ROUTINE CAR MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST MANUAL

A battery will eventually lose its charge if it isn't driven at least every few weeks, explains Edmunds. Protect the batteryĭon't forget the vehicle's power source: the battery. It also may be a good idea to put steel wool in the air cleaner intake and exhaust pipe to keep small animals from using your vehicle as shelter, says Edmunds. This will help protect the exterior from bumps, scratches and dirt. Get a quality cover that securely fits your vehicle, keeps out moisture and allows for air flow, suggests. It’s recommended to take the car for a short drive, as this will help circulate the fluids, including the fuel stabilizer. Also, consider changing the oil before you let your vehicle sit in storage for more than a couple of weeks, says Edmunds.

Top off fluidsįinally, before you leave your car dormant for an extended period of time, top off your vehicle's fluids - such as brake fluid, engine coolant, power steering fluid (if applicable), transmission fluid, antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid, suggests. You'll want to repeat this process when you take the vehicle out of storage. For this reason, it's a good idea to inflate your tires to the recommended air pressure, but do not exceed the maximum. If your car will be sitting for a long period of time, the temperature may change and the tires can slowly lose pressure, says. If your vehicle won't be used for a few months, says the stabilizer may help keep the fuel lines and engine from corroding. also recommends adding a fuel stabilizer to the tank when it's almost full, as the shelf life of standard fuels is only about three months. When your vehicle is sparkling clean again, it's important to fill up your gas tank if you will be storing the car longer than 30 days, says Edmunds, as this may help prevent moisture from building up in the tank. Consider spraying any unpainted metal with undercoating to help protect against rust, explains. Start by cleaning your vehicle from top to bottom, including washing (make sure you get hard-to-remove dirt and debris, like sap), polishing and waxing the outside, according to. If you have a vehicle you store at your vacation home or a spare car you only drive every so often, there are some steps you should take before leaving it for an extended period of time.

If you'll be storing your vehicle for a month or more, you may want to follow these car maintenance tips: Prepare the car for storage But what about vehicles you only use once in a while or store part of the year? It may seem like a car that isn't used frequently wouldn't require upkeep like your everyday vehicle - but that isn't always the case. Performing maintenance is a task that often goes hand-in-hand with owning a vehicle. But certain maintenance items may require more frequent or immediate check-ups, while others may only need inspection every couple of years, depending on your specific vehicle, adds KBB.

ROUTINE CAR MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST MANUAL

Always refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for a more accurate maintenance schedule. It’s good to bring your car in at least once a year for a check-up, according to KBB. Scheduling regular tune-ups can help ensure that your car gets other maintenance items repaired as well before they lead to serious issues. For instance, if your check engine light comes on, a mechanic can help diagnose the problem through the car's on-board diagnostics (OBD-II) with a scan tool – something the average person typically doesn’t have at home.Ī qualified repair shop will also be able to inspect and replace other core components like the alternator, wheel bearings, etc. Some routine car care tasks can be done at home, while others may require a trained technician or mechanic. Vehicle upkeep can help prevent expensive repairs and retain a car’s value when it’s time to sell or trade it in, according to Kelley Blue Book (KBB).

Routine car maintenance checklist