What’s On the Car Maintenance Checklist?

You say you aren’t experiencing any car issues.  Though, being a responsible vehicle owner means taking good care of your car before issues develop so that it is as safe as possible to drive.  Do you want to know what’s on the car maintenance checklist? Be sure to find a trustworthy mechanic that will let you know what kind of vehicle maintenance needs to be done, and when it should be done. 

If you are like many drivers, you will add at least 10,000 to 15,000 miles to your car during a year’s time.  Naturally, this wears down the parts and systems.  Having car maintenance taken care of at the appropriate intervals will help these parts and systems last longer.

There is a reason car manufacturers recommend certain maintenance intervals. To keep your vehicle running strong, here is a car maintenance checklist:

1. Change the oil and filter--about every 3,000 to 7,000 miles, or every 3 to 5 months.
2. Tune-up--Ensure your spark plugs, filters, and hoses are clean and intact. 
3. Air filter--Replace about every 15,000 to 20,000 miles. 
4. Timing belt -- Replace about every 4 or 5 years. 
5. Fuel system--Add a fuel system additive or cleaner to the fuel tank about every 3,000 to 7,000 miles to increase engine performance.
6. Lights--Replace any broken or burned out light bulbs.
7. Tires-- Inspect tire pressure at least monthly, and a tire rotation about every 6,000 miles.
8. Brakes--Have the braking system checked about every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. The brake fluid should be flushed about every 2 years.
9. Cooling system--Flush every 3 years or 50,000 to 60,000 miles. Check it periodically for leaks, blockages, contamination, and corrosion/oxidation problems.
10. Steering--A power steering system flush is recommended at least every 30,000 miles.
11. Transmission--For manuals, change the fluid at least every 20,000 miles.  On an automatic, change the fluid and filter every 60,000 miles.

Remember:  Taking good care of your car means it will last you longer and give you more miles with fewer issues!

Are you looking for quality vehicle maintenance services?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about what’s on the car maintenance checklist and to make an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.