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You know that your car needs to go through routine inspections and maintenance to keep it working well but how often? It would be nice and simple if you could just bring your car in once a year to get the whole thing inspected and be done with it.
But some parts need more frequent inspections than others. If you put a little effort into it, it'll be worth it when your car is still in good condition years from now when otherwise, you would have had to replace all the parts!
Once-a-Month
Every month, some of the more high-maintenance parts will need an inspection:
- Oil levels
- Coolant/Antifreeze
- Tires
- Hoses
- Belts
- Air filter
Make sure that your vehicle has enough oil and coolant or antifreeze. Check your tires to see what condition they're in and make sure the tire pressure is ideal.
Check the hoses and belts and if your hoses make a brittle crunching sound when you squeeze them or if your belts look worn and frayed, replace them. If your car smells funky when the air conditioner is on, or if there's debris stuck in the air filter, change it.
Every Three Months
Four times a year, once for every season, there are some additional things that need to be checked:
- Oil Filter
- Lights
- Transmission fluid
- Windshield washer fluid
- Battery terminals and cables
- Power steering fluid
Your oil filter should be replaced every 3,000 miles, which works out to around every three months. Fill up your fluids. If there's any corrosion on your battery terminals and cables, clean them. Last but not least, inspect all of your lights and make sure they're working -- don't forget about your brake lights!
Every Six Months
Twice a year, it's crucial to do these inspections to prevent long-term damage:
- Wiper blades
- Brakes
- Horn
- Shocks
- Spare tire
- Exhaust System
Replace your wiper blades if they look worn or brittle and see what condition your brakes are in. Make sure your spare tire is fully inflated and check your exhaust system for damage and rust. See what kind of condition your shocks are in and make sure they're not leaking.
These routine checks will simplify the process of maintaining your vehicle as best you can. You'll be able to keep your car for longer and if you decide to sell it, you'll get the best price.
If you need a vehicle inspection, bring your vehicle to our auto repair shop today!