Be sure to check these levels every month, especially before taking long road trips. Coolant LevelsĪnother important task on your vehicle maintenance checklist should be checking coolant levels. If these bars become visually flush, your tire’s tread depth is less than 2/32″. Most tires also come with tread wear indicator bars molded at the bottom of the grooves in several locations.

In other words, you should definitely replace the tires right away. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tread is less than 2/32″ inch. Look to see if you can see all of Lincoln’s head.Keep Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you.Insert a penny into your tire’s tread groove.However, the penny test is still one of the easiest ways to check depth. You can use a gauge to check your tire tread depth. If it is 2/32″ or less, you will need to change the tires immediately. If it is 3/32″, you will need to replace the tires soon. Goodyear recommends monitoring your tire tread depth closely once it reaches 4/32-inch deep. Unfortunately, most car owners tend to overlook the tread depth of car tires. The tread depth provides a better grip and reduces the risk of hydroplaning. Maintaining the recommended tread depth is crucial for safety and performance. While checking the pressure of your tires, don’t forget to assess the tire treads for excessive wear and tear. If one or more tires are under-inflated, fill them up before getting back on the road. Make sure to check the tire pressure every time you stop for gas. Usually, you can find the recommended pressure on a sticker inside the driver’s door or the sidewall of your tires. This may vary depending on your car model and size. Typically, car tire pressure is between 32~40 psi (pounds per square inch) when the tires are cold. They may cause your car to lose contact with the road, which can then result in harmful (or even fatal) accidents. Underinflated tires contribute to a serious risk of hydroplaning. Underinflated tires can wear quickly and excessively, as well as lower your gas mileage.Ībove all, normal tire pressure is necessary to ensure your safety on the road. Doing so before a long drive or prior to pulling a heavy load is a must. Tire PressureĬheck your tires’ pressure regularly, including that of the spare. You can easily top the motor oil off should the need arise. It’s also recommended to keep a bottle of oil with you, especially if you are planning a long road trip. Try to check the oil level every time you send your car to the shop.

Both can indicate it’s time for an oil change. Similarly, you should pay attention if you smell oil inside your car or hear the engine knocking. For instance, if you see the oil change light turn on in your car, it might already be time. However, mileage isn’t the only thing that dictates when you need to change your engine oil. New ones are a little more updated, and as a result, they only need oil changes every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Usually, old vehicles require an oil change around every 3,000 miles.

Cushioning the blow of mechanical shockĬhanging a car’s oil is usually a painless procedure, especially if you take the car to a service center.

Acting as a dynamic seal in parts like the combustion chamber.

Lubricating engine parts and reducing wear.

Motor oil keeps your engine healthy and prolongs its service life by: Engine OilĬhecking the engine oil should be at the top of your vehicle maintenance checklist.

If you stick to this to-do list, you’ll stand a better chance of keeping your vehicle in excellent running condition. To help you get started, we have created a 12-point vehicle maintenance checklist. That’s far from the truth.Īll you need to do is understand what you need to do and how often. Most car owners are under the impression that they need to be experienced grease monkeys in order to care for their cars. Most importantly, proactive maintenance protects you from getting into car trouble – and that peace of mind is irreplaceable. A well-maintained car also spends less time in the shop, which saves you money and time. Regular care maximizes the life and performance of your vehicle. Still, being proactive about its maintenance is the best way to avoid pricey repairs (and serious headaches) further down the road.

Car maintenance checklist