Regular car maintenance is important to keep your car running in great condition over the years. While some newer cars have built-in monitors to remind you when it’s time for service, most older used cars don’t. You can always consult the owner’s manual located inside the glove box to find out the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. But for now, here’s a general checklist that will apply to most models.
How to Maintain Your Car
Oil Change
One of the most basic services that every car needs is an oil change. You should get one every 3,000 miles or three months, whichever comes first. However, depending on the car and the type of oil you use, there might be a longer window of time in-between each one.
Check Up/Inspection
When you bring your car in for service, always look for a shop that offers vehicle checkups and inspections. This can be a great way to catch problems early on and give you a chance to fix them before they get worse. The technician will be able to tell you when it’s time for new brakes or for an alignment, instead of just going by what a typical schedule says. Every car is different and every driver is different, so things may wear down at different rates.
Tire Rotation
Tire rotations and oil changes go hand-in-hand. If it’s time for an oil change, it’s likely a good idea to get your tires rotated again, too. Rotating them can help them last longer and perform better. That’s because some locations of the car cause more wear and tear than others, so moving their positions can balance it out.
Brakes
Brakes don’t generally need to be serviced as often as the oil or tires do. However, you might have to replace them about every 50,000 miles. If they start feeling spongy or start squeaking, or if they stop working altogether, you definitely want to have them looked at regardless of the mileage.
Fluids
Some fluids that commonly need to be checked or filled include transmission fluid, power steering fluid, air conditioning coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. If the service shop offers to top off your fluids while you’re there for an oil change or another service, always take advantage of it.
Schedule Service for Your Car
To schedule service for your car, contact the Zimbrick service center nearest you. Zimbrick has technicians that are highly trained on all makes and models and can provide personalized tips to help you with future car maintenance.
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