Key Takeaways:
- Regularly wash and wax your car to protect the paint and prevent rust.
- Check and maintain proper fluid levels to keep systems running smoothly.
- Replace windshield wipers, cabin air filter, and engine air filter at recommended intervals.
- Rotate tires every 5,000-7,500 miles and maintain proper tire pressure.
- Inspect brake pads and rotors regularly and replace when worn.
- Keep battery terminals clean and protected to ensure proper electrical connections.
- Change oil and oil filter at recommended intervals based on mileage and type of oil used.
- Lubricate hinges and latches to prevent squeaking and binding.
- Have wheels aligned every two years or after new tires/suspension work.
Taking care of your car with regular maintenance can extend its lifespan significantly while saving you money on repairs down the road. From the engine to the exterior paint, there are several areas that need periodic inspections, fluid checks, part replacements, and cleaning to keep your car running smoothly for years.
We will discuss 15 key maintenance tips that you can follow to prolong the life of your vehicle.
For each area, we explain what to look out for, how often to perform the maintenance, and why it is important.
With a combination of tasks you can do yourself and those best left to professional mechanics, these car maintenance tips will help preserve your automotive investment.
1. Wash Your Vehicle Regularly
Washing your car frequently is one of the easiest ways to keep it looking great and protect the paint from damage. Airborne contaminants like road debris, dirt, pollution, bird droppings, and acid rain can eat away at the clear coat and cause oxidation if left on the paint. Washing removes these harmful particles before they have a chance to corrode the surface.
Aim to wash your car at least once a week if you drive frequently or park outdoors. Use a sponge or soft cloth with a mild soap and rinse thoroughly. Be sure to clean the underside and wheel wells too. After washing, dry the vehicle completely with a chamois to prevent water spots.
Follow up washing by waxing every 3-4 months to add a protective layer over the clear coat. Wax fills in microscopic pores and creates a barrier against contaminants. Choosing a wax with UV protection will also guard against sun damage. Taking the time to regularly wash and wax your car will keep the paint fresh and prevent costly repairs from rust and worn clear coat.
2. Check and Maintain Fluid Levels
Checking and maintaining proper fluid levels is vital for keeping major systems running smoothly in your vehicle. Low fluid levels can cause damage and lead to expensive repairs. Here are key fluids to check regularly:
Engine Oil: Check monthly and change according to manufacturer recommendations, usually every 5,000-10,000 miles. Low oil levels cause engine wear and can lead to seized pistons and bearings.
Coolant: Check monthly and change every 2-3 years. Low coolant reduces effectiveness of the cooling system, causing overheating.
Transmission Fluid: Check monthly and change every 30,000-60,000 miles. Low fluid levels lead to transmission slipping and rough shifting.
Power Steering Fluid: Check monthly and top off as needed. Low fluid causes difficulty steering.
Brake Fluid: Check monthly and change every 2 years. Low fluid levels decrease braking ability and cause wear on brake pads.
Windshield Washer Fluid: Check monthly and top off as needed for clear visibility.
By staying vigilant with fluid checks and changes, you can identify leaks early, prolong the life of major systems, and avoid breakdowns and repairs.
3. Replace Windshield Wipers
Visible windshield wipers are crucial for safe driving in inclement weather. Over time, wiper blades wear out and become less effective at clearing rain, snow, and debris from your windshield. Most manufacturers recommend replacing wiper blades every 6-12 months.
Signs that your wipers need replacement include streaking, skipping across the windshield, split rubber, or hardened sections. Harsh winter weather and frequent use accelerates the need for new wiper blades.
Replacing windshield wipers yearly ensures you have fresh rubber blades that grip well and provide maximum visibility in wet driving conditions. Safely clearing snow, sleet, and ice also reduces accident risk in winter weather. Investing in quality all-season wiper blades and replacing them before they wear out is an easy maintenance task that pays dividends in safer driving.
4. Rotate the Tires
Rotating your tires every 5,000-7,500 miles helps them wear more evenly and extend their life. Front tires wear differently than rear tires due to steering and braking forces. Rotating evens out this uneven treadwear pattern.
The most common rotation pattern is a forward cross, moving front tires straight back to the rear, and rear tires diagonally forward to the opposite front position. For directional tires that only rotate one way, a rearward cross works better.
Tires that are wearing excessively on one side need rotation more frequently. Misalignment, bad shocks, improper inflation, and worn suspensions accelerate one-sided wear. Identify the root cause of uneven wear and fix it when you rotate the tires.
Regular tire rotation ensures you get the full lifespan out of your tires. With even treadwear, your tires grip better in cornering and braking. Rotating also becomes especially important before long trips to balance the tread depth across all tires. Extending your tire life through rotation saves you money by postponing new tire purchases.
5. Check and Maintain Tire Pressure
Underinflated or overinflated tires wear out more quickly and adversely affect your car’s ride, handling, gas mileage, and braking. For optimal performance, check tire pressures monthly and keep them inflated to the PSI (pounds per square inch) recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.
Look for the recommended tire pressure levels printed on a sticker inside your driver’s side door jamb. Invest in a quality tire pressure gauge for accurate readings. Check pressures when the tires are cold before driving to get the proper measurement.
Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. It also causes excessive wear on the edges of the tread. Overinflated tires wear in the center of the tread and cause a harsher ride.
Besides incorrect inflation, slow leaks and temperature drops can also cause underinflation. Fix any punctures and recheck pressures seasonally when outdoor temperatures change significantly. Keeping your tires properly inflated will improve your car’s performance across the board and prevent uneven treadwear issues.
6. Pay Attention to Your Tire Tread
The tire tread provides critical traction, braking, cornering, and wet weather performance. As tires wear down, the tread depth decreases, reducing performance in these key areas. Critically low tread makes your vehicle dangerous to operate.
Most new tires have 10/32” to 12/32” of tread depth. Industry experts recommend replacing tires when they reach 4/32” to 2/32” of remaining tread. Uneven or rapid wear on one area indicates an alignment or suspension issue needs diagnosis.
Inspect tires regularly for adequate tread depth and signs of damage. Use the penny test – place a penny into the tread grooves with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time for new tires. Also look for bulges, cuts, cracks, or punctures.
Replacing tires in sets and before they reach critically low tread depth gives you maximum traction and safe handling in all driving conditions. It also prevents blowouts and helps you car brake safely. Monitoring tire tread should be part of every monthly maintenance checklist.
7. Check Your Lights
Consistently checking that all exterior lights are functioning properly helps avoid accidents and traffic stops. Test all lights monthly, including headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, tail lights, and interior dome lights. Replace any burned out bulbs immediately.
Headlights illuminate the road ahead and make your vehicle visible to other drivers. Faulty headlights increase the chance of an accident after dark. Brake lights and turn signals communicate your intentions to surrounding traffic. Non-functioning tail lights and brake lights raise your changes of a rear collision.
Make sure headlights are aimed correctly and bright enough by having a friend observe as you activate the high and low beams. Foggy lenses indicate moisture has entered and lights need replacement.
Taking a few minutes each month to check every exterior light could help prevent a tragedy. Properly working headlights, brake lights, and turn signals keep you and other motorists out of harm’s way.
8. Keep the Battery Terminals Clean
Corrosion on battery terminals interrupts the electrical connection and prevents your car from starting. When you check under the hood, take a minute to inspect where the battery cables connect. Look for a greenish-white crusty buildup on the battery posts and cable clamps.
Use a wire brush to scrub away any corrosion present down to shiny metal. Baking soda mixed with water also works well as a homemade cleaner. Disconnect cables before cleaning and avoid touching your eyes as you scrub.
After removing corrosion, reattach the cables and coat the terminals with an anti-corrosion spray to prevent future buildup. Dielectric grease also stops corrosion and protects electrical contacts from moisture. A clean battery connection ensures you won’t get stranded with a no-start situation.
9. Change the Motor Oil
Changing the engine oil and oil filter is one of the most important maintenance tasks for protecting your car’s engine. As you drive, metal shards and carbon contaminants build up in the motor oil. Dirty oil loses its ability to properly lubricate and coat engine components, leading to accelerated wear.
Most manufacturers recommend an oil change every 5,000-10,000 miles depending on driving conditions and the type of oil used. Shorter change intervals apply to frequent stop-and-go driving, extended idling periods, dusty conditions, or hauling heavy loads.
When changing oil, replace the oil filter as well since it collects contaminants. Use high quality oil that meets your automaker’s specifications. Dispose of used motor oil properly – many automotive stores accept it.
Sticking diligently to your car’s recommended oil change schedule prevents sludge from damaging the engine. New, clean oil protects the engine and helps it run smoothly for years of driving. Think of it as an insurance policy for your car’s long-term health.
10. Replace the Brake Pads
The brake pads provide the gripping action that stops your wheels when pressed against the rotor. As they wear down, brake pads become less effective at slowing your car. If left alone too long, they can damage rotors and cause brake fluid leakage.
Visually check brake pads during oil changes. Look through the spokes of your wheels for the pad thickness. Most pads need replacement at the 3 mm – 4 mm thickness range or when you start hearing high pitched squealing during braking. Disc brake pads tend to last 25,000 – 65,000 miles on average depending on your driving habits.
Replacing worn brake pads immediately gives you reliable braking power and prevents damage to rotors, brake shoes, or calipers. Machining or replacing rotors when you install new pads prevents vibration during braking. Quality ceramic pads last longer than standard ones.
Routinely inspecting brake pad thickness and replacing them promptly keeps you safe on the road by maintaining optimal braking performance. Think of them as a normal wear item to budget for in your maintenance plan.
11. Replace Filters Regularly
Besides changing the engine oil filter, replacing the air filter, fuel filter, and cabin air filter protects your car’s systems and interior air quality. Each filter plays an important role in keeping your vehicle running at peak efficiency.
The engine air filter cleans the air entering your car’s engine. Check it every 15,000 miles and replace when dirty. Look for black soot color rather than light gray. A clogged air filter negatively impacts acceleration and fuel economy.
The fuel filter screens dirt and contaminants from fuel before it reaches the engine. Replace it every 20,000-60,000 miles based on your model. A dirty one causes hesitation, stalling, and reduced performance.
The cabin air filter captures airborne pollen and dust before they enter the interior vents. Replace every 10,000-15,000 miles to allow proper air flow. Changing it alleviates musty vent smells.
Following the replacement intervals keeps these filters working properly. Performing this easy maintenance protects engine components and gives you clean interior air.
12. Inspect Belts and Hoses
The various belts and hoses that route fluids and airflow around your engine compartment should get a visual inspection every month when checking fluid levels or during oil changes. Look for cracked rubber, loose fittings, wear, and bulging in hoses. Check belts for fraying, missing ribs, cracking, or obvious damage.
Identify any belts and hoses that need replacement right away. Worn parts increase the chances of hose leaks or a belt breaking, which can damage your engine. Serpentine belts that operate the accessories are tensioned by a pulley and easier to change yourself.
Hoses and belts eventually wear out from heat, pressure, and constant motion. A quick inspection paired with preemptive replacement prevents major problems and keeps your car running great.
13. Check Brake Pads and Rotors
In addition to monitoring brake pad thickness, it’s important to routinely check brake rotors for issues and have them machined or replaced when installing new pads.
The rotors are metal discs that the pads press against to stop the wheels from spinning. Over time, heat and pressure causes thickness variation and grooves in the rotor surface. Deep grooves lead to brake pulsation and vibration when stopping.
Thoroughly clean rotors when changing pads to look for uneven surfaces. Measure thickness variation around the rotor with a micrometer – anything above 0.0005 inches indicates a warped rotor that needs resurfacing on a brake lathe.
For severe grooving or below minimum thickness, the rotors must get fully replaced. Machining smooths surfaces so new pads mate evenly across the rotor. Always replace rotors in pairs on the same axle. Checking rotors and resurfacing/replacing them as needed improves braking effectiveness and prevents premature pad wear.
14. Lubricate Door Hinges and Locks
To prevent annoying squeaks and sticking, regularly lubricate door hinges and lock cylinders with powdered graphite or silicone spray. Years of use wears down the factory lubricants. Cold weather also causes increased friction.
Open each door and spray/dust graphite onto door hinges, paying close attention near the pivot point. Move the door back and forth to work in the lubricant. Aim spray or powder into the door latch opening and insert the key and turn it a few times to distribute the lubricant inside the lock cylinder.
Lubricating door hinges and locks every 6 months prevents moisture buildup and keeps the mechanisms operating smoothly. It takes less effort to open/close the doors and protects the locks from freezing up. Quieting stuck latches and squeaky hinges restores that quality feel to your car’s doors.
15. Get Regular Wheel Alignments
Out of alignment wheels cause uneven tire wear, compromise vehicle handling, and reduce fuel economy. Everyday potholes, curbs, and debris take their toll on wheel alignment. Getting alignment checked every 6 months or 10,000 miles helps optimize tire wear and steering components.
Signs your car needs an alignment include pulling left or right, uneven tire tread depth, steering wheel vibration, and your car being difficult to keep straight on the highway. After new tires or suspension repairs, an alignment is required to meet factory specifications.
A proper wheel alignment sets all four wheels parallel and perpendicular to the road. Adjusting camber, caster, and toe-in positions reduces tire wear. Regular alignments also spot bent frames or worn suspension parts before they become big problems. For optimal tire life, safety, and performance, alignments are imperative maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get an oil change?
Most manufacturers recommend oil changes every 5,000-10,000 miles. Follow your car’s maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual. Shorten intervals for frequent stop-and-go driving or heavy hauling.
What maintenance can I do myself?
DIY tasks include: checking fluids, tire pressures, changing wipers, replacing bulbs, cleaning the battery, lubricating hinges, washing/waxing. Other jobs like brakes and alignments need shop equipment.
How do I check my tire tread?
Use the penny test – place a penny upside down into the tread groove. If you see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread is too low and requires replacement. Tires are worn out by 2/32″.
Should I use synthetic or conventional oil?
Use the type of oil recommended by your manufacturer. Synthetic generally lasts longer between changes. Follow suggested viscosity grades.
How often should I rotate my tires?
Tire manufacturers recommend rotating every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out tread wear. Do it more frequently if wear is uneven on one side.
Conclusion
Doing consistent preventative maintenance keeps your vehicle running reliably for years past the average lifespan. While each model has different needs, focusing on improving the engine, tires, brakes, fluids, and electrics pays off exponentially.
Refer to your owner’s manual for your car’s specific maintenance schedule. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines on fluid changes, part replacement, and inspections prevents big repair bills later on. Investing a little time each month goes a long way towards maximizing your car’s longevity.
The 15 tips outlined help identify issues before they cause breakdowns. By being diligent with basic car care, you’ll save money and frustration in the long run. Which tip are you going to start implementing next?