air conditioning compressor belt

• Drive belt

• Fan belt

• Brakes

• Brake pads

• Brake rotors

• Serpentine belt

Filters

• Engine air filter

• Cabin air filter

• Fuel filter

• Oil filter

• Transmission fluid filter

Engine

• Alternator

• Battery

• Catalytic converter

• Oxygen sensors

• Motor mounts

• Muffler

• Spark plugs

• Timing belt

Drivetrain

• CV joints

• CV axles

• Drive shaft U-joints

• Suspension brackets and bushings

• Shock absorbers/struts

• Tie rods

Hoses

• Brake lines

• Power steering hoses

• Radiator hoses