Regular maintenance to keep something running smoothly often slips our minds, whether it is for us or for our things. But sometimes just checking things out to make sure they are ok can save you money and keep you safe. Especially when you are checking your vehicle.
This is a quick checklist that if preformed often will let you know if there is a problem and stop them from showing up, keep you safer, keep your fuel consumption lower, and keep your car on the road longer. And it’s easy enough to teach your teenager to do.
Windshield Washer Fluid
Check: monthly or if you use it a lot.
How: Check the reservoir located in your engine and marked with the universal wiper fluid icon. Keep some in your trunk or (if there is room) hooked in your engine compartment.
Why: grime, insects and rain can impede your vision and add glare at night. Your wipers can’t do all the work themselves, but like a dishrag with no soap won’t really clean your dishes.
Windshield Wiper Blades
Check: with each oil change and if you notice them not clearing rain in a single swipe, or leaving streaks or vibrating against the window.
How: Look for worn cracked or stiff areas. They ought to be smooth and flexible. Remember, they only last 6-12 months, depending on use and conditions, so purchasing a pair to keep in the garage or in the trunk is not a bad investment.
Why: Just like with fluid, if you can’t see, you can easily be extremely unsafe while driving.
Tire Pressure
Check: Once a month before driving.
How: Use a simple mechanical gauge to compare the pressure with what your car (not the tire) recommnds (this is located normally on a sticker in the glove box, door jam, or trunk.
Why: Over inflated tires wear the center of the tires faster and will give you a less than smooth ride. Under inflated tires wear the edges of the tires faster and give you less control of the car and worse fuel mileage.
Brake Fluid
Check: Every 3-6 months, or if your brakes feel odd. Replace completely once every two years.
How: Check the reservoir located in your engine and marked with the universal brake fluid icon. Keep some in your trunk or garage to top it off.
Why: Brake fluid allows your foot to communicate with your brakes to come to a smooth stop when you need to. If your fluid is low, or old, it can allow air bubbles to enter the fluid, causing you to brake unevenly or lose your ability to brake completely.
Power Steering Fluid
Check: Every month, or if your steering feels stiff. Unlike brake fluid, you probably will never have to replace it, only add to it. Check your car’s manual for this.
How: Check the reservoir located in your engine and marked with the universal steering fluid icon. Keep some in your trunk or garage to top it off.
Why: Checking if your fluid is low will alert you to a leak that could potentially cause serious steering issues when you don’t expect them. Just like brake fluid, steering fluid helps you communicate with your car. If your fluid is low, you can suddenly lose your ability to steer.
Belts
Check: Every 4-6 months.
How: Look for worn or cracked edges. These need to be replaced every 3-4 years. Look for specifics in your car’s manual.
Why: Belts help your engine control your car’s varies parts. If the belts are too lose, they will slip and waste efficiency. If they are too tight, they can cause permanent damage. If they are too old, they can snap and leave you stranded.
Battery
Check: every 4-6 months
How: The battery’s cables, clamps and connections ought to be checked for corrosion at least twice a year. If the battery is showing other signs of weakness or age, like dim lights or slow engine cranking, you can have your battery checked. That’s actually a service AAA will provide for free.
Why: No one wants to be stuck with a dead battery.
Lights
Check: every 4-6 months
How: Simple enough if you have a partner to walk around the vehicle and check if lights are out. If you don’t, check while stopped in front of a glass window and you can see your own reflection.
Why: It’s way safer to have working lights, and you can avoid a ticket.