It can be stressful to have problems with your car, especially when you don't know what's wrong. There are lots of automotive issues that can drive car owners up the wall, like strange noises, a sudden drop in performance, and warning lights that appear out of nowhere. There is nothing worse than having to deal with a problem with your car and being unable to get back on the road again as quickly as possible. You should hire a mechanic who is knowledgeable about your vehicle to help you in your time of need, so there are no sudden breakdowns.
Now more than ever, people seek DIY maintenance methods at home as they are big money-savers and can encourage rewarding feelings in individuals when they put their valuable skills to good use. However, knowing what needs to be done for a particular vehicle and when it needs to be done can prove to be a challenging task. So, we have broken it all down for you in a comprehensive schedule.
Regular v. Severe Service Schedule
If you look at your car’s owner’s manual, you will find two different schedules inside it; one is a regular service schedule, while the other is a severe service schedule. Though your regular driving may not imply your car needs severe servicing, it’s time for you to hire a reliable mechanic if it has to endure these.
- Short commutes of 5 miles or less
- Heavier loads
- Salty or dusty environments
- Rough or mountainous terrain
- Stop and go traffic
- Idling
- Extreme low or high weather conditions
If your car has to endure these driving conditions, you might want to consider severe maintenance schedules. You may also be able to offset the costs of frequent oil and transmission fluid changes and require less maintenance down the line.
Make it a rule of thumb to use this car maintenance checklist to help guide you in maintaining your vehicle.
Basic Car Maintenance Schedule
Three Months or Three Thousand Miles
- Fluids
- Brake fluid level
- Transmission fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Engine oil level
- Windshield washer fluid
- Coolant
- Belts
- Interior and exterior cleanliness
- Tire Pressure
- Hoses
Six Months or Five Thousand Miles
- Fuel filter
- Battery
- Cabin and engine air filters
- Oil and filter change
- Tire rotation
- Lights
Twelve Months or Ten Thousand Miles
- Alignment
- Brakes
- Synthetic oil and filter change
Car Maintenance is Important
A vehicle's tune-up and repair should be kept up-to-date. If you live far from an auto shop, regular maintenance is essential for preventing unexpected breakdowns and accidents. Your vehicle should be maintained to keep you safe and free from car problems on the road.
Hire a Trusted Mechanic Firm
An experienced mechanic will be able to determine quickly what part of your car needs repair or a complete replacement, which means that you won't have to wait as long for your car to be restored to full functionality. Look no further than All in The Wrist Auto to cover all your maintenance needs!
