Maintaining Your Vehicle

Oil

Check your oil on a regular basis. Typically, oil should be changed anywhere between 3-10k miles. Check your owner’s manual for more information.

Coolant

Many new vehicles have coolant that lasts up to five years or 150,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual for more information.

Battery

Newer batteries tend to last several years, depending on weather conditions. Ensure that cable connections are tight and free of corrosion.

Tires

Check tire air pressure at least once a month and keep a tire gauge inside your car. Rotate tires every 6-8k miles to ensure even tread wear. Replace your tires when the tread is between 2/32 and 4/32.

Roadside Assistance Kits

These kits can be purchased at any auto parts store and typically contain an air compressor, pliers, screwdrivers, flashlight, safety triangles, jumper cables, fuses etc.

Inspections

Item                    When to Check                  What to Check

Lights                   Weekly                    Dirty lens, burned-out bulbs, alignment

Windows               Daily                        Cracks, scratches, dirt, pits

Tires                      Weekly                    Air pressure, cuts, tread wear, Include spare tire

Brakes                   Daily                       Pedal pressure/travel, smooth/straight stops

Steering                 Daily                      Steering wheel play, stiffness in steering

Suspension           Annually                 Excessive bouncing, leaning, swaying

Exhaust                 Daily                       Noise, fumes, leaks

Wipers                   Monthly                  Wiper-blade condition, washer fluid

Under the hood     Weekly                   Fluids, hoses, belts, filters, connections

Author Rich Heinrich,

Master Instructor, Emeritus