Car maintenance is important to keep your vehicle running properly and to prevent future issues. There are many things that car owners can do to keep their cars in good condition but there are also some maintenance tasks that should be left to professionals. Here is a look at what does car maintenance include.
Regular Car Maintenance Tasks
Most car maintenance tasks can be easily completed at home with the proper tools and knowledge. However some tasks are best left to professionals. Regular car maintenance tasks that every car owner should complete as needed include:
Checking and changing the engine oil
Checking and changing the air filter
Checking and changing the cabin air filter
Checking and changing the battery
Checking the brakes
Checking the tires
Checking the fluids
Most of these tasks can be completed at home with the proper tools and knowledge. However some tasks such as changing the engine oil may be best left to professionals.
Periodic Car Maintenance Tasks
In addition to regular car maintenance tasks there are also some tasks that should be completed on a periodic basis. These tasks are typically more involved than regular maintenance tasks and may require special tools or knowledge. Periodic car maintenance tasks include:
Inspecting and changing the spark plugs
Inspecting and changing the timing belt
Inspecting and changing the serpentine belt
Inspecting and changing the brake pads
Inspecting and changing the brake fluid
Inspecting and changing the transmission fluid
Inspecting and changing the differential fluid
These are just some of the periodic car maintenance tasks that should be completed as needed. Some of these tasks such as changing the timing belt may be best left to professionals.
Preventative Car Maintenance
In addition to regular and periodic car maintenance tasks there are also some preventative maintenance tasks that can help to extend the life of your vehicle and prevent future issues. Some preventative maintenance tasks include:
Washing and waxing the car regularly
Cleaning the interior of the car regularly
Parking in a garage or covered area
Avoiding driving on rough roads
Following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule
By following these simple preventative maintenance steps you can help to extend the life of your vehicle and prevent future issues.
Car Maintenance Tips
Here are some general car maintenance tips that can help you keep your car in good condition:
Always consult the owner’s manual for specific maintenance tips and requirements for your vehicle.
Keep a maintenance log to track when various maintenance tasks have been completed.
Be sure to use the proper tools and products when completing maintenance tasks.
If you are unsure about how to complete a particular maintenance task be sure to consult a professional.
By following these simple tips you can help to ensure that your car is properly maintained and that future issues are prevented.
What is car maintenance?
Car maintenance is the care and servicing of a car to keep it in good working order.
What does car maintenance include?
Car maintenance includes tasks like changing the oil checking the tire pressure and replenishing the windshield wiper fluid.
How often should you change your car’s oil?
Depending on the make of your car you may need to change the oil every 5000 to 7500 miles.
How do you know when it’s time to change your car’s oil?
You can usually find out when it’s time to change your car’s oil by consulting the owner’s manual.
What will happen if you don’t change your car’s oil often enough?
If you don’t change your car’s oil often enough the engine will eventually become damaged.
How often should you check your car’s tire pressure?
You should check your car’s tire pressure at least once a month.
What will happen if your car’s tires are not inflated properly?
If your car’s tires are not inflated properly it can affect the handling of the car and lead to a blowout.
How often should you replenish your car’s windshield wiper fluid?
You should replenish your car’s windshield wiper fluid as needed – usually this means topping it off every time you get gas.
What will happen if you don’t replenish your car’s windshield wiper fluid?
If you don’t replenish your car’s windshield wiper fluid the wipers will eventually cease to function properly.
How often should you have your car’s fluids checked?
You should have your car’s fluids checked at least once a year.
What are some of the fluids you should have checked?
Some of the fluids you should have checked include the engine oil coolant and brake fluid.
How often should you have your car’s battery checked?
You should have your car’s battery checked at least once a year.
What will happen if you don’t have your car’s battery checked?
If you don’t have your car’s battery checked it may eventually die and leave you stranded.
How often should you have your car’s brakes checked?
You should have your car’s brakes checked at least once a year.
What will happen if you don’t have your car’s brakes checked?
If you don’t have your car’s brakes checked they may eventually fail and you will not be able to stop the car.
