The Ultimate Car Maintenance Checklist

Excess moisture, mud and other forms of debris can do a number on the exterior of your vehicle, particularly the many components located under the car. Use fender flares and mud grabbers to keep the dirt off your vehicle. These rubber flaps are easy to remove and you can hose them off in just a few seconds. It’s best to put an extra layer of protection between the road and the belly of your vehicle. 

Protecting the Inside of the Car

So many car owners overlook one of the most important parts of any vehicle: the interior. That’s where you spend your time, after all. Improving and maintaining the interior will help you make the most of your vehicle. 

Invest in truck seat covers to protect the upholstery of the car from spills, leaks and other stains. This is vital if you have leather seats or small children who tend to make a mess in the backseat. They will also come in handy if you use your vehicle for work. From hauling heavy equipment to driving around with your dog to winning over new clients, you can quickly take off the covers, throw them in the wash and the interior will look as good as new. Cleaning out your car has never been so easy. 

The same is true of the floor. Beverages, food, mud, dirt, snow and water will start to mark up the floor of your car, leading to nasty stains and dreadful odors. However, all that excess moisture can also lead to mold, mildew and costly electrical damage. Use waterproof rubber floor mats to protect the interior. You can drive to work with muddy boots and a big cup of coffee without worrying about ruining your floors.  

You should also replace the air filter from time to time to improve the quality of the air you breathe. Rolling down the windows isn’t always an option in the summer and winter, so make sure your ventilation system isn’t blowing around the same airborne dirt and particles. 

Use this as a launching pad when creating your own car maintenance checklist. Be sure to include specific information about the make and model. Every car comes with its own dos and don’ts. With a little training and the right tools, you can master the art of vehicle maintenance. 

10 Basic Maintenance Tips for Your Vehicle   

Don’t forget that April is National Car Care Month. Now is the time to give your car, truck or SUV some extra attention to ensure it is road ready for the summer. Basic maintenance is vital when it comes to the safety and dependability of your vehicle, plus it can help avoid costly repairs in the future.

“Neglected vehicle care almost always means much higher costs down the line in the form of more extensive repairs or lost resale value,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Chances are if you own a car, it needs some work. National Car Care Month in April is the perfect time to focus on your vehicle’s maintenance needs.”

There are many ways to take care of your vehicle and help prevent irreparable damage. The Car Care Council recommends 10 basic maintenance procedures to keep your car operating at its best: 

• Check the oil, filters and fluids. Oil should be checked at every fill-up and changed per the owner’s manual recommended intervals. Brake, transmission, power steering, coolant and windshield washer fluids should also be checked regularly. Your car’s filters, including those for the transmission, fuel system and interior ventilation, need regular inspection and replacement. 

• Inspect hoses at each oil change and have them replaced when leaking, brittle, cracked, rusted, swollen or restricted. Check V-belts and serpentine belts for looseness and condition, and have them replaced when cracked, frayed, glazed or showing signs of excessive wear. Typically replace the timing belt between 60,000 and 90,000 miles or the interval specified in the owner’s manual to avoid a breakdown or serious engine damage. 

• Check the engine brake system every year and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change. 

• Check that the battery connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free. The battery should be securely mounted. If it is three years old or more, the battery should be tested and replaced if necessary. 

• Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay. 

• Schedule a tune-up that will help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions. 

• Check the car’s heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons, such as defrosting. 

• Inspect the steering and suspension system annually, including shock absorbers and struts, and chassis parts, such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components. 

• Check the pressure of all tires, including the spare, at least once a month. Check the tread for uneven or irregular wear and cuts and bruises along the sidewalls. Have your car’s alignment checked at least annually to reduce tire wear and improve fuel economy and handling. 

• Test exterior and interior lights and have bulbs that are not working checked immediately. Replace windshield wiper blades every six months or when cracked, cut, torn, streaking or chattering for optimum wiping performance and safety.

The last recommended tip is to invest in a set of custom fit floor mats for the front seat and back seat of your vehicle. These replace the factory carpet mats and ensure that your floorboards are protected from spills, debris and everyday wear and tear.

This advice should help give you the peace of mind to embrace this summer and embark on that adventure you’ve always dreamed about.