Maintenance checklist car how to#
Maintenance checklist car manual#

When it comes to the air filter, you may need to replace it once or twice each year. He noted, “As long as the oil meets the service and viscosity requirements set out in your owner's manual, you can switch back and forth as much as you want.” 4. What type of oil should you use - petroleum-based or synthetic? Is one better than the other? According to Engineering Editor Jason Kavanagh, the type of oil is not important. Motor oil that’s not changed regularly can damage your engine as accumulated contaminants cause friction when they rub against parts.

It serves as a lubricant, keeping important engine parts from grinding against each other and destroying the engine. Change Your Oil and Oil Filter on Schedule Check your spare tire while you’re at it and confirm all pressures with a tire gauge once the tires have rested. If that isn’t possible, add 4 PSI to the recommended amount, explains Bridgestone Tire. Tires should be inflated when they are cold (driven less than one mile) to get an accurate reading. You’ll find the ideal tire pressure on a placard located on the driver’s door jamb or in the owner’s manual. What you may not know is the correct tire pressure, which is extremely important.

Maintenance checklist car how to#

You probably know how to add air to your tires already. They need to be properly inflated to do their job as well as lessen the chance of a blowout. The thing that keeps your car driving down the road is the tires. Check Your Tires MonthlyĪ lot is riding on your tires - like the entire vehicle. It’s important to follow these manufacturer recommendations to keep the engine running as smoothly as possible. Take note of the intervals for maintenance items like the engine oil, oil filter, tire rotation, belts, hoses and so on.

Maintenance checklist car manual#

With manual in hand, head to the maintenance schedule section. Otherwise, contact your dealer for a copy. If you can’t find your copy, an electronic version could be online. It’s a thick book typically squirreled away in the glove box. Acquaint Yourself With Your Owner’s ManualĮvery vehicle has an owner’s manual. Here’s a rundown that will get you started. You need a mechanic for most repairs, but there’s a lot of vehicle maintenance you can do on your own. 9 Vehicle Maintenance Measures You Can DIY Your owner’s manual will outline all of the maintenance that needs to be done and when it needs to be done so that you’re prepared.īut do you need to pay for a mechanic to handle the vehicle maintenance? You can handle a lot of basic vehicle maintenance yourself by following the advice below. Maintenance keeps your vehicle running smoothly and safely down the road for a much longer distance compared to never doing upkeep. Of course, checking your car on a more regular basis is even better. For most vehicles, regular maintenance begins at 5,000 miles and continues from there every 5,000-10,000 miles. Vehicles are machines, and like any machine they need maintenance.