Car ownership comes with some serious responsibilities. Maintaining your vehicle is a safety issue not just for you but for other drivers as well. It’s also a way to prevent expensive repairs and retain the vehicle’s value when it’s time to sell. A preventative car maintenance checklist can help you stay on top of servicing to keep your car running optimally.
Preventative Car Maintenance Checklist By Mileage
Typically, automakers specify the maintenance schedule in the vehicle owner‘s manual. Below are some general maintenance guidelines:
5,000 – 10,000 Miles
15,000 – 30,000 Miles
- Replace the engine and cabin air filter
- Change the brake fluid
- Install new brake pads
30,000 – 60,000 Miles
- Change the fuel filter
- Replace the transmission fluid
50,000 -60,000 Miles
- Replace the battery
- Check brake rotors
- Change the coolant
75,000 – 100,000 Miles
- Change the power steering fluid
- Inspect the exhaust system
Other Items To Routinely Check
In addition to performing these vehicle maintenance tasks, several components require frequent checking. By routinely inspecting them, you can spot a problem before it becomes a major issue.
Monthly Auto Maintenance Checklist
Once a month, you should check the following components:
- Wipers
Acid rain and UV sunlight can wear down the blades of rubber windshield wipers leaving streaking and impairing visibility. While silicone wipers cost more, they usually last much longer than rubber.
- Oil level
Over time, oil leaks can develop from worn gaskets and deteriorating seals. Low levels of oil can’t properly lubricate car engine parts creating the potential for extensive damage.
- Tires
Properly inflated tires give you better stability and more traction when driving. Plus, overinflated or underinflated tires will cause uneven wear on your tires. Furthermore, tires without enough tread depth will delay your braking time and increase your risk of hydroplaning.
- Belt
In most cars, the belt drives the fan, water pump, AC compressor, power steering, and alternator. Although rubber belts typically last at least 60,000, failure rates increase sharply after 3 years.
- Wash your car
Of course it’s crucial to maintain the mechanical parts of your car, but don’t forget about the exterior. Periodically cleaning your car will remove contaminants that can damage the paint. Plus, a nice-looking car will retain more of its value.
3-6 Months
These parts need periodic checking:
- Coolant
Coolant leaks become more common as your car ages. Plastic and rubber parts become brittle and crack while metal parts suffer from corrosion. Periodically checking your coolant can prevent your car from overheating and suffering severe damage due to low levels.
- Battery
Most car batteries will only last about 3-5 years and sometimes you won’t even know it’s dying. Without your battery, you won’t be able to start your car leaving you inconveniently stranded.
- Hoses
Rubber hoses move coolant through the engine to absorb and release heat. This constant exposure to extreme temperatures causes the rubber to weaken and crack allowing coolant to leak out. Hoses should feel firm, stiff, and rigid.
- Car Wax
In addition to washing your car, you should also wax it. Waxing applies a protective layer to your paint to keep it looking shiny.
Preventative Car Maintenance Checklist FAQs
If you have questions about your car’s preventative car maintenance checklist, Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville is here to help. Call us with your questions at 336-993-7697. Below, we answer a few commonly asked ones.
What Benefits Does Preventative Vehicle Maintenance Offer?
Often car owners mistakenly believe it’s okay to delay vehicle maintenance. However, doing so puts you at a higher risk of a breakdown. Routinely changing worn parts and checking for wear on other components has several beneficial advantages:
- Reliability
- Increases your parts and car’s lifespan
- Prevents expensive repairs
- Greater fuel efficiency
Failing to follow your auto maintenance checklist can strain and overwork parts. This can lead to lower fuel efficiency and early failure. Sometimes, these failures will affect other systems resulting in expensive repairs.
Is It Better To Use A Dealership Or An Independent Shop?
Although dealerships and independent auto repair shops usually offer the same services, they differ in pricing, availability, and training. With lower overhead, an independent shop may offer more competitive prices. Plus, your local mechanic can get your vehicle fixed more quickly too. Often, dealerships have a larger customer base requiring longer wait times.
Another difference is the training of technicians. Dealerships have factory-trained technicians – individuals who completed a course offered by the manufacturer to gain expertise in the brand. Whereas independent mechanics undergo a certification process offered by an independent organization. ASE-certified technicians must pass a difficult test and have on-the-job training to prove their expertise. Moreover, the law allows you to service your car at independent shops without voiding its manufacturer’s warranty.
Why Should I Choose Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville?
Many of your neighbors already trust us to take care of all their automotive needs. From routine maintenance to extensive repairs, our technicians can service foreign and domestic vehicles. Moreover, with every oil change, we perform a courtesy check on the following items:
- Engine air filter
- Brake fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Automatic transmission fluid
- Coolant/antifreeze
Additionally, we can review your manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for replacing these fluids and filters. Of course, if you have any questions, feel free to ask us! We love to talk shop and would be happy to discuss any concerns you have with your vehicle.
It’s easy to make an appointment with us. Just call us at 336-993-7697 or use our online form.
