NEWS

You made it through the bitter cold Winter and so has your vehicle. It is perfect timing to give your vehicle a little TLC. Also, April is National Car Care Month.

“Many people don’t realize the consequences of putting off needed vehicle maintenance. Not only can neglecting vehicle service cause safety issues if ignored, but it can lead to costly repairs down the road,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

No one wants unnecessary costly repairs. If you need to be reminded to service or check for recalls, you can sign-up for a free unbiased custom service schedule online. Carcare.org allows you to have a personalized online garage by entering your car make, model and mileage. If you have a relationship with a trusted dealership that sends out maintenance notifications frequently, that is great. But, if you do not and wonder how much service is actually necessary, this online garage is an option.

What falls under regular vehicle care and maintenance? Every vehicle is different and below are some general rules of thumb on when to check what. Note, the list is not suggesting replacement, but “check” to avoid costly repairs down the road.

Check Frequently

• Dashboard Indicator Lights On
• Lights
• Tire Inflation and Condition
• Windshield Washer Fluid
• Engine Oil Level

Motor oil provides essential lubrication and reduces wear on the internal moving parts. It also helps keep everything cool and clean, thanks to special detergents that mitigate sledge buildup. In short, the dirtier and older the oil, the less effective it is. An Edmunds’ article points out, the once 3,000 mile interval to change out the oil is no longer applicable, but, keeping an eye on your oil level is still important.

Check Every 3 Months / 3,000 Miles

• Automatic Transmission Fluid
• Battery and Cables
• Belts
• Dashboard Indicator Light On
• Engine Air Filter
• Engine Oil
• Exhaust
• Hoses
• Lights
• Power Steering Fluid
• Tire Inflation and Condition
• Windshield Washer Fluid

Windshields get dirty in all seasons. Spring and Summer bring pollen and bugs. A dirty windshield mixed with a little sunshine and you will wish you had more washer fluid.

Check Every 6 Months / 6,000 Miles

• Automatic Transmission Fluid
• Battery and Cables
• Belts
• Chassis Lubrication
• Dashboard Indicator Light On
• Engine Air Filter
• Engine Oil
• Exhaust
• Hoses
• Lights
• Power Steering Fluid
• Tire Inflation and Condition
• Windshield Washer Fluid
• Wiper Blades

Eventually, build-up on headlight lenses will damage a factory’s UV coating and then oxidation or degradation of headlight lens begins. There is not much you can do to prevent it from happening.

Check Every 9 Months / 9,000 Miles

• Automatic Transmission Fluid
• Battery and Cables
• Belts
• Dashboard Indicator Light On
• Engine Air Filter
• Engine Oil
• Exhaust
• Hoses
• Lights
• Power Steering Fluid
• Tire Inflation and Condition
• Windshield Washer Fluid

Tires are an “out of sight, out of mind” item. However, tires put you and other road users at risk, especially during inclement weather. Research from AAA finds that driving on even relatively worn tires at highway speeds, and on wet surfaces, can increase stopping distances by nearly 90 feet. That is more than the length of an eighteen-wheeler.

Check Every 12 Months / 12,000 Miles

• Automatic Transmission Fluid
• Battery and Cables
• Belts
• Brakes
• Cabin Air Filter
• Chassis Lubrication
• Dashboard Indicator Light On
• Coolant (Antifreeze)
• Engine Air Filter
• Engine Oil
• Exhaust
• Hoses
• Lights
• Power Steering Fluid
• Steering and Suspension
• Tire Inflation and Condition
• Wheel Alignment
• Windshield Washer Fluid
• Wiper Blades