When you had access to a car while living at home, your parents likely took care of its maintenance or reminded you when it was time for service.
However, once you're on your own, car maintenance becomes your responsibility.
While it can be costly and time-consuming, staying on top of it will save you money in the long run. Make it a habit to stay on top of car maintenance and stop waiting for reminders. Here’s a rundown of essential maintenance tasks to keep your car running smoothly!
Three Essential Tasks Every Other Fill-Up
Instead of zoning out while waiting for your gas tank to fill, use that time to quickly check and clean your car with three easy tasks:
Clean Your Windshield
A dirty, bug-splattered windshield can obstruct your view and pose a safety risk. Give it a regular clean with the gas station squeegee. First, soak the windshield with cleaning fluid, then pull the squeegee from the center to the sides, finishing by pulling top to bottom. This is especially important after a long drive on highways where your windshield is often covered in bug remains.
Check Tire Pressure
Proper tire pressure improves handling, reduces the risk of blowouts, and extends tire life while boosting fuel efficiency. You can usually find the recommended pressure on a sticker inside the driver’s side door or in the owner’s manual. Tire pressure fluctuates with temperature, so it’s crucial to check regularly.
Check Oil Level and Top It Off
Motor oil is vital for engine health, preventing parts from grinding and transferring heat away from the engine. Checking your oil regularly ensures your car runs smoothly.
Stick to Your Car’s Maintenance Schedule
Your vehicle requires routine maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid replacements, to keep it running efficiently for years. Don’t rely on your mechanic’s recommendations—stick to the schedule outlined in your owner’s manual. Many mechanics suggest frequent oil changes or other services that aren’t necessary for modern engines.
For instance, some say to change oil every 3,000 miles, but most vehicles can go up to 5,000 miles between oil changes. Likewise, some recommend coolant replacement every 30,000 miles, but many cars only need it every 120,000 miles. To save money and avoid unnecessary repairs, always follow the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual, ensuring your car gets the care it truly needs. If you can’t find your manual, a quick online search will give you the recommended schedule.
DIY Car Maintenance: Simple Tasks You Can Handle
Change Your Oil Every 5,000 Miles
Changing your motor oil is one of the most essential and common car maintenance tasks. If you’re handy and have the space, changing your own oil can be a rewarding DIY job.
Replace the Air Filter Every 12,000 Miles
Changing your air filter is one of the easiest maintenance tasks you can do yourself. A clogged air filter reduces fuel efficiency, limits engine performance, and increases emissions. Replacing it is simple and saves you money compared to having a service shop do it. Plus, it only takes a few minutes, and you’ll enjoy better engine performance as a result.
Rotate Your Tires Every 5,000 to 10,000 Miles
Tire rotation is a simple but crucial task that helps extend tire life and improve driving safety. Tires naturally wear at different rates, depending on their position. Rotating them regularly ensures even wear, improving traction and handling.
Keep Your Car Clean
Regular cleaning is just as important as maintenance for keeping your car looking great and running smoothly. Here's how to keep both the exterior and interior of your car in top shape:
Wash Your Car Regularly
Exposure to dirt, grime, bird droppings, road salt, and other environmental factors can damage your car's paint and metal over time. Regular washing helps prevent long-term corrosion and protects your vehicle’s finish. How often you wash it depends on your location and weather. For areas with high pollution or sea salt, washing every two to three weeks is ideal. If you live inland, a monthly wash might be enough. In winter, washing more frequently is recommended to remove snow, salt, and mud.
Keep the Interior Tidy
Treating your car’s interior as a dumping ground only leads to stress and an unpleasant driving experience. Regularly cleaning out trash and wiping down surfaces will keep your car fresh and more enjoyable to drive. A clean car interior also makes a positive impression when unexpected passengers hop in.
