Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Service Scheduling

Check Monthly
Check Engine Light On
Cleaning
Lights
Tire Inflation and Condition
Windshield Washer Fluid

Check every 3 months/3,000 miles
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Battery and Cables
Belts
Check Engine Light On
Engine Air Filter
Engine Oil and Filter
Exhaust
Fuel Filter
Hoses
Lights
Power Steering Fluid
Tire Inflation and Condition
Windshield Washer Fluid

Check every 6 months/6,000 miles
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Battery and Cables
Belts
Chassis Lubrication
Check Engine Light On
Polish
Engine Air Filter
Engine Oil and Filter
Exhaust
Fuel Filter
Hoses
Lights
Power Steering Fluid
Tire Inflation and Condition
Windshield Washer Fluid
Wiper Blades

Check every 9 months/9,000 miles
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Battery and Cables
Belts
Check Engine Light On
Engine Air Filter
Engine Oil and Filter
Exhaust
Fuel Filter
Hoses
Lights
Power Steering Fluid
Tire Inflation and Condition
Windshield Washer Fluid

Check every 12 months/12,000 miles
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Battery and Cables
Belts
Brakes
Cabin Air Filter
Chassis Lubrication
Check Engine Light On
Polish
Coolant (Antifreeze)
Engine Air Filter
Engine Oil and Filter
Exhaust
Fuel Filter
Hoses
Lights
Power Steering Fluid
Spark Plugs
Steering and Suspension
Tire Inflation and Condition
Windshield Washer Fluid
Wiper Blades

Vehicle System/Component Service Notes

Automatic Transmission Fluid
Check fluid level with engine running and
transmission in park. If low, add the type
of automatic transmission fluid specified
in the owner's manual and/or on dipstick.
For maximum performance, change every
two years or 24,000 miles, or as directed
in owner's manual.

Battery and Cables
Battery should be securely mounted.
Battery connection should be clean, tight
and corrosion free. If the battery is three
years old or more, it should be tested and
replaced if necessary.

Belts
Check V-belts and serpentine belts for
looseness and condition. Replace when
cracked, frayed, glazed or showing signs
of excessive wear. Replace timing belt per
interval specified in owner's manual.
Typically this is 60,000 to 90,000 miles.
Not replacing the belt as required could
cause a breakdown or serious engine
damage.

Brakes
Check the entire brake system every year,
including brake linings, rotors and drums.

Cabin Air Filter
Replace annually, or more often in areas
with heavy airborne contaminants or
whenever heating or cooling efficiency is
reduced.

Chassis Lubrication
Many newer cars are lubed-for-life; some
still require this service. Check owner's
manual. Replacement steering and
suspension components may require
periodic lubrication.

Check Engine Light On
If light comes on while driving or remains
on, your vehicle may have an emissions or
sensor problem and should be analyzed. If
light flashes, the condition is more severe
and must be checked immediately to
prevent catalytic converter damage.

Cleaning & Polishing
To prevent stripping the vehicle's wax
finish, use only automotive car wash
products, not dishwashing liquids. Polish

at least twice a year to maintain and protect the finish.

Coolant (Antifreeze)
Check level at reservoir. Never open a hot
radiator cap. If low, add 50/50 mix of
approved antifreeze and distilled water.
Change coolant annually on most vehicles.

Engine Air Filter
Inspect filter at each oil change. Replace
annually or when leaking, torn, water or
oil soaked, dirty or showing other signs of
wear.

Engine Oil and Filter
Check level with engine off at every fill
up. For maximum engine life, change oil
and filter every three months or 3,000
miles or as directed in your owner's
manual. Use specified oil grade and weight.

Exhaust
Inspect 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.

Fuel Filter
Inspect filter at each oil change. Replace
if restricted or water contaminated or
once a year on cars with carburetors. On
cars with fuel injection, replace filter
every two years or 24,000 miles.

Hoses
Inspect hoses at each oil change and
replace when leaking, brittle, cracked,
rusted, swollen or restricted.

Lights
Replace bulb immediately if light is out.
Check fuses first.

Oxygen Sensor
Replace at interval as recommended in
owner's manual or when other conditions
dictate, such as failing an emissions test.
Some cars have an oxygen sensor
replacement light that appears when
oxygen sensor replacement is needed.
1996 and newer cars have more than
one oxygen sensor.

Power Steering Fluid
Check the fluid with the car warmed up.
Add correct type of fluid if low. If
frequent topping off is required, inspect
for leaks and replace if contaminated.

Spark Plugs
Typical replacement intervals range
between 30,000 and 100,000 miles,
depending on the vehicle and type of
spark plug. Always consult your owner's
manual for your specific vehicle.

Steering and Suspension
Inspect system annually, including shock
absorbers, struts and chassis parts, such
as ball joints, tie rod ends and other
related components. Replace if leaks,
damage and loose mounting hardware
are found. Symptoms of worn suspension
include uneven tire wear and excessive
bouncing after bumps.

Tire Inflation and Condition
Check the pressure of all tires, including
the spare, at every oil change. Check the
tread for uneven or irregular wear and
cuts or bruises along the sidewalls.
Inflate tires and maintain at
recommended pressure. Replace tires if
worn or damaged.

Windshield Washer Fluid
Check fluid level monthly. Some vehicles
have two reservoirs. Do not use water.
Use washer fluid only.

Wiper Blades
Replace every six months or when
cracked, cut, torn, streaking or
chattering.

 

Courtesy of CarCare.org