If you’ve got a car, chances are you’ve got a desire to keep your ride in tip-top shape. After all, your vehicle is how you get around and get your daily tasks done–so it’s always essential to keep it in good condition!
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can have regular car maintenance done. By working with a good mechanic, you can ensure you’ve got the best car for driving around and getting tasks done at all times.
To help you get started, we’ve got a list of the most essential regularly scheduled car maintenance you should consider for any car you own. Keep reading below to learn more!
Inspecting and Replacing Fluids
The fluids in your car include oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid. These fluids need to be checked regularly and replaced as needed. If you don’t maintain the fluids in your car, it can lead to big problems.
For example, if your car runs out of oil, it can cause the engine to seize up. If you don’t have enough brake fluid, your brakes may not work correctly.
If your power steering fluid is low, your car may be hard to steer. It is essential to keep up with the maintenance by including an oil change service for your car.
Checking and Replacing Filters
A regular car maintenance schedule should always include checking and replacing filters. It is an essential step in keeping your car operating correctly and efficiently. A few different types of filters need to be checked and replaced regularly, including the air filter, oil filter, and fuel filter.
Depending on your driving habits and the conditions of the roads you drive on, these filters can become clogged quickly and need to be replaced to maintain the optimal performance of your car.
Rotating Tires
Most carmakers recommend rotating tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, although this varies depending on the type of vehicle and tires. Many automakers include this service at no charge during the life of the tires.
Some service providers, including tire dealers and quick-lube chains, rotate tires for free with every oil change. Others charge $10 to $20 per tire.
Inspecting Brake Pads and Rotors
As brake pads and rotors wear down, they slowly lose their ability to stop a car effectively. When inspecting brake pads and rotors, look for any thinning or cracking in the material.
If the brake pads are getting close to the minimum thickness, you should replace them. You should replace rotors if they are warped or excessively worn down.
Cleaning and Adjusting Battery Terminals
Regularly scheduled car maintenance should include cleaning and adjusting battery terminals. It will help to prevent corrosion and buildup on the terminals, which can lead to electrical problems. Battery terminals should be cleaned with a solution of baking soda and water and then adjusted so they are tight but not too tight.
Plan Your Scheduled Car Maintenance
If you want to keep your car running smoothly and avoid costly repairs, there are some services you should include in your scheduled car maintenance. At the very least, you should get an oil change and tire rotation every 5,000 miles and a full inspection and tune-up every 30,000 miles. It would help if you also had your brakes checked regularly.
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