Car Care: Maintenance & Repair

Car Care Checklist

The way we use our cars, how we drive them and the roads we drive them on have all changed. That’s why the Car Care Council recommends an oil filter change every 3,000 miles or as specified by the manufacturer along with other preventative maintenance, listed below.

The Car Care Council has developed a service interval schedule with general guidelines for the regular maintenance of:

Passenger cars
Mini vans
Pickups
SUVs

This is customary for the majority of drivers and vehicles. However, always look at your owner’s manual for specific recommendations from your car manufacturer.

OIL, FILTERS, FLUIDS

Engine Oil and Filter
Check level with engine off at every fill-up.
For maximum engine life, change oil and filter every three months or 3,000 miles.

Chassis Lubrication

Many newer cars are lubed-for-life - many others still require this service.
Steering and suspension components may require periodic lubrication.

Fuel Filter

Inspect filter at each oil change.
Replace if restricted or water contaminated, or once a year on cars with carburetors.
On cars with fuel injection, replace filter every two years or 24,000 miles.

Engine Air Filter

Inspect filter at each oil change.
Replace annually or when torn, water or oil soaked, dirty or showing other signs of wear.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Check fluid level with engine running and transmission in park.
For maximum performance, change every two years or 24,000 miles.

Windshield Washer Fluid

Check fluid level monthly.
Use washer fluid only.

Power Steering Fluid

Check the fluid with the car warmed up.
If frequent topping off is required, inspect for leaks and replace if contaminated.

Cabin Filter

Replace annually, or more often in areas with heavy airborne contaminants or whenever heating or cooling efficiency is reduced.

Coolant (Antifreeze)

Check level at reservoir - never open a hot radiator cap.
If low, add 50/50 mix of approved antifreeze and distilled water.
Change coolant annually on most vehicles.

BELTS AND HOSES

Inspect hoses at each oil change and replace when leaking, brittle, cracked, rusted, swollen or restricted.
Check V-belts and serpentine belts for looseness and condition.
Replace when cracked, frayed, glazed or showing sign of excessive wear.
Typically replace timing belt between 60,000 to 90,000 miles - not replacing the belt as required could cause a breakdown or serious engine damage.

BRAKE SERVICE

Check the entire brake system every year; inspect brake linings, rotors and drums at each oil change.

TUNE-UP

Replace oxygen sensor at interval as recommended in owner’s manual.
Some cars have an oxygen sensor replacement light that appears when replacement is needed - 1996 and newer cars have more than one oxygen sensor.
Typical spark plug replacement intervals range between 30,000 and 100,000 miles depending on the vehicle and type of spark plug.

STEERING, SUSPENSION AND TIRES

Inspect steering and suspension system annually, including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts, such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components. Replace these parts if leaks, damage and loose mounting hardware are found.
Check the pressure of all tires, including the spare, at every oil change.
Check the tread for uneven or irregular wear and cust or bruises along the sidewalls.
Inflate tires and maintain at recommended pressure.
Replace tires if worn or damaged.

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT

If check engine light comes on while driving or remains on, your vehicle may have an emissions or sensor problem and should be analyzed.
If light flashes, the condition is more severe and must be checked immediately to prevent catalytic converter damage.

APPEARANCE

To prevent stripping the vehicle’s wax finish, use only automotive car wash products, not dishwashing liquids.
Polish at least twice a year to maintain and protect the finish.

LIGHTING AND WIPERS

Replace bulb immediately if light is out - check fuses first.
For optimum wiping performance and safety, replace wiper blades every six months or when cracked, cut, torn, streaking or chattering.

EXHAUST SYSTEM

Inspect for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise.
Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.

BATTERY AND CABLES

If the battery is three years old or more, it should be tested and replaced if necessary.
Battery should be securely mounted.
Battery connection should be clean, tight and corrosion-free.

EVERY 3,000 MILES

Change engine oil and replace oil filter
Perform multi-point inspection
Rotate tires every other oil change for optimal tire life.

Reprinted with permission from the Car Care Council: www.carcare.org.