Submitted by marshall_M on Wed, 06/02/2010 - 10:30
Posted in
Auto Maintenance Checklist For The Year
There are times we all wish our cars would just go -- no maintenance, no oil changes, no worries. You’ll have to worry about maintenance, though, unless you use a service like ZipCar. You are able to save time and money if you keep up with your car’s maintenance. Keeping your vehicle in good shape doesn't have to mean a full weekend - or even a full hour. If you follow this checklist every month, each 3 months, and each six months, you’ll be getting a good start.
Every 30 days
While you are fueling up your auto - or even just on a certain day each month - check a few things to make sure that your auto is in good running order. It’s just a couple of things, and it should take no more time than it does to fill your tank. Check and add oil to your engine. Check the tire pressure, and make sure the tread isn’t bulging anywhere. While you’re checking the oil, take a check out the hoses, belts, and air filters.
Once each and every 3 months
If you're driving regularly, you should get an oil change every three months. If a shop changes your oil for you, they will generally do the rest for you. Most oil change services contain all the fluids and items that should be checked every 90 days. If you change your own oil, you should be sure to check the windshield wipers, wiper fluid, battery, brake fluid, transmission fluid and steering fluid.
Twice a year
Full once-over your vehicle twice a year. Tune-ups should include a full check-over. Include a couple of things above and beyond your 30 and 90 day checks. You should check your struts, shocks, lights, exhaust, and brakes. You should also make certain your horn works.
Keeping your car maintained doesn’t assure that your automobile won’t run into problems. It does, nevertheless, make it easier for you to spread maintenance costs out over a time frame, and it will keep your miles per gallon at optimum level. The benefits will be much more than worth the hours you spend.
