As summer turns into fall, we pull out our favorite sweaters and watch as pumpkin flavors just about everything. While you might be finishing up home maintenance projects before winter weather sets in, don’t forget about your vehicle too. 

The most important car maintenance items are the ones that keep your car in tip-top shape, no matter what it faces while out on the road. The Car Care Council recommends that everyone follow the ABCs of basic car care, which includes:

• A – Always follow a vehicle service schedule 
• B – Be sure to have your car inspected when you suspect you have a problem
• C – Correct the problem to help avoid the inconvenience and potential safety hazards of breaking down

These are good rules to follow. 

The Car Care Council also found that a random check on cars on the roadway today would see a significant number of them have:

• Low or dirty engine oil
• Insufficient or contaminated brake fluid
• Dirty air filters
• Low coolant levels
• Bad windshield wipers
• Low washer fluid
• Damaged or worn-down belts

In fact, close to 90 percent of all vehicles on the road today require at least one repair. 

How would your vehicle rank in this study?

Where to start – let’s fix the most important car maintenance items now

The best place to start is with what you know. Right now, if you take a close look at your car, you can probably find several issues you’ve been ignoring. When was the last time you washed your vehicle? How about changing the oil? Have your tires been rotated and balanced? 

If you’re scratching your head, trying to remember the last time those items were completed, it’s time. 

Car fluids

Most drivers know just how crucial motor oil is to keep the engine healthy. It’s the one maintenance item preached enough that most drivers follow the rules. Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, have the motor oil replaced with a high-quality oil. Your owner’s manual will tell you what your engine needs; stick with their recommendations and never cut corners. Your engine was designed with a specific motor oil in mind. 

Yet motor oil isn’t the only fluid your car uses. Coolant protects the various parts inside the engine compartment from corrosion. Brake fluid helps keep the brake system fluid and in motion. Transmission fluid ensures the gears are well lubricated. Power steering fluid ensures the steering wheel remains easy to turn. 

While motor oil should be changed every few thousand miles, some fluids can last tens of thousands of miles and still run strong. A quick inspection ensures the systems haven’t been compromised, putting your vehicle at risk of damage. If any lights pop on the dashboard indicating low fluids, top them off as soon as possible. 

Checking your battery

The battery is responsible for many things in your car, including the ignition. Batteries often die when you least expect it, such as when it’s been sitting in extreme cold or heat for a few hours. It can leave you stranded in a difficult situation. 

Car batteries generally have a two to three-year shelf life. As your battery nears end-of-life, inspect it regularly to ensure it’s working correctly. We’re happy to test it at the same time you bring it in for an oil change. 

A voltmeter or a power probe will determine how much voltage is left in the battery. If it’s between 12.4 to 12.7 volts, it’s still in good operating condition. A little lower, and you can monitor it, trickle charging it to see if you can get it back up to working condition.  

This impacts your car’s accessories too. Have you noticed your lights seem a bit duller? Or your heated seats aren’t quite as hot? It’s a sign of a weak battery. Deciding to replace it before it leaves you stranded is always a good option. 

Checking your tires

Tires are the one piece of equipment that maintains contact with the road every time you drive it. If they aren’t in top shape, they risk impacting every other system in your car. 

The most common check is proper inflation. Newer cars have sensors that will alert you when inflation exceeds or falls short of the recommended levels for your make and model. You should also check it regularly, every other time you stop to fill up your car with fuel. Under or overinflation can be impacted by driving conditions or the environment; slight changes may not be a sign of a problem. But if you continually have inflation issues, it’s something to get checked out with one of our mechanics. 

Wheel balancing and tire rotation should also be a part of your regular maintenance schedule. Rotating the tires frequently allows each of your tires to get maximum wear. Balancing them ensures they connect with the road properly as you drive each day. 

Depending on which make and model of tire you select, you can expect up to 50,000 miles of wear. This is suggested; it depends on your driving conditions. You should still monitor the tread yourself periodically. Walk around and inspect the tread across all four tires. Does it look even? Do you notice wear marks? 

Tires have indicator bars built into the tread grooves. If they become level with the adjacent ribs, it’s time for replacing. You can also use a penny as an indicator. Place a penny with Lincoln’s face upside down and facing you. If his entire head is visible, it’s time for a new set of tires. 

Need to know more about the most important car maintenance items?

If you have questions, we have answers. 

Today’s vehicles are sophisticated pieces of machinery. Whether you’re looking for a routine oil change, or have complicated questions about the behavior of your car, we’re here to answer them, find the problem, fix your vehicle and bring it back to optimal condition. 

How can we help you keep your car safely on the road?