Keep Your Vehicle Performing at Its Best with Regular Maintenance
Proper auto maintenance offers a multitude of benefits. Most notably, your vehicle will perform better and last longer when properly cared for. You’ll also enjoy reduced auto repair costs because parts that wear quickly will be replaced at appropriate time intervals. We’ve put together a basic Auto Maintenance Check List below to help you create a maintenance schedule that works for your vehicle. It’s important to note: Your vehicle’s owner manual will be the best guide for your auto maintenance schedule.
Monthly Check List
*These are tasks you can perform yourself.
Lights –you should periodically check your vehicle’s lights. Work with a friend to ensure your headlights, taillights, and blinkers work properly. This will increase safety and help you avoid being pulled over for a broken taillight.
Windshield Washer Fluid – it’s important that you are able to see out of your windshield at all times. Make sure your windshield washer fluid is properly filled on a regular basis.
Tire PSI – It’s a good idea to check your tire PSI regularly and to fill your tires if the PSI is getting low.
Quarterly Check List
*If you use an Auto Shop for vehicle maintenance, they will check all of the following.
Fluids (automatic transmission fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, & windshield washer fluid) – there are several fluids that should be checked and topped off as needed. Consult your owner’s manual for specifics or talk to your mechanic to determine the best schedule.
Radiator Hoses – your radiator hoses are important. They should be checked regularly for wear & leaks and replaced if necessary.
Belts (timing belt & serpentine belt) – worn and broken belts can lead to a long list of car problems. Have your belts inspected regularly and replaced as needed.
Battery & Cables – it’s important to keep an eye on your battery life and the condition of its cables if you want to avoid a car that won’t start.
Oil – you should have your motor oil changed every 5,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual for specific mileage intervals and the type of oil you should be using.
Filters (oil filter, fuel filter, engine air filter) – your vehicle relies on clean filters to properly operate. Every few months you should have your filters checked and replaced.
Tire PSI – filling your tires to the proper PSI is included in most oil change services.
Lights – you mechanic will test your lights during your appointment and alert you if any lights need to be replaced.
Yearly Check List
*Auto maintenance tasks to perform at least once a year.
Brakes (brake lines, pads, rotors) – your brakes are important. You should have your vehicle’s brake system inspected at least once a year. If you notice a problem like screeching brakes or a soft brake pedal, you should schedule an appointment for brake inspection & replacement as soon as possible.
Cabin Air Filter – your cabin air filter should be changed every 15,000 – 30,000 miles. You can do this task yourself if you’d like or trust your local mechanics for help.
Steering & Suspension – the suspension system of your vehicle is comprised of several parts that can and will wear over time. Have your steering & suspension system inspected once a year and have parts replaced as needed to ensure a smooth, controlled ride.
Exhaust – it’s a good idea to have your exhaust inspected a couple times a year. A damaged exhaust will allow toxic exhaust fumes to enter the passenger cabin, which in some situations can be a serious health risk.
Wiper blades – you’ll likely need to replace your windshield wipers a couple times a year; especially if you live in an area like SE Wisconsin where you need reliable wipers to combat extreme weather.