Auto technicians say the key to keeping vehicles
running well-today and down the road-is routine maintenance. Yet many drivers
tend to stall when it comes to keeping up with some everyday auto-basics. A
recent survey by the Car Care Council
found:
- 25% of cars had low or dirty engine oil.
- 13% had low or contaminated brake fluid.
- 18% had dirty air filters.
- 17% had inadequate cooling protection or low coolant levels.
- 16% needed new windshield wiper and 27% had low or contaminated washer fluid.
- 18% needed new belts
Overall, 89% of vehicles were in need of at least
one service or repair.
For your convenience, the Car Care Council developed
a Service Interval Schedule to help you keep track of regular maintenance. Most
of the checks and services described here can be done at little or no cost.
Best of all, they are quick and easy to do. Learn more about your car’s systems
in our vehicle systems overview.
Check
Frequently
Dashboard Indicator Lights On
Lights
Tire Inflation and Condition
Windshield Washer Fluid
Engine Oil Level
Check
Every 3 Months/ 3,000 Miles
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Battery and Cables
Belts
Dashboard Indicator Light On
Engine Air Filter
Engine Oil
Exhaust
Hoses
Lights
Power Steering Fluid
Tire Inflation and Condition
Windshield Washer Fluid
Check
Every 6 Months/6,000 Miles
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Battery and Cables
Belts
Chassis Lubrication
Dashboard Indicator Light On
Engine Air Filter
Engine Oil
Exhaust
Hoses
Lights
Power Steering Fluid
Tire Inflation and Condition
Windshield Washer Fluid
Wiper Blades
Check
Every 9 Months/ 9,000 Miles
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Battery and Cables
Belts
Dashboard Indicator Light On
Engine Air Filter
Engine Oil
Exhaust
Hoses
Lights
Power Steering Fluid
Tire Inflation and Condition
Windshield Washer Fluid
Check
every 12 Months/ 12,000 miles
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Battery and Cables
Belts
Brakes
Cabin Air Filter
Chassis Lubrication
Dashboard Indicator Light On
Coolant (Antifreeze)
Engine Air Filter
Engine Oil
Exhaust
Hoses
Lights
Power Steering Fluid
Steering and Suspension
Tire Inflation and Condition
Wheel Alignment
Windshield Washer Fluid
Wiper Blades
When was your last car grooming serviced?
ALSO READ: BRAKE: THE MOST IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURE OF YOUR CAR
ALSO READ: BRAKE: THE MOST IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURE OF YOUR CAR
