Brakes – pads, shoes, rotors, drums, master cylinder, brake booster, etc.Fuel system – fuel tank, fuel pump, EVAP system, fuel injectors, fuel lines, throttle body, etc.Suspension/Steering – shocks, springs, sway bars, power steering pump, etc.Chassis – anything related to the frame whether it’s a unibody or body-on-frame vehicle.Powertrain – engine (including the cooling system), transmission, axles, driveshaft, etc.The good news is that your owner’s manual will break all of this information down for you, and even if it’s missing, any reputable repair shop will be able to provide you with all of the maintenance information that you need. That’s because the type and frequency of maintenance required will vary based on the year, make, model, and even the powertrain options of your car. Of all the unknowns that surround car maintenance, the “when” is the hardest to specify. When should you get car maintenance performed? Air cabin filter (don’t forget to clean leaves and other debris from the cowl and under hood area).Headlights (both in terms of working properly and having clean lenses).
In between all maintenance services, you should inspect your vehicle as often as possible to ensure that everything is operating correctly including, but not limited to: Some common services such as oil changes and tire rotations are required more frequently, while others such as timing belts and differential gear changes are done at higher-mileage intervals. There are no maintenance items that are more important than others since all will affect the life and reliability of your car. Refer to your car’s owner’s manual to find out exactly what types of maintenance services are suggested for your vehicle and how often these services should be performed (determined by various time and mileage intervals). Specific maintenance schedules vary depending on the year, make, and model of your vehicle, but, generally speaking, the basic maintenance items are always the same. What & When: These are the most crucial elements of basic maintenance to ensure your car is safe and reliableĬar maintenance can be anything from regular inspections to the replacement of parts (such as the serpentine belt and wiper blades) and/or fluids.Where: Knowing “where” to look for signs of proper or needed maintenance is also important.Who: Who will perform the maintenance (DIY vs a professional shop).Why: To protect your car and save as much money as possible in repairs.The most important aspect of car maintenance is knowing the five Ws: who, what, when, where, and why: How much to budget each month for regular vehicle maintenance.Signs your car needs routine maintenance versus repairs… and which common maintenance tasks you should do yourself vs take to a shop.What items you should check on your car monthly, quarterly, annually, and long-term to prevent costly repairs.How to beat high prices at the pump with 6 maintenance tips to save on gas.The “5 Ws” of car maintenance and how you can use them to keep your car running great while saving money – even if you know nothing about car maintenance.Here’s what you’re about to discover in this ultimate guide to car maintenance for beginners: And if you’re a first-time car shopper, it can be hard to know where to start!įortunately, whether you’ve owned dozens of cars or you’re about to buy your first, this ultimate guide to car maintenance has all the information you need to protect one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make. Talk about a win-win!īut with all the different brands and types of cars out there, it can be hard to stay up to date with the exact maintenance schedule designed for your vehicle. Bottom line, performing regular car maintenance will have you spending less money on repairs and making more money when it comes time to sell. Meanwhile, the value of cars (both new and pre-owned) is higher than ever. On average, Americans now keep their cars for a little over 12 years. Whether you’re looking to keep your car on the road for years to come or just keep it in great condition to maximize resale value, proper car maintenance is key. Don’t know much about basic car maintenance? FIXD has you covered!