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Taking care of your car is essential to keeping it running smoothly and reliably. Regular car maintenance is one of the most important aspects of car ownership. It helps prevent major problems and costly repairs down the road. While a lot of people think about things like oil changes when they think of basic car maintenance, there’s actually a lot more involved.

What does basic car maintenance include?

The basic maintenance that you should be performing on your car is divided into two categories: scheduled maintenance and unscheduled maintenance.

Scheduled Maintenance

Scheduled maintenance is performed on a regular basis, and it includes things like:

• Oil changes: Oil changes are essential for keeping your engine lubricated and running smoothly. You should typically get an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, or according to your owner’s manual.
• Tire rotations: Rotating your tires helps to ensure even wear and tear. You should typically rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or according to your owner’s manual.
• Tire pressure checks: Tires should be checked monthly, and inflated to the recommended pressure listed in your owner’s manual.
• Fluid checks: Regularly checking your fluids (such as coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid) is important for preventing problems.
• Air filter change: You should change your air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or more often if you drive in dusty conditions.
• Spark plug replacement: Spark plugs should be replaced every 30,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on the type of plugs and the vehicle.
• Brake pad inspection and replacement: Your brake pads should be inspected at least once a year, and replaced when they are worn down.
• Battery check: The battery should be checked at least once a year and replaced when it’s getting old or failing.
• Serpentine belt inspection: The serpentine belt should be inspected at least once a year for cracks or wear and tear.
• Wiper blade replacement: Wiper blades should be replaced every six months to a year.
• Coolant flush: Coolant should be flushed every two years or 24,000 miles.

You should also take note of the following items and keep track of when they need to be serviced.

• Timing belt replacement: The timing belt should be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on the vehicle.
• Transmission fluid change: The transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on the vehicle.
• Power steering fluid flush: The power steering fluid should be flushed every 50,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on the vehicle.

“Keeping up with your car’s scheduled maintenance is crucial to avoiding costly repairs down the road. It’s important to keep track of when these services are due and schedule appointments for them on time,” says Mark Johnson, Certified Automotive Technician.

Unscheduled Maintenance

Unscheduled maintenance includes any repairs or services that are not part of a regular maintenance schedule. This can include things like:

• Replacing a blown tire: Tires can blow for a variety of reasons.
• Repairing a damaged brake line: Brake lines can be damaged by a variety of things, including corrosion, accidents, and road debris.
• Fixing a broken windshield: Windshields can be broken by anything from flying debris to accidents.
• Replacing a worn-out clutch: Clutches wear out over time, and will need to be replaced at some point.

Unscheduled maintenance can be costly and inconvenient, but it’s often necessary to keep your car running safely.

How often should I perform basic car maintenance?

The frequency of basic car maintenance varies depending on the vehicle, driving habits, and local conditions. However, a good rule of thumb is to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. It’s also a good idea to perform some basic checks on your car on a regular basis, like checking tire pressure, topping off fluids, and visually inspecting the belts and hoses.

“The best way to stay on top of your car’s maintenance is to keep a record of all the services you’ve had done,” says Sarah Miller, Automotive Service Manager. “This will help you to know when your next service is due and avoid any surprises.”

How can I keep track of my car’s maintenance?

There are a few different ways to keep track of your car’s maintenance:

• Use a logbook: A logbook is a simple and effective way to track your car’s maintenance. You can record all of the services you have done, along with the date and mileage.
• Use a mobile app: There are a number of mobile apps that can help you track your car’s maintenance. These apps typically let you create a maintenance schedule, track services, and receive reminders.
• Use an online service: You can use an online service such as scheduled car maintenance cost to track your car’s maintenance. This service typically lets you create a maintenance schedule, track services, and receive reminders.

What are the benefits of regular car maintenance?

Regular car maintenance can help you to:

• Prevent major problems: Regular maintenance can help catch small problems before they become major issues.
• Extend the life of your car: By keeping up with your car’s maintenance, you can help to extend its life.
• Improve your car’s performance: Regular maintenance can help to improve your car’s fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and ensure it’s running smoothly.
• Save money: Regular maintenance can help you to save money on costly repairs down the road.

FAQ:

Q: Can I do my own basic car maintenance?

A: Yes, you can perform some basic car maintenance yourself, such as checking tire pressure, topping off fluids, and replacing air filters. However, for more complex tasks such as oil changes, brake repairs, and timing belt replacements, it is best to take your car to a qualified mechanic.

Q: What should I do if I’m not sure how often to perform certain maintenance tasks?

A: If you are unsure about the frequency of certain maintenance tasks, consult your owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic.

Q: What are some signs that my car needs maintenance?

A: Some signs that your car needs maintenance include:

• The “Check Engine” light is on.
• The car is making unusual noises.
• The car is leaking fluids.
• The car is not starting properly.
• The car is not accelerating properly.
• The car is not braking properly.

If you notice any of these signs, take your car to a mechanic to have it checked out.

Don’t hesitate to contact Autotippro for assistance with any of your automotive needs.

AutoTipPro
+1 (641) 206-8880
500 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States

We hope this information has been helpful. By following these tips, you can help keep your car running smoothly and reliably for years to come.