Once a month, turn on your headlights when you’re parked in front of a flat surface and check that both headlights are working properly and well-positioned. It’s important that the lights on your vehicle are properly functioning, but oftentimes it can be easy item to overlook. Headlights, Turn Signals, Brake, and Parking Lights You can check your tread depth using a gauge. Your owner’s manual will tell you how much air pressure your tyre needs.
A tyre pressure gauge will be needed to check your tyre pressure. Check the pressure in your tyres every month, and before long trips or carrying extra load. Since well-maintained tires are integral to a safe, fuel-efficient ride, make it a habit to visually inspect your tyres often. This can be done easily at home, so check your owner’s manual for instructions and how often it needs to be changed. By making certain that your air filter is flowing properly, you can improve your fuel efficiency, decrease your emissions, and help ensure the life of your engine. YYour engine’s air filter is what regulates the air that flows into your engine and helps keep out debris and particulate. Refer to your owner’s manual to locate both on your specific vehicle. Low levels of either can lead to engine problems if left unchecked. Short Term Check-upsįor proper vehicle maintenance, inspect the following: Oil and Coolant LevelsĮvery month, or every few petrol fill-ups and especially before any long road trips, it’s a good idea to get under the hood of your car and inspect both the oil and coolant levels while the engine is cool. To make it easy to keep track of your car maintenance schedule, we’ve created a simple, downloadable car maintenance checklist to help you keep on top of your automotive maintenance. And, of course, it’s important to remember that car maintenance costs, while not always cheap, can ultimately help you avoid expensive repairs down the road. By knowing the basics about what your car needs, and when you should perform routine car maintenance, you’ll ensure that your car is in top-running condition.Īs an added bonus, if you can prove that your vehicle has been well maintained, you’ll be able to ask top dollar when it’s time to resell it. The biggest hurdle is being aware of what needs to be done-and how often-for optimal vehicle upkeep. Caring for your car and keeping it in proper running order takes a little bit of effort, but you definitely don’t have to be a mechanical whiz to keep your vehicle running well.