It’s a lot of fun to own a car. Owning a car can bring you total freedom and joy. But sometimes, vehicle owners can ignore regular car maintenance because of all the extra hassle that goes into it.
Maybe you feel overwhelmed by the amount of car service options. After all, getting your car serviced can be a major event, both for you and your service provider. Luckily, we’ve provided this complete guide to make you don’t leave anything off of your car service checklist.
Here are 5 things you should be checking with your car service plan:
Engine
When getting your car serviced, there are several things you’re going to want to check in regards to your engine. By making sure you get all of these checked, you’ll be leaving your car operating at maximum efficiency.
Motor Oil
One of the most obvious things you’ll want to do during car servicing is to get your motor oil levels checked. You can check your car’s dipstick to see if your motor oil levels are too low. If they are, it’s time to take your car in for either a top-up or a complete oil change.
It is also important to know what kind of motor oil your car uses before taking it in. You can find this information in your car’s owner’s manual.
Fluid Levels
Your car is full of many different types of fluids. It’s important to know when they’re at the right levels. These fluid types include:
- Freon, or Air Conditioning Fluid
- Radiator Fluid
- Windshield Wiper Fluid
- Coolant
Again, optimum levels of each can be found in your car’s manual. Check out your current levels before getting your car serviced.
Spark Plugs
If your car has a gasoline motor, which most cars do, keeping a regular eye on your spark plugs is vital. Fully functioning spark plugs will keep your engine from misfiring. Monitor the condition and operation of your spark plugs before any vehicle maintenance.
Oil, Air, and Fuel Filters
Your car’s engine has two types of filters, the air and oil filters. You should replace your oil filters every 5,000-10,000 miles, about as frequently as you should be getting your motor oil changed.
Air filters don’t need to be replaced quite as frequently. Every 12,000-15,000 miles, or roughly every year, you should replace your air filters to protect your engine from any unwanted or dangerous particles.
Fuel filters need to be replaced the least frequently. These should be checked every 50,000-70,000 miles or every 3-5 years for a gasoline engine. Check your car manual for more information on fuel filter care.
Transmission
Your gearbox, or transmission, will need to have the correct fluid levels and weight for optimum efficiency. The three types of fluid that need to be checked in your transmission are:
- Gear Oil
- Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
- CVT Fluid
In general, these need to be replaced roughly every 40,000 miles, or every 2 years, whichever comes first. Check your car’s manual for specific manufacturer recommendations.
Battery
When purchasing a new car, the car’s battery will typically last you one year from the date you drive it off the lot. If your car’s battery has been replaced with an after-market option, this will typically last you 3-5 years.
After the third year of your battery’s life, it is important to test it. This will let you know if your battery still has life to give, or if it’s time to replace it.
If you’re having trouble with your battery, your service provider can usually help you pinpoint the problem. They can also help you find the optimum replacement battery for your vehicle’s make and model.
Brakes
It is necessary that you maintain your brakes. Non-functioning breaks can be one of the most dangerous malfunctions on a vehicle. There are several things you’ll want to check.
Brake Fluid
You should check your vehicle’s level of brake fluid roughly every 6 months, or every 20,000 miles. If your brake fluid is clear, you’re good to go. But, if it’s murky or muddy in color, it may be time for a brake fluid flush.
Check your car’s manual to determine the optimum service plan for your car’s make and model.
Brake Pads
Brake pads ensure quick vehicle stopping. These are massively important for keeping you and your passengers safe.
A general rule of thumb is that if you hear a squeaking sound when braking, it’s time to get the pads looked at. In addition, your service provider should be checking on your brake rotors each time you get a pad replacement.
Tires and Body
Most car owners are familiar with the importance of getting regular tire maintenance. You should always be familiar with the optimum tire pressure for your make and model. This can be found in your owner’s manual.
You should be regularly monitoring your car’s tire pressure and tire tread, as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. However, there are a few other things you should look out for in the tires and body of your vehicle.
Wheels
The wheels of your car can be subject to plenty of wear and tear. This is especially true for heavier cars. Have your provider perform a visual inspection when taking your car in for tire maintenance.
Suspension
It is easy to tell when your vehicle has fallen out of alignment or is suffering from suspension problems. Have the suspension checked if your tires are wearing unevenly, or if your vehicle is veering to one side even while the steering wheel is straight.
Lights and Aesthetic Problems
Your service provider can help if you are having trouble with any internal or external lights. In addition, upholstery problems, paint problems, and other aesthetic issues should be noted when bringing your car in for servicing.
Checking On Your Car Service Plan Often
Making sure you get regular vehicle maintenance can be key to keeping your car in top shape. For example, if you’ve recently purchased a Serra Chevy, you’re going to want to keep it in pristine condition.
With any vehicle, you want to make sure you’re getting your car serviced starting at 5,000 miles. After that, you’ll want to get your vehicle checked out every 5,000-10,000 miles or whenever your car is not operating at peak efficiency.
Be sure to monitor your car regularly at home. This will help you become very familiar with your car. Being familiar with your car can make it easier to build a robust and personalized car service plan.
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