Keeping Your Car in Peak Condition

Our cars help us so much in our everyday lives. They enable us to get to and from work, go to the grocery store, pick up the kids from school, and take a trip at a moment's notice. Vehicles are also complex mechanical machines that rely on a variety of components and fluids to keep them functioning optimally and safely. These components and fluids break down over time and need to be repaired or replaced. Timely maintenance will protect you and your car. Below, you will find our car maintenance checklist to help you keep your vehicle in peak condition.

• Oil Change: Motor oil helps lubricate and cool the metal parts of your engine. Without it, the friction caused by metal-to-metal contact would destroy your engine. However, motor oil stops this, but it doesn’t last forever. You should be performing an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.

• Tire Rotation: Tire treads wear down in a way that depends on where they are located. If you do not rotate your tires, the tread wears unevenly and causes your tires’ lifespan to decrease. By rotating your tires, you promote even treadwear and prolong the lifespan of your tires.

• Air Filter Replacement: Your engine air filter ensures that your engine is getting clean air so it can perform its best. You should be replacing it every three to six months for optimal results.

• Brake Inspection: Brakes are one of the most vital safety components of your vehicle. You should regularly inspect them for damage or issues that need repair. Listen for squeaking or grinding while you brake as these are signs that it is time for new brake pads.

• Check Coolant Levels: Coolant is used for, just as the name implies, cooling your vehicle. Coolant is used to help regulate the temperature of your engine, preventing overheating. Over time, your coolant levels may decrease from normal usage and/or leaks or cracks in the attached coolant hoses or coolant reservoir. Be sure to keep an eye on your coolant levels and add coolant as necessary. If there is a leak, you need to repair it immediately.

• Tire Pressure Check: Your car tires need to be a certain psi to perform their best. Being within the ideal range will ensure that your tires have maximum road grip without wearing down the tread too quickly. Most tires for passenger vehicles should be between 30-35 psi.

• Wiper Blades: Your windshield wiper blades are another important safety measure for your vehicle. When it rains, hails, or snows, these things end up on your windshield as they fall from the sky and are kicked up off the ground from other vehicles’ tires. This blocks your vision and makes it unsafe to drive. Your windshield wiper blades help clear these things off your windshield and allow you to see the road in front of you.

• Windshield Wiper Fluid: Your windshield wiper blades cannot always clear your windshield on their own. Sometimes they need the help of windshield wiper fluid. Regularly check your wiper fluid levels and add as needed.

• Battery Check: Your battery powers all the electrical components of your vehicle such as your starter, car radio, windows, door locks, and lights. Car batteries do not last forever and eventually need to be replaced. You should routinely have your battery tested to ensure that it is still effectively holding an electrical charge. If not, it is time to replace your battery.