The Schedule for General Car Care Service You Should Follow
Are you at a loss when it comes to car care servicing? If you’re a first-time car owner, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we outlined a schedule that you can follow to keep your vehicle in the best shape.
Routine checks for your car can save you thousands of dollars. It will also give you peace of mind and guarantee that your car is functioning optimally.
Why general car care service is important
As with any possession, proper upkeep will stretch the lifespan of a vehicle. It will also save you from problems and various hazards on the road.
Without proper maintenance and care, a car will suffer from serious problems. This can compound and result in a hefty repair bill.
In general, the Car Care Council found in a survey that 90% of vehicles need at least one repair. Also, 25% of the cars they’ve checked have dirty engine oil. About 18% have dirty air filters, and 13% have contaminated brake fluid.
These numbers show that many drivers fail to keep up with the maintenance needs of their cars. These problems may seem unimportant, but they will start to affect your vehicle’s performance. You’ll notice poor fuel economy, steering problems, unreliable braking pads, and so on. Worse, you might figure in a road accident.
In the end, car problems are much cheaper when you fix them as they arise. Also, periodic maintenance is necessary to avoid problems on the road.
Schedule for general car care service
Here are the regular service schedules you should keep in mind:
Every 3 months or 3,000 miles
- Belts and hoses
- Transmission and steering fluids
- Engine filter and oil
- Lights and exhaust
- Tire condition
- Battery and cables
Every 6 months or 6,000 miles
- All the items included in the 3-month period
- Chassis lubrication
- Wiper blades
- Windshield washer fluid
Every 9 months or 9,000 miles
- Transmission and steering fluids
- Belts and hoses
- Lights and exhaust
- Tire condition
- Engine oil and filter
Every 12 months or 12,000 miles
- Cabin air filter
- Chassis lubrication
- Battery and cables
- Hoses and belts
- Brakes
- Engine oil and filter
- Coolant
- Steering and suspension
- Tire condition
- Wheel alignment
- Windshield wiper and washer fluid
Some of the tasks on this checklist can be performed by drivers. This includes tire inflation, windshield wiper blades, and battery condition. Nevertheless, it’s always best to have a professional mechanic check your vehicle periodically.
Moreover, the inclusion of general car care services may vary based on specific situations. You have to consider your mileage and the environment where you drive.
The more you visit a mechanic, the better. Still, some car care tasks can be done at home to save you some bucks.
Conclusion
Regular car checks are crucial to maintaining the optimal function of your vehicle. It will save you from the hassle of a malfunctioning car as well as the high cost of repairs.
You can follow a general care schedule to ensure that your vehicle is up-to-date with its needed maintenance. Above all, you should only trust professional auto technicians to conduct routine checks for you.
