We have broken this car maintenance checklist down into items you need to check each month, seasonally, and annually. Make sure to check the service and maintenance list in your Owner's Manual and make sure to use OEM parts, lubricants, and filters as suggested by the automaker.
Car Maintenance Checklist
Car Maintenance you need to know aboutÂ
By understanding your car's needs and what should be serviced, you'll be able to keep up with all scheduled maintenance to keep your car warranty in effect and by saving a record of your vehicle's ongoing maintenance, you can even get the most for your car when the time comes to sell it.
Monthly Checks
Each month, be sure to check your vehicle's motor oil and coolant levels and check your tire pressure especially if you are leaving for a long road trip.
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Motor Oil and Engine Coolant
You'll find the oil dipstick, motor oil fill and coolant fill in your Owner's Manual. Check the levels when the car engine is cool. Your Manual will also tell you the recommended kind of motor oil and engine coolant to use. Low levels of oil or coolant can cause overheating and lead to serious engine damage.
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Air Filter Check
Your Owner's Manual will tell you where to find your engine's air filter and how to open the cover to check it for dirt and debris. A clean air filter improves fuel efficiency for better mileage and decreases polluting emissions. Your Manual will also tell you the specific air filter you will need in case you need to change it for a new one.
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Tire Check
Your car's tires are the most important safety device on your vehicle. By maintaining proper tread wear and tire inflation pressure, you'll have a safer and more fuel-efficient ride. Inspect your tires and check their air pressure often. Check your Owner's Manual or the sticker inside your door jamb to find the correct tire pressure. Use a tire gauge to check the tire pressure on all four tires and look for signs of improper or uneven tire wear. Check the depth of your tire tread as well.
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Brake Check
Does your brake pedal feel spongy when you apply the brakes? Do your brake pads squeal or do your brake rotors make a scraping sound? These are all signs that your brake pads need to be replaced. You can check the thickness of your brake pads without removing the wheel. Take a flashlight to get a good look at the front brake pads. If they are less than a quarter inch thick, it's time to get them replaced.
Check the Lights
You usually know right away if a headlight burns out, but you might not notice when a brake light or turn signal light stops working. Check your car's lights every month. Before driving, turn on the headlights and check the high beams. Turn on the turn signals and make sure they are blinking. Take a walk around the car with the lights on and make sure the parking lights are functioning. Check your rear brake lights in the reflection of a window or have a friend check your brake lights when you apply the brakes.
Quarterly Maintenance
Every three months it is important to change the engine oil and also check all the fluid levels under the hood. Ask your service technician to perform an overall safety check that includes checking the brake fluid, power steering fluid, and engine coolant levels. It also includes checking your wiper blades, lights, seals, belts and hoses.
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Change the Motor Oil and Filter
The motor oil in your car is its life blood. It lubricates all the moving parts, keeps the engine cool, reduces corrosion, and improves gas mileage. Changing the motor oil and oil filter is the single most important maintenance you can carry out. Check your Owner's Manual to find out how often the manufacturer recommends you change the oil. This can range from every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
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Rotate the Tires
When you are having an oil change, Lithia Motors service centers also rotate your tires. This extends the life of your tires and balances the tread wear.
Make it Shine
Besides washing your car, you should give it a good wax job and polish every six months or so. The sun's ultraviolet rays can cause damage to your vehicle's paint as can road salt from the winter, bird droppings and tree sap. Keeping your car waxed will protect the finish, keeping your car looking like new.
Semi-Annual Check ups
There are other things you should check every six months to a year. Again, see your Owner's Manual for details. These are items that don't get checked when you have the oil changed but the service professionals at Lithia Motors will remind you when some of the following services need to be carried out.
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Transmission Service
Transmission fluid lubricates the gears in your car's transmission. While many modern cars have what is called a "sealed transmission", the transmission fluid still needs to be checked and changed according to your Owner's Manual. For instance, manual transmission may require the fluid to be changed every 60,000 miles, while an automatic transmission may take you 100,000 miles before requiring service.
Transfer Case
If you own a four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle, it has a transfer case that connects power to the axles. Check your Owner's Manual to see the recommended intervals for serving the transfer case. You should generally have your vehicle's differential and transfer case checked every 30,000 miles.
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Shocks and Struts
Your vehicle's shock absorbers are mounted behind the wheel and worked with a separately mounted spring to absorb shocks (as the name implies) when you go over bumps in the road. Struts are an integral part of the suspension system as well and both should be checked by a professional every six months to a year.
Coolant Flush
All fluids wear down in your car over time and with use. It is suggested that you get s coolant flush every 100,000 miles and replace the coolant. Check your Owner's Manual for recommended service intervals.
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Change the Spark Plugs
Spark plugs power your engine. Have a service technician inspect your spark plugs as recommended by your Owner's Manual. Many spark plugs can last 100,000 miles today but have them inspected every 30,000 miles.
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Serpentine Belt Change
Your service technician will check the serpentine belt every time you get an oil change. Basically, he or she will look for cracks, wear, and missing teeth on the belt. This is important because the serpentine belt powers your car's alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioner. Your vehicle's serpentine belt is built to last 50,000 to 100,000 miles.
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Battery Check
If your car battery isn't working properly, your vehicle can leave you stranded and that's no fun. Your car battery supplies power to the starter to power the engine and other electronics. Extreme temperatures can limit battery life. In general, a modern automotive battery will last three to four years. Have your Lithia service technician run a battery performance check every six months to make sure your battery is charging properly and holding its charge.
