Annual Vehicle Maintenance Checklist

 

Nip Trouble in the Bud Before It Starts
Regular preventive vehicle maintenance is crucial to keep our cars and trucks running smoothly. A vehicle in tip-top shape also provides drivers and passengers the safest driving experience possible. However, with so many working parts, wires, hoses, belts, and fluids, it can be overwhelming to keep up with it all. Whether you perform the maintenance yourself, or take your car or truck in for service, knowing what to check and when to check it will help ensure your vehicle runs safely and soundly for years to come.

Don’t Forget to Change the Oil
One of the most important maintenance tasks is to change the oil and oil filter on a consistent basis. Clean oil and a fresh filter keep the engine and all those mechanical parts running together smoothly. Failure to properly maintain your oil will eventually cause severe damage to those parts and may cause your engine to simply give up. The risk of becoming stranded due to engine failure, or having to pay the expensive costs of repair and replacement, should be considered very seriously before you decide to skip the oil change. Many automobile experts and owner’s manuals claim you can wait until your vehicle reaches 5,000 or even 7,500 miles in between changes, however, this is greatly dependent upon your particular vehicle and the conditions in which it is driven. Your safest bet is to change your oil and oil filter every three months or 3,000 miles.

A car does not rely on clean oil alone. Here are a few other preventative measures you should take to ensure the proper working condition of your vehicle. Be sure to check your owner’s manual or consult a certified automotive technician for a complete list.

Annual Preventative Maintenance Schedule

Every month

• Check your headlights, brake lights and turn signals to make sure they are in proper working order.
• Check fluid levels to ensure they fall between the minimum and maximum lines. This includes brake, power steering, coolant, automatic transmission, and windshield washer fluids.
• Inspect your tires to ensure they are not cut, punctured, or bulging. Check the air pressure, too.
• Keep your vehicle clean – inside and out – especially the windows.

Every 3 months or 3,000 miles

• Change engine oil and filter.
• Replace engine air filter if dirt has accumulated.
• Inspect battery posts to make sure they are free from corrosion (look for white, ashy deposits).
• Check the belts under the hood to be certain they do not show any cuts or signs of wear.
• Inspect your exhaust pipe and system for cracking or holes.
• If your car engine is losing power or stalls entirely, check your fuel filter.
• Make sure hoses are fastened tightly and show no signs of damage.
• Be certain that tire lug bolts are securely fastened.

Every 6 months or 6,000 miles

• Inspect brakes to ensure they are not worn or are wearing unevenly.
• Check spark plug wires for any loose connections.
• Replace wiper blades, particularly if they show signs of wear or if they are leaving streaks on your windshield.

Every 12 months or 12,000 miles

• Inspect the fuel pressure regulator.
• Check cabin air filter to ensure proper filtering.
• Apply lubrication to the chassis.
• Inspect timing belt.
• Perform a radiator flush.
• Install new spark plugs.
• Replace brake pads.
• Review your owner’s manual to stay familiar with your vehicle’s preventive maintenance needs.