#BEST CAR MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST MANUAL#

How Often Does Your Vehicle Need a Coolant Flush? Then, new, clean coolant fluid is added to the system. This cleaner flushes out any unwanted debris like rust or other sediments. If your coolant is regularly at a lower than the recommended level, have the vehicle inspected to ensure there isn’t a leak or damage to the engine.Ī coolant flush is when a liquid cleaner is added to the coolant. If your coolant is low, simply adding a little more coolant is sufficient. It may seem like a minor component of the vehicle, but just like oil, issues with your coolant that aren’t addressed will lead to major engine damage.

Coolant FlushĬoolant is a liquid that circulates throughout your vehicle’s engine and radiator and keeps the engine from overheating. However, it’s important to remember that these monitors are just a guide and you should regularly check your engine oil levels if possible. These monitors range from simple mileage calculators to high-tech algorithms that account for ambient temperature, highway/city driving and other factors. Some cars come with an oil life monitor, which can help remind you when your car is due for an oil change.

If the oil is below the recommended level, add some oil.

Put the stick back into its slot and pull it out again.

Pull out the dipstick and wipe it off with a rag.

Park on a level surface and wait until the engine has cooled down a bit (so you don’t burn yourself).

Most cars have a dipstick in the engine that allows you to check oil levels and how clean it is.

#BEST CAR MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST MANUAL#

Check your manual to see when the manufacturer of your vehicle recommends the oil be changed. Most car manufacturers actually recommend changing your oil between 6,000 and 10,000 miles. With the introduction of synthetic oil and technological improvements, that number has increased to 3,000 miles or every six months.īut believe it or not, the old wisdom may be just that - old. In the old days, it was recommended that you have your oil changed every 2,000 miles. If your vehicle’s oil gets low or too dirty, it won’t perform properly, and that’s bad news for the vehicle’s engine components. It’s a bit cliche, but think of oil as your vehicle’s blood - though in this case the “blood” serves as a lubricant, ensuring that engine parts don’t overheat due to excess friction. Two more great resources are the car repair estimator from Consumer Reports and the Mechanics Files at .įor something seemingly so insignificant, neglecting to monitor your vehicle’s oil can have devastating effects. To find a mechanic shop you can trust, consider asking around on local social media sites like NextDoor, checking with friends and family, or reading reviews on Yelp and Angie’s List. While in the back of your mind you may have cautionary tales of unscrupulous auto garages recommending every repair and replacement under the sun, most mechanics are honest. It’s up to you to decide whether that expertise is necessary when it comes to routine maintenance, just about any auto repair shop will be sufficient. The benefit of taking your vehicle to the dealer is that they have experience working specifically with its make. If your car is under warranty, using an independent shop won’t affect its coverage. Generally, an independent mechanic will charge less than a dealer.

If you’re dealing with scheduled maintenance, you’ll have to decide whether to take your car to a dealer or an independent mechanic. Scheduled Check Ups are an Important Part of Care and MaintenanceĮven if you’re the most passionately-DIY car owner, you should regularly bring your car in for a check-up by trained professionals. But, at the end of the day, staying on top of regular care significantly reduces the likelihood of needing to pay thousands of dollars - or worse, being stranded on the side of the road. Sometimes major repairs for your transmission, engine or electrical system are inevitable, no matter how diligent you are with daily maintenance. Unfortunately, when it comes to this maintenance, it’s best to leave it to the pros. Vehicle technology has come a long way over the last few decades, making it more difficult to complete oil changes and other traditionally routine DIY tasks from home. Many of these tasks can be completed with minimal tools and expertise. The good news is that quite a bit of regular maintenance and care doesn’t require a degree from Universal Technical Institute. While most of us rely on cars and trucks for everyday use, few of us are genuine auto experts. Hiring a MechanicĪ Regular Vehicle Maintenance Plan Prevents Costly Repairs How Often Does Your Vehicle Need a Coolant Flush?.Scheduled Check Ups are an Important Part of Care and Maintenance.A Regular Vehicle Maintenance Plan Prevents Costly Repairs.

Best car maintenance checklist