Every vehicle requires some sort of maintenance throughout the year, but it is hard to know what you need to do. We have a list of the car maintenance you should do every year to make sure that your car is running safely.
Oil and Filter Change
A car’s oil should be changed every 5,000-7,5000 miles, depending on your vehicle. Usually, when you get your oil changed, you will be given a date or a mileage of when you should return again. Oil can also degrade throughout the year, so even if you have not used all the oil, you should still change it annually. Oil is what keeps your engine running smoothly. You can take it into a shop or you can do the change yourself, but you need to make sure you are taking care of everything correctly.
Tire Inspection and Rotation
Checking your tires tread depth, with a penny test, to make sure they have good traction. This prevents blowouts and keeps them driving the best. Tires should be roasted every 6,000-8,000 miles or yearly to balance the wear. It is especially important to watch your tires wear and tread before the winter, to keep you safer in the snow. Here’s an article on more information about tire defection and car accidents.
Brake System Check
As you are getting your car checked out have your brakes tested as well. If your brake pads are too worn out or your brake fluid is low, it can lead to brake failure. Brakes failing is a huge accident risk. If your brakes are squeaking or making noise, you should get them checked. If the pads are under ¼ inch thick, you should replace them. Then you should top off your brake fluid if it is getting too dark or dirty.
Battery Test
Batteries tend to last about 3-5 years. You can tell that the battery is starting to die when your car takes its time to start, dim or flickering headlights, or some electrical issues. You can also check your battery for corrosion and test the voltage to make sure everything is okay. It’s important to replace the battery if you are noticing these signs, so it does not stall when you are driving.
Fluid Levels and Condition
You should also check and top off your coolant every 1-2 years, depending on the miles you have driven. Then you should check your transmission fluid every 30,000 miles, and definitely if it smells burnt or looks brown. You should also check the power steering fluid and windshield washer fluid.
Wiper Blades Replacement
You can tell when your windshield wipers need to be replaced because they start to streak or squeak as you use them. It is important to replace the wipers as it will reduce your visibility during bad weather.
Lights and Electrical Check
Make sure that all your head and tail lights are working correctly. If any of your lights are out, it can be dangerous for the drivers around you.
Air Filter Replacement
If your air filter is clogged, it can reduce your fuel efficiency and your engine power. If they are dirty, where you cannot see light through them, then you should get them swapped out.
Alignment and Suspension Check:
Your shocks and suspension can become misaligned, which can cause your tires to wear unevenly.
Belts and Hoses Inspection
If your belts or hoses have cracks, fraying, or softness, this can cause your car to break down. Your serpentine belt should be replaced every 60,000 or if it is worn out. And then hoses should be replaced every 4-5 years or if they feel brittle.
You want to make sure that you keep track of when you replace these things and that you stay on top of it, so your car works its best. Yearly maintenance is one of the best ways to make sure that your car does not have worse problems. Kelley Blue Book has more information about yearly car maintenance.
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