Car Maintenance Guide: Everything You Need to Know

ByChris Hardesty 08/19/2021 4:00pm

Maintaining your car
Car and Truck Maintenance Guide

Car maintenance is a crucial part of vehicle ownership. Taking care of your car by performing preventative maintenance helps to ensure you have safe and reliable transportation.

Use this guide to learn about common automotive maintenance issues. It’ll help you protect your investment and keep your car in top-running condition.

The Importance of Car Maintenance

When you perform car maintenance at regular intervals, it keeps your ride in proper working order and helps prevent expensive mechanical repairs down the road. When it’s time to sell or trade in the vehicle, having detailed service records can help boost its value.

Vehicle maintenance does require an investment of time and money. But taking care of your car can often help you avoid major repair costs that follow a roadside breakdown. We make it easy to get maintenance pricing for your vehicle so you’ll know how much you can expect to pay within your area.

Most important, failing to follow preventative maintenance guidelines could even void the vehicle’s warranty.

RELATED STORIES: Car Warranty Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Scheduled maintenance check-ups address a vehicle’s fluid levels for brake and power steering systems, radiator coolant, and engine oil. Other items with significant safety purposes, such as brake pads and windshield wipers, should be checked routinely and replaced when necessary to keep them operating effectively.

Automobile engines are complex machines containing many interconnected parts. Proper mechanical maintenance, including replacing spark plugs, drive belts, timing belts or chains, and changing air and fluid filters, is needed to identify problems and to keep the engine running as well as it should.

How Often Should You Take Your Car in for an Inspection?

Always follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. At the least, you should have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic every 12 months to look for problems.Please note that many vehicle manufacturers have replaced the printed owner’s manual you might be familiar with for an online version availability through the manufacturer’s website.https://62e296f71f1aff1c90938797247d88e0.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.htmlAdvertisement

Some states require car inspections or smog checks for annual registration renewal, depending on the area of the state and age of the vehicle. This type of inspection evaluates only vehicle emissions or essential safety criteria rather than a full mechanical inspection of the car’s health.

Having your car’s oil changed at a repair shop or dealership usually includes a multi-point inspection to check fluid levels, filters, and other components. In previous decades, a rule of thumb was to change a car’s oil every 3,000 miles. Since 2010, many vehicles use synthetic oil that can go up to 10,000 miles between changes.

In addition to outlining regular maintenance such as oil changes and tire rotation, manufacturers give guidance for inspection or replacement of certain parts when the odometer reaches 30,000 miles, 60,000 miles, and 90,000 miles, for example. Again, refer to the owner’s manual for your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.

RELATED STORIES: Car Tires Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Signs My Car Needs Maintenance Done

Even the most well-maintained car will encounter problems that require unexpected service. Often, the vehicle will let you know before it stops operating that there’s an issue needing attention.

The “check engine” light or “service engine soon” indication on the dashboard aren’t the only clues that should prompt you to call a repair shop:

  • Braking – Any problem with your brakes is a safety issue. Address a “soft” brake pedal and investigate any squeaking or scraping sounds immediately.
  • Lacking acceleration – A change in performance can mean that it’s time for an engine tune-up.
  • Vibration – Have a mechanic diagnose the causes if you feel shaking when the car is starting, turning, or stopping.
  • Stalling or difficulty starting – When your vehicle stalls or you can’t get it started, it’s time to get it checked.
  • Fuel efficiency – Bad sensors or leaky fuel injectors might be the reason for changes in your gas mileage.
  • Shifting – Automatic transmissions are designed to shift gears smoothly. Hard shifts and lurching might indicate a transmission problem.

There are less obvious clues that something might be wrong with the car, and these signs can be intermittent or vague. Remember that you know how your car drives better than anyone does. If something seems different, it might be the start of a more significant problem.

Contact a trusted mechanic at your local dealership or car repair shop when your vehicle isn’t performing well. Tell them what you feel and hear when the car begins acting up.

Vehicle Maintenance Checklist

Keep up with a schedule of preventative maintenance to maximize the lifespan and performance of your vehicle. Use this list to be aware of what – and when – tasks should be done to help keep your car in proper working order.

Service intervals can vary from make and model, so be sure to follow your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.

Service Immediately

  • Check engine light – This warning appears when the car’s control system discovers a problem. There is no reason to panic when you see this yellow warning light, but don’t delay a visit to the repair shop and don’t reset it on your own without knowing why it came on in the first place. A mechanic can run diagnostic tests to determine the cause.
  • Headlights/taillights – Check for blown fuses if a light goes out. Replace the light if that isn’t the problem. Driving with burned-out lights is unsafe and can bring you a traffic ticket.
  • Tire pressure light – A car’s tire-pressure monitoring system will alert you when the air pressure in a tire drops below a certain amount. Low air pressure can bring unsafe driving conditions, so inflate your tires to proper levels as soon as you can.

Monthly Check-up

  • Fog lights, turn signals, brake, and parking lights – It’s relatively easy to notice a headlight that isn’t working. Others aren’t as obvious, so walk around the car monthly to visually inspect the lights.
  • Oil and coolant levels – Check levels when the engine is cool at least once a month and always top off the levels before making a long trip.
  • Tire pressure and tread depth – Tires are essential to safe driving. Regularly inspect your tires and the spare for uneven wear, proper air pressure, and adequate tread depth. Use a penny to check the tread depth. If the top of Lincoln’s head is covered, there is still more than 2/32” of depth remaining, meaning there is still adequate tread left.
  • Windshield wiper fluid – Be sure the reservoir has an adequate supply of wiper fluid. It’s not possible to drive safely with an obstructed view, something that can result from a dirty windshield.

3-Month Check-up

  • Oil and filters – Engines that use conventional motor oil can be on a 3-month/3,000-mile interval. Those using synthetic varieties might have up to 10,000 miles between oil changes.
  • Battery and cables – Make sure the battery and cables have tight connections and have no corrosion or leaking fluid.
  • Belts and hoses – The serpentine belt and other belts in the engine compartment shouldn’t look glazed, cracked, or frayed. Hoses shouldn’t leak or have cracks or bulges.
  • Power steering fluid – Check power steering fluid level when the engine is warm and add more when needed.
  • Wiper blades – Driving with worn wiper blades is a safety hazard because of reduced visibility when it rains. Inspect the blades seasonally and replace them if they’re damaged or no longer clear the windshield.

6-Month Check-up

  • Rotate tires – Rotating tires helps extend their life by balancing the tread wear and can help prevent noise and vibration problems. Check the owner’s manual beforehand because some types of tires and wheels shouldn’t be rotated or have to be rotated in a very specific way.
  • Wax vehicle – Wash your car regularly and apply a wax coating at least twice a year to help protect your car’s finish from rust.
  • Exhaust system – Look for and repair any damage, especially if the muffler is making noise.
  • Battery performance check – Your car won’t start without a good battery. Beginning when the battery is 3 years old, test it twice a year at your auto parts store.
  • Chassis lubrication – Your owner’s manual will say if the chassis, steering, and suspension systems require periodic lubrication.

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1-Year Check-up

  • Air filters – Cabin air filters help clean the air inside the car and should be replaced annually. However, engine air filters keep debris out of your engine and should be inspected when the oil is changed.
  • Brakes – Inspect the brake system, including the brake fluid, brake linings, rotors, and brake pads, to help ensure the proper operation of these critical components. The lifespan for brake pads largely depends on the driving style of the operator.
  • Inspect shocks and struts – Take your car to the shop if you notice a decrease in smoothness when driving. Shocks and struts are an essential part of the car’s steering system and should be inspected by a professional.
  • Coolant/antifreeze – Replace every year. Flush the coolant and the entire cooling system after 60,000 miles.

2-Year Check-up

  • Ignition system – Good quality spark plugs, plug wires, coils and other electrical components can last up to 100,000 miles. Even so, it’s a good idea to have spark plugs checked starting at 30,000 miles. Rough running or hard starting can be a sign that they’re beginning to fail.
  • Transmission fluid – Check transmission fluid levels regularly and add more when needed. You can expect to change transmission fluid between 30,000 miles and 60,000 miles in a manual transmission vehicle and between 30,000 miles and 100,000 miles in an automatic transmission one.
  • Fuel filter – Manufacturer guidelines for fuel filter replacement vary. Some suggest replacement at 30,000 miles.

Long-Term Check-up

  • Transfer case fluid –The transfer case shifts power from the transmission to the axles in a 4-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle. Have a professional check transfer case fluid according to manufacturer recommendations.
  • Front and rear differential – Differentials are devices that split the torque from the engine and send power to the tires to propel the car. The differentials require lubrication, and a professional should check them according to manufacturer recommendations.
  • Change tires – Tires can last from six years to 10 years. Check often for adequate tread depth greater than 2/32 of an inch.
  • Battery – Test the battery beginning at three years. It’s time to replace the battery after five years.
  • Timing belt – Replace following the owner’s manual guidance, typically between 60,000 miles and 90,000 miles. Not all vehicles have timing belts. Yours might have a timing chain, which often needs no periodic maintenance (or replacement) unless there’s an issue.

These milestones for car maintenance are general guidelines and not an exhaustive list. Carefully follow your car manufacturer’s recommendations on scheduled vehicle service and use qualified mechanics to perform work on your car.

Read Related Car Maintenance and Repair Stories:

Chris HardestyChris Hardesty is an author specializing in electric vehicles and general advice related to car ownership. His 25-year journalism career includes leading editorial research at The News & Observer in North Carolina, The Mercury News in California, and Newsday in New York. After that, he was an online news editor at The Wall Street Journal before moving to the Atlanta area. He didn’t have a… Read More about Chris HardestyLinked In Social Network

FAQ

How Much Does Car Maintenance Cost?

The costs of car maintenance vary, depending on where you live and the year, make, and model of the car you drive. To help you determine costs of maintaining your vehicle, use our 5-year Cost to Own tool. The tool breaks out the maintenance costs over five years. When you divide it by five you can get your annual costs.

What Does Check Engine Light Mean?

When the “check engine light” flashes or illuminates on the dashboard, it means it’s time to get your car inspected by a certified mechanic at a dealership or local auto repair shop.

How Long Can You Drive With Check Engine Light On?

It’s not safe to drive a long distance with your check engine light on. Wherever you may be driving, pull off and go to your nearest car dealership or auto repair shop so they can run a diagnostic test and determine the issue.

There were lots of exciting developments in the automotive industry in 2021. We were there to cover it all.

Top 10 Cars You Couldn't Get Enough Of in 2021

There were lots of exciting developments in the automotive industry in 2021. We were there to cover it all, and you were eager to read about the hot new sheetmetal. Ford’s revived Bronco finally reached customers, the Toyota Tundra received its first redesign in over a decade, and we named our first EV of the Year, the Ford Mustang Mach-E, which is also one of the top-selling electric vehicles on sale. As the year closes, we have assembled this list of the cars that our readers clicked on the most. Nearly all of these high-interest models are available for sale now, with the only exception being a retro electric van that’ll arrive soon.

(Source: https://driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/how-to-drive-in-large-cities/

9 Important Tips to Survive Driving in Large U.S. Cities

Driving in large metropolitan areas presents a unique set of challenges. For drivers who are not used to the busy streets and slower pace of city driving, the experience can be quite frustrating. Here are several tips that can help make driving on city streets a little easier. Learn How to Drive in Large Cities

1 Understand that city drivers encounter traffic jams, bumper-to-bumper traffic, and herds of pedestrians and cyclists on a daily basis. If you are unfamiliar with city driving, it is important to understand that the other motorists surrounding your car might not be as cautious or concerned as you are.

2 If possible, avoid driving in cities during rush hour. Typically, rush hour traffic is at its peak during the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Try to stay off of metropolitan roadways during these times unless it is absolutely necessary. Rush hour traffic not only increases the time it will take to reach your destination, it will also subject you to a higher chance of an accident, more frustration, and the wrath of city drivers who encounter all of the time. Be warned, that an afternoon rush hour is also possible in some places like the New York City area, where it begins as early as 3 p.m.

3 Stay in the right lane. Whether you are driving on a busy metropolitan expressway or a downtown avenue, staying in the right lane will put you in the company of slower, more cautious drivers.

4 Watch out for crosswalks. Crosswalks are much more common in metropolitan areas, particularly in city centers. Remember that pedestrians always have the right of way on a cross walk. Always check both sides of the curb before proceeding

5 Depending on which city you are driving in, you may encounter a large amount of cyclists. Bicycles are a common way for residents of large cities to travel without having to navigate a car on busy streets. Although cyclists are supposed to obey the same traffic laws as drivers, many do not. Keep an eye out for cyclists and always maintain a safe distance from them. Also be aware that many cities have specific bicycle lanes to the far right of their streets. Never steer your vehicle into these lanes for any reason.

6 Taxis are common obstacles in large cities. In an effort to respond to someone hailing a cab, taxi drivers often make sudden swerves to the edges of roadways. Keep a safe distance from taxis. Watch out for passengers entering and exiting taxis parked on the side of the road. Taxi cab drivers are prone to making risky decisions that can be dangerous for other drivers (Garrett)

7 When stopped at a traffic light, be aware that pedestrians have been given a walk signal and will be hurrying across the street while your light is red. Some pedestrians may be slower than the walk signal or may attempt to cross the street even though the don’t walk signal has been employed. Always look both ways for pedestrians before going after the light has turned green. Never drive around a person walking across the street, even if they are jaywalking.

8 Many metropolitan roadways have parallel parks on both edges. As a driver, you must take precautions to avoid vehicles being parked and people entering and exiting their parallel parked vehicles. You should be even more careful in winter as drivers exiting their cars can slip on a snowy road and get under your wheels

9 Remain calm. Large metropolitan areas are notorious for stressful situations that cause road rage. Take your time, pay attention, and employ a passenger as a navigator. These are American cities with the worst traffic. Check if the city you are traveling to made the list: Whether you are visiting a large city for a family vacation or must drive to an appointment at a downtown office building, navigating metropolitan roadways requires a heightened sense of awareness and the ability to remain calm enough to focus on the task of driving. (Source: https://driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/how-to-drive-in-large-cities/?fbclid=IwAR0I1ZqHDCulzjN7EP0XUNpN5ZMmjh5EPTgJiy38MdYt25DE3QcKZkUNJBQ)

Halloween is the time to really go all out in the way of decorations. And the decorations don’t have to stop with your home. These creative Halloween car decorations will make Halloween a mobile holiday too!

Having your car decorated will allow you to spread spooky cheer all over town! Everywhere you drive will get a little more holiday spirit.

This is such a fun time of the year, keep reading to get inspiration to make your own car decorations for Halloween!

Text reading Halloween car decorations collage
We all love to decorate for the holidays each year with DIY Halloween decorations when the season rolls around. Carved pumpkins are on everyone’s front porch. But don’t stop there!

Your car is the perfect place to add some Halloween decor, too!

Scare up some Fright with one of these Unique Halloween Car Decorations

Porches, front entry steps and garden planters are all great ways to decorate outside, and there are tons of DIY craft projects to celebrate Halloween indoors.   And when it comes to cooking for Halloween, we put out all the stops.

Why stop there?  Don’t forget your vehicle! Your car is an open book when it comes to car decorating ideas.  

Don’t neglect your 2021 spring car maintenance checklist

Conserving Fuel | AAA Exchange

Bad driving isn’t just unsafe. It’s expensive. Studies have repeatedly shown that personal driving habits are the single biggest factor that affects vehicle fuel consumption. Adopting new and improved driving behaviors not only makes car travel safer, it can contribute to significant savings at the gas pump. Here are some simple ways you can improve your car’s gas mileage:

Ownership, Maintenance & Repairs

  • When buying a car, look for models that offer the best fuel economy in their class. For most drivers, an optional larger and/or more-powerful engine is unnecessary.
  • Maintain your car according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Modern cars don’t need “tune ups,” but regular service will ensure optimum fuel economy, performance and longevity.
  • Take your car to a repair shop as soon as possible if the “Check Engine” light comes on. This indicates a problem that is causing excessive emissions and likely reducing fuel economy.
  • Keep tires properly inflated. Underinflation reduces fuel economy, but more importantly, tires low on air degrade handling and braking, wear more rapidly and can overheat and blowout.

The Daily Drive

  • Slow down and drive the speed limit. On the highway, aerodynamic drag causes fuel economy to drop off significantly as speeds increase above 50 mph.
  • Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and hard acceleration. These actions greatly increase fuel consumption.
  • To idle or not to idle.
    • Avoid extended idling to warm up the engine, even in winter. It’s unnecessary and wastes fuel.
    • Avoid prolonged idling in general. If your car will be stopped for more than 60 seconds, shut off the engine to save fuel. Many newer cars have automatic engine stop-start systems that do this.
  • When driving in town, adjust your speed to “time” the traffic lights. This reduces repeated braking and acceleration that consume additional fuel.
  • When approaching a red light or stop sign, take your foot off the gas early and allow your car to coast down to a slower speed until it is time to brake.
  • Accelerate smoothly with light to moderate throttle. This allows the automatic transmission to upshift into higher gears sooner, reducing engine rpm and saving fuel.
  • Use cruise control to help maintain a constant speed and save fuel. However, never use cruise control on slippery roads because a loss of vehicle control could result.
  • If your car has a manual transmission, upshift as soon as you can without “lugging” the engine. When practical, you can also save fuel by skip-shifting – for example, going directly from first gear to third.

Don’t be Fueled into Wasting Gas

The practices above will definitely help improve fuel economy. Also keep these more general fuel saving tips in mind:

  • Minimize your use of air conditioning. Even at highway speeds, open windows have less effect on fuel economy than the engine power required to operate the air conditioning compressor.
  • Plan ahead to accomplish multiple errands in one trip, and whenever possible travel outside high-traffic times of day.
  • If you own more than one car, use the most fuel efficient model that meets the needs of any given journey.

Fuel Economy Myths

  • In hot weather, park in the shade or use a windshield sunscreen to lessen heat buildup inside the car. This reduces the need for air conditioning (and thus fuel) to cool down the car.
  • Remove unnecessary and bulky items from your car. It takes more fuel to accelerate a heavier car, and the reduction in fuel economy is greater for small cars than larger models.
  • Minimize your use of roof racks and remove special carriers when not in use. On the highway even an empty bike, canoe or ski rack can reduce fuel economy, and a loaded rack or car-top container will have a major effect on gas mileage.
  • AAA research has found that unless premium fuel is recommended or required by your car’s manufacturer, it provides no added benefit. Motorists should refer to their vehicle’s owner’s manual to check which type of gasoline is recommended for their engine.

Ten Crazy Car Repair Stories from Auto Mechanics

10 Crazy Car Repair Stories from Auto Mechanics

women in motor history hero.
https://www.carrentals.com/blog/women-in-motor-history/?fbclid=IwAR04GXJaVahU5p04R_n7DHPrcKyXeJk48DwTzc4awZU8o8FKNH_w0zbgzmc

From incredible mathematicians to engineers and fearless racecar drivers, their lives and stories are nothing short of inspiring. CARRENTALS.COM10 Women Who Changed the Automotive Industry – CarRentals

AAA Auto Repair ArticleBy AAA Automotive

Want to know if you really need to warm up the car engine before driving, even during the cold winter months? AAA provides auto care tips that help you keep your vehicle running smoothly every season of the year.

Myth: To improve performance, particularly in cold weather, allow the engine to run for a few minutes before driving.

Fact: Start the engine and allow it to idle only for the time it takes you to fasten your seat belt. This ensures that lubricating oil gets to all of the engine’s vital parts. Driving the car normally and avoiding hard acceleration brings the engine to a warmer temperature faster, and also reduces wear and exhaust emissions. Naturally, a little longer idle time is ok in winter while you clear snow and ice from the windshield and other car parts.

Driving is not without its risks as any driver is well aware. However, these risks can be minimized with attention to safety. Whenever and wherever you drive, it’s important to keep these top safety tips in mind so you can contribute to safer roadways for you and other drivers. By practicing defensive driving and following these tips at all times, you can reduce the risk of collision and enhance your safety as well as the safety of your car’s occupants.

#1: Don’t Drink & Drive

While many countries have stringent laws regarding drunk driving, people still routinely drink and drive. Not only does this practice compromise their own safety, it drastically compromises the safety of other drivers or pedestrians on the road. Moreover, drunk drivers have been known to run off the roads where they have struck homes and other buildings. As most people know, many innocent victims have lost their lives to drunk drivers. Drinking substantially impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle. Therefore, it’s vital that drivers refrain from drinking if they plan to drive.https://www.youtube.com/embed/WrcK_hefeYc?feature=oembed

#2: Don’t Drive If You Are Sleepy

Experts have asserted that driving while sleep-deprived can be just as dangerous as driving drunk. According to statistics, roughly twenty percent of accidents list sleep deprivation as a factor. In fact, driving just a bit drowsy can increase your risk for an accident. Driving tired means you are less likely to respond optimally while on the road. Any delay in response while driving can lead to a serious driving consequence. Be sure to avoid driving drowsy and don’t drive if you are taking medications that list drowsiness as a side effect.https://www.youtube.com/embed/EQNvn3CTaig?feature=oembed

#3: Don’t Talk on Cell Phones or Text

Cell phone use is an increasing factor in traffic collisions and related fatalities. In fact, the increase is leading many states to adopt new legislation and harsher penalties regarding cell phone use while driving. As of 2021, in most cities and states, driving and holding a cell phone are prohibited. Hands-free cell phones use may be legal (not everywhere), but drivers should remember that any distraction that takes their mind from the road and the operation of their vehicle is unsafe. Therefore, it’s essential to minimize all distractions while driving. Texting, of course, is incredibly dangerous as it requires drivers to remove their eyes from the road.https://www.youtube.com/embed/VLVUR9Lesa4?feature=oembed

#4: Don’t Speed

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding is a major contributor to roadway collisions. Moreover, each subsequent increase in mileage per hour increases the risk of collision. Driving experts have also counseled that raising your speed is only likely to reduce your drive time by mere minutes; however, it can increase the risk of crashing by more than fifty percent. Therefore, whether you are driving near or far, it makes safety sense to keep to the speed limit.https://www.youtube.com/embed/WDQNegdB4Pw?feature=oembed

#5: Don’t Forget to Wear Your Seat Belt

When drivers and occupants wear seat belts, they substantially increase the likelihood of surviving a car accident. Since no one ever sets out expecting to be in a car accident, it’s all the more important to wear a seat belt every time you ride in a car. Seat belts do save lives. In fact, more than half of the people who died in a car crash were not wearing their seat belts. Even if you are only driving a block or two away, wear your seat belt and make sure that everyone else in the vehicle buckles up before you pull away. Even driving at a slow rate is dangerous if an accident should occur. Hitting the windshield or steering wheel, for instance, can still result in a perilous injury if you are driving slowly when you collide. A seat belt increases the likelihood that you will survive.https://www.youtube.com/embed/s6JVJZAXp3A?feature=oembed

#6: Drive Carefully in Inclement Weather

We’ve all seen drivers plow through snow and rain as if it’s a sunny day in May. Don’t be this type of driver. No matter what type of vehicle you own, you need to slow down and be extra careful when driving in inclement weather. Even if you feel that your four-wheel drive, for instance, is perfectly reliable in snow, other people can still slip and slide. If you are driving slowly and carefully, you will be more apt to react optimally if another driver loses control of their vehicle. Fog, rain, snow, and even wind require drivers to be extra mindful. If possible, it’s often ideal to forgo driving in bad weather.https://www.youtube.com/embed/3GEgB-xui0M?feature=oembed

#7: Maintain Your Vehicle

Part of driving safely means driving a safe vehicle. Be sure that your brakes and tires, for instance, are in prime condition. Neglecting these important car features can compromise the safety of your vehicle substantially. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as problems arise to ensure your safety.https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y3jcQCdeJAs?feature=oembed

Follow these important tips in order to decrease the likelihood of experiencing a car accident. You’ll enhance your safety and the safety of others.

River City Fleet Services, Inc.

River City Fleet Services, Inc.