A Scheduled Car Maintenance Guide Based Off of a Calendar Year

In order to keep your vehicle running smooth, you need to perform scheduled car maintenance. Engine maintenance is required to make sure the engine does not develop early problems. Auto maintenance is necessary to ensure the proper overall working of the vehicle's interior and exterior. There are items that must be tended to on a regular schedule.

In reality, some checks can be made on a daily basis. Each time the vehicle is started for the first time of the day, a check of the trouble light status should be performed. This is accomplished by pausing the key switch in the "On" position before cranking and starting the vehicle. At this time, all of the trouble lights and LEDs will be tested by lighting. You should take note of any lamps that do not light up, and replace them. They are there to warm you of trouble conditions, and cannot do that if the lamp is burned out.

Weekly auto maintenance encompasses cleaning the vehicle's interior and exterior. To keep the materials like vinyl, rubber and leather looking good, they must receive regular treatments with an approved cleaner and conditioner. Not only will this enhance the beauty of these materials, but will also keep them from deteriorating, cracking and splitting. The outside of the vehicle also needs this type of attention. Many vehicles have rubber and vinyl on their outsides. These materials are subjected to a considerably harsher environment than the materials in the interior. That is why it's important to regularly clean and treat them. Regular washing will provide rust prevention to the finish of the vehicle.

Monthly auto maintenance comprises of mostly inspections and checks. The tire air pressure should be measured, when the tires are cold, and have not yet been driven on. Proper inflation can add gas mileage, extend the life of the tires and deliver assistance in steering, cornering and stopping. The engine maintenance portion of these checks include checks of oil, radiator fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid and battery water level (if applicable). The oil, radiator and battery water levels should be checked with the engine cold. The transmission fluid needs to be checked with the engine running and fully warmed. Brake and power steering fluid can be checked regardless of engine temperature.

Longer duration scheduled car maintenance requires consumables to be replaced. Quarterly replacements include the air filter, oil and oil filter. This is a typical frequency, but replacements at sooner intervals may be required if you drive in very dusty areas. The vehicle chassis and front end need to be greased. Annual car maintenance requires the replacement of the fuel filter and the spark plugs and plug wires. The radiator fluid should be replaced every 3 to 5 years.

A smooth running vehicle requires some regularly scheduled car maintenance. To prevent the early onset of engine problems, and to extend the life of the vehicle's interior and exterior, routine auto maintenance is necessary.