A Complete Car Maintenance Checklist

Knowing what must be done and how frequently for the best car maintenance is the most formidable challenge. What is automobile upkeep? Beyond simply keeping you safe while driving, regular maintenance significantly increases your car’s dependability, performance, and resale value. It also lowers your risk of encountering a frightening and annoying roadside emergency. Read this complete car maintenance checklist to keep your car fabulous.

Keeping your vehicle in good condition can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve created a thorough car maintenance checklist to get you to start.

Following a simple car maintenance checklist schedule and tips can keep your car in good condition and avoid expensive repairs.

Short-Term Checkups

Here is a list of quick automobile maintenance tasks you should complete multiple times a year.

Tire Pressure and Tread Depth

 

 

Make it a routine to frequently visually examine your tires because well-maintained tires are essential to a safe, fuel-efficient trip. In addition, the tire pressure decreases by one pound every 10 degrees during colder months. This necessitates checking the tire pressure—frequently during winters, once every month, before long journeys, or while hauling large loads.

Remember always to carry a spare tire and car air compressor along. A air compressor will help to check your tires’ pressure and refill your tire.

Check Coolant Levels

 

 

It’s a good idea to check the coolant levels in your car under the hood once a month, or every several gas fill-ups, particularly before any extensive road trips. If unchecked, low coolant levels might cause issues with the engine. You can buy your car coolant from autostore.pk.

Checking the Lights

Despite how important it is that your car’s lights function correctly, this part of maintenance is frequently neglected.

Switch on your headlights to ensure both are operating adequately and position correctly. Examine your turn signals and parking lights while circling your vehicle. Have a buddy stand behind the car to ensure your hazard lights are on when you use the brakes.

A list of several typical lights and blinkers is given below:

Headlights

 

 

A bright flash in the front of the automobile should indicate that the headlights are on and functioning. If there is an issue, switch off the headlights and inspect to see whether they are still operational by directing light through them.

Turn lights

 

 

By switching on your danger lights and turn signals simultaneously, you can make sure that the hazard flashers are blinking. After around two seconds, they should begin to glow before fading simultaneously. Replace them if either one or both stop working.

Brake Lights

 

 

Depressing the brake pedal and turning on the warning lights ensure the brake lights are operational. When you press the brake pedal, it should illuminate. Replacing them should solve the problem.

Headlights Beam

 

 

Ensure that your headlights are shining brightly. Sometimes there is mud and scratches on the glass of the headlight. You should clean and polish the glass so that your headlights can shine properly.

Washer Fluid

 

 

A clean windshield is necessary for safe vehicle operation. For your front windshield to remain clear between car washes, you’ll need high-quality wipers and appropriate windshield washer fluid.

An essential component of maintaining your automobile is windshield washer fluid. Methanol, a toxic substance that is hazardous even at trim levels, is an ingredient in most commercial windshield cleaners. However, some people create their own methanol-free windscreen washing fluid at home since methanol risks their health and the environment. In addition, making custom washing fluids from everyday home items is simple and cost-effective.

Keeping Up the Shine

 

 

Regular car polishing and waxing is essential for maintaining your car’s shine. There are different car wax and polishes you can choose from to keep up the shine of your car’s exterior. You should wax and polish your car after every car wash or weekly.

Seasonal Check-ups

Your car’s maintenance requirements alter with the seasons. While you may extensively clean your automobile in the springtime to get rid of all those dirt and mineral salts, the summertime calls for a new film of wax or covering to protect your paint from the sun’s damaging UV rays.

Knowing which parts of the car to clean, repair, and preserve each season is crucial to avoid stains, oxidation, and long-term harm to your car’s interior and exterior.

Check Battery Performance and Cables

 

 

Among the most crucial parts for your automobile to operate is the battery. The starter, engine, and other electronic components in a car are all powered by a car battery, which provides a lot of electrical currents. Frequent battery testing guarantees the battery functions when needed because extreme temperatures impact its performance.

Check Spark Plugs

 

 

The ignition system in your engine ignites the mixture of air and gas, which powers your vehicle. Your machine might lose strength and perform below its potential if your spark plugs aren’t operating correctly. Depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations or if you notice a drop in your engine’s power, have an inspection of your spark plugs and replace any defective ones.

Change Windshield Wiper Blades

 

 

Generally speaking, windscreen wipers need replacement once a year, or anytime their efficacy is affected. Installing winter windshield wipers for maximum efficiency throughout the winter might also be wise. Additionally, move your wipers away from the windows to avoid ice formation while parked in the winter.

Change the Filters

Changing the car filters is necessary to upkeep the performance of your vehicle. You should change the filters after every few months.

Air Filter

 

 

The air filter in your engine controls airflow into the car and aids in preventing particle and trash buildup. You may increase fuel economy, lower emissions, and extend your engine’s lifespan by checking that the air purifier is flowing freely. In addition to harming your health, a clogged air filter can damage the components of your automobile and result in poor performance.

Oil Filter

 

 

The oil filter removes and filters contaminants from the engine oil and transmission oil. You should change the oil filter after every other oil change or every six months.

Check your car’s handbook for guidelines and how frequently the filters must be replaced to perform this effortlessly at home.

Change the Oils

 

 

Gear Oil

Gearbox oil is a fluid that keeps the various moving components inside your gearbox operating correctly, like the oils in your engine. Whether you drive an automatic or manual gearbox automobile, it is crucial to regularly check your transmission fluid to avoid costly transmission damage or replacement.

Brake Oil

Periodic brake oil replacement is customary for routine maintenance outside the chemical flush. Therefore, many shops refer to this procedure as a “brake flush,” despite the absence of flush chemicals.

Engine Oil

It is essential to regularly check, replace, and use the right crankcase oil. The dependability and longevity of an engine can be significantly impacted by improper oil usage and maintenance. Therefore, check the engine oil before every cut to ensure the proper oil level and color. Engine oil has a rich amber hue when it is brand-new. The oil gradually turns darker due to heat, dirt, and turbulent air. Over time, oxidized lubricants, combustion byproducts, and impurities accumulate to produce sludge, which darkens the oil’s color. Dark oil is a reliable sign that it’s time for an oil change. A tiny engine can run cooler and consume less gasoline if the oil is clean and at the right level.

Transmission Oil

Regular maintenance, of which preserving your transmission oil is among the most crucial components, is the most incredible way to provide automotive peace of mind. The liquid is applied in an automatic gearbox for two reasons: first, to cool and lubricate some gears and components; second, to give the clutch bands in the transmission with the right amount of friction so they can function correctly and stay calm.

Steering Oil

Look at the power steering fluid. The fluid’s quality and functionality are also safe by changing the filter and keeping it free of contaminants. By obtaining a sample, examining the color, and looking for metal fragments and debris, you may assess the fluid’s quality at home.

Rotating the Tires

 

 

Depending on your vehicle’s alignment, operation, and many other factors, the tread wear patterns on your tires might differ between the front and back tires or even between one side of the treads. Rotating your tires can help increase your tires’ useful life by distributing tread wear more uniformly and preventing noise and vibration issues.

Long Term Check-ups

Here are the procedures for long-term maintenance that you need to keep in mind. These are helpful every six to twelve months or according to mileage.

Inspect the Shocks and Struts

 

 

Your car’s shocks and struts are a fundamental element of the steering system and regulate the pressure and rebound when your vehicle travels over road bumps. Every 50,000 miles, they should be checked by a specialist; if you experience a loss of control or a decline in smoothness while driving, take your automobile to the shop.

Check Serpentine and Timing Belts

 

 

Although it may appear a simple piece of leather, your car’s serpentine belt powers auxiliary components like your generator, power steering pump, and air conditioning unit compressor. Check the belt visually to ensure no cracks or other signs of wear and strain. If worn out or as the vehicle’s manufacturer recommends, replace it.

Change the Tires

 

 

You may wish to convert to a winter or snow tire during the chilly, snowy months, depending on where you reside and the possible wintertime driving conditions you may experience. The tire compounds in non-winter tires harden as the temperature persistently falls to or below freezing, which reduces grip, coordination, and management while lengthening stopping distance. Winter tires contain tread designs and materials made to stay flexible in the cold and offer traction in icy, snowy, and slushy driving conditions.

Check Brakes and Brake Pads

 

 

It is crucial to inspect the brake system for wear and leakage. In addition, the presence of dirt, snow, or ice on the pads also needs to be removed.

Check Steering and Suspension

 

 

Like all other components, your car’s suspension and steering systems require routine maintenance. Most automakers advise doing a system inspection every 50 000 miles. Moreover, age degrades hydraulic and rubber components annually, independent of mileage.

You must bring your car to a technician with proper diagnostic tools and experience if you believe your vehicle requires inspection or if it is just time for a periodic checkup. Make sure that anyone who works on your automobile has the skills and knowledge necessary to operate on steering and suspension systems. Steering and suspension systems are just as crucial to the safe functioning of your car as the brake system.

Check Wheel Bearings

 

 

When creating a fleet maintenance checklist, wheel bearings might not come to mind immediately. However, the engine, the tires, and the safety system are more significant parts that need more of your focus under their size.

However, this does not imply that wheel bearings may not get attention because they might fail and have catastrophic repercussions, some as severe as the truck’s wheel falling off while it is in motion. If your wheel bearings or hub are airtight, you should replace them every 85,000 to 100,000 miles to save maintenance and extend the bearings’ life.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining your automobile involves much more than just washing it to make it look nice; you should be able to efficiently perform light inspections, oil changes, tire inspections, and many other tasks.

The complex tasks may be left to the mechanic, but there are many simple tasks you can complete on your own. In addition, knowing what is going on inside your automobile can keep you up-to-date and help you choose when a trip to the mechanic is necessary.

We appreciate you reviewing our thorough car maintenance checklist. This list helps you maintain your car’s performance and keep future expensive repairs at bay.