What Is Routine Maintenance on a Car?

Although getting your car checked regularly may seem like a chore, regular maintenance is vital to keep it in good running condition and to prevent issues from arising in the future. Here is a quick summary of some of the parts you should check and replace regularly.

• l  Make sure to refill liquids that are most frequently used (e.g. wiper fluid, power steering fluid, radiator coolant, brake fluid, and motor oil)
• l  Swap out parts that are worn, overused parts such as, brake pads, window wiper blades, drive belts, timing belts, spark plugs, and air and fluid filters.
• l  Check if there is any damage on any of the car’s belts and hoses. If there are punctures, it can become a larger issue. It is recommended to have the power brakes, power steering, and radiator hoses checked once your vehicle is close to 100,000 miles (160,000 kilometers). 

For car maintenance schedules and procedures, your car should undergo maintenance after every additional 3,000 miles (approx. 5,000 km). In addition to the 3,000-mile rule, your vehicle should also undergo a monthly check-up to see if the engine light is on, the headlights are working, if the vehicle needs more windshield washer fluid, and the condition of the tires, automatic transmission fluid, power steering fluid, exhaust, fuel filter, hoses and belts, and the battery and cables.

Once your vehicle has reached the driving distance of 3,000 mi (approx. 5,000 km) you should check the engine oil, air conditioning, and window wipers. When checking the engine oil, check the viscosity and color of the engine oil. If the engine oil is not sticky and has turned black, it is time to change the oil in your engine. Next, take a look at the air conditioner filter. Air conditioners are prone to moisture and are favorable conditions for bacteria and fungi to live in. Thus, it is extremely important to check the AC filter regularly. Lastly, make sure to check the condition of your window wipers as it is important to be able to see the road when driving. 

If your vehicle has been driven for 6,000 mi (approx. 10,000 km), make sure to change the position of the front and rear tires since they all have a different amount of wear based on your driving habits. Once you reach 6,000 mi, it is also important to check your wheel balance since it helps equalize the wheel’s center of gravity. You will be able to tell if there is an issue with the wheel balance if the steering wheel vibrates and if the ride isn’t as smooth. Additionally, checking the lubrication of the chassis is recommended at this time.

At 12,000 mi (approx. 20,000 km), you should check your brakes, the brake pads, linings, brake discs, and drums, and replace the brake fluid. To check the brake fluid, use a brake fluid tester to check the water content. If the water content is high, it can cause braking problems.

For every 25,000 mi (approx. 40,000 km), be sure to check your wheel alignment and change your anti-freeze and transmission fluid. As its name suggests, anti-freeze helps prevent corrosion and pollution within the vehicle and prevents cooling water from freezing. So aside from changing the fluid, it is also essential to check it periodically. Especially in the winter months, to effectively maintain the temperature of the engine. When changing your anti-freeze a mix of 50% water and 50% anti-freeze is recommended. But it is best to check your owner’s manual. 

At 30,000 mi (approx. 50,000 km), you should pay attention to the wear-and-tear of the tires and possible corrosion underneath the car. Make sure to check the wear limit and treads of the tire and replace them if necessary. As for the bottom and lower parts of the vehicle, make sure to tighten any loose bolts or replace any missing parts since the bottom half of the vehicle is often exposed to speed bumps, gravel, sand, and rainwater.

At 60,000 mi (approx. 100,000 km), you should focus on the dampers of the car and replacing the cooling pump. Inspecting the dampers of your vehicle is crucial since their role is to reduce the springing motion and help reduce the body of the car from shaking. Therefore, if your vehicle frequently shakes or shudders, there might be an issue with the damper.

After the 30,000 mile mark, the standard maintenance schedule set by most manufacturers recommends getting your vehicle examined in 30,000-mile increments. So 30,000 miles, 60,000 miles, 90,000 miles so forth. Keep in mind the engine oil should be changed more frequently in comparison to other car maintenance procedures. Depending on the recommendation from the manufacturer, the engine oil should be replaced every 7,500-10,000 mi (12,000-16,000 km).