Media post: Vehicle Maintenance Checklist: 10 Tips to Keep Your Car Running Smoothly

Regular auto maintenance saves you time and money on repairs in the long run and keeps you safer on the road. 

Don’t know where to start? In this vehicle maintenance checklist, you’ll find 10 tips to keep your car running smoothly. 

Regular Maintenance

Change engine oil and filter

With time, engine oil degrades and turns into a thick sludge. Dirt particles can also enter through the engine bay and infiltrate every nook and cranny. 

This can lead to all sorts of problems and shorten the lifespan of the engine. 

Aim to replace the oil filter every second time you change the oil. Your owner’s manual will tell you how often your particular vehicle’s oil should be changed. At the very minimum, do so twice a year.

Check and replace the air filter

This is your first line of defense for preventing dust from getting into the engine. 

How often you replace this filter will, once again, depend on the guidelines from the manufacturer. Your driving conditions and frequency will also determine how often you need to do this.

Check and top off fluids (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid)

Brake fluid absorbs water or moisture over time, which renders it less effective. Follow the guidelines in your owner’s manual on this issue, but a general guide is to replace the brake fluid every 2 years. 

If your car has power steering, check the fluid reservoir before long road trips. Depending on your driving habits, you’ll need to top this up every 3 to 5 years. 

Without adequate levels of radiator fluid in the coolant reservoir tank, your radiator won’t be able to cool your engine down properly. The coolant level must always be between the min and max marks on the side of the expansion tank. 

This should be checked and topped up anytime you notice coolant loss or even suspect it is due to an overheating engine. 

Test or replace the battery 

Your driving frequency, the age of the battery, and the battery type will determine its longevity. But as a rule, you’ll need to replace the battery every 3 to 5 years, and more often if you drive a lot. 

Your car battery charges as you drive. If you don’t do much driving, it’s still a good idea to start the car up at least once a week. 

Batteries in good condition will last about two weeks without driving and still have enough charge to get started.

Inspect and rotate tires

Data on the Tire Reviews suggest that damaged or worn tires are the major safety hazard for a vehicle. So, it is necessary to inspect and rotate tires on a regular basis.

This can mean moving the front tires to the rear and the rear ones to the front. However, you may also need to switch the left and right-side tires around. 

This will prevent the uneven wear of your tires which can affect the handling of the vehicle, particularly on wet roads. 

Your vehicle type will necessitate its tire rotation schedule. For example, neglecting to rotate the tires on a front-wheel-drive vehicle like the Peugeot 208 will result in smoother tires in the front. 

Seasonal Maintenance 

Check and replace wiper blades

Wiper blades keep your windscreen clean and enhance your visibility, especially in stormy conditions. 

Aim to replace them at least every 6 months, and keep the wiper fluid topped up with monthly checks. Also, check your wipers and fluid before a long trip.

Inspect and clean battery terminals

Without your car battery, your car won’t start. So keep it in good condition, and check the terminals for signs of corrosion at least twice a year. 

Look out for white, green, or blue crusty deposits on the terminals and connections. Clean these off if you find them, when the car is switched off and the terminals are disconnected. 

Ensure the terminals are completely dry before connecting them again. 

Check and adjust tire pressure for changing weather conditions

Use a reliable tire pressure gauge, and check tire pressure every 2 weeks, or before long road trips. Adjust the pressure before winter, as slick road conditions require lower pressure. 

If you don’t have a tire pressure gauge, your local fuel station will have one. However, it’s best to allow the tires to cool down for an hour or two first, as they get hot while driving and this affects the reading. 

You can also check the tire safety guidelines of the US Department of Transportation. 

Long-Term Maintenance 

Replace brake pads 

Your driving style affects how often you’ll need to replace your car’s brake pads. If you hear grinding, squeaky or vibrating sounds when applying the brakes, it’s time to check and replace them.

Replace the timing belt or chain (if applicable) 

If your car has a timing belt or chain like the Kia Seltos, the make and model of your car will determine this maintenance task. 

Chances are you’ll have to replace it after about 5 years, to avoid timing belt failure leaving your car stalled at the side of the road.