The average vehicle in the United States should last around 200,000 miles, depending on how it is used.
Work vehicles may not last this long while others get close to 300,000 miles.
If you want to increase your vehicle’s life and continue driving, make sure you get it routinely checked for issues.
Continue reading to discover the most important items to be looked at for a car service checklist!
Get an Oil Change
The very first thing on your car service checklist should have to do with getting an oil change.
You should be bringing in your vehicle throughout the year for a routine oil change. Most cars have a range of 3,000 to 7,500 miles before needing your next one.
A mechanic will replace engine oil and check that the oil, air, and fuel filters are working properly. This is a crucial step in car maintenance and should not be overlooked. Waiting too long before getting an oil change can seize up your car and prevent it from running. If you notice that your car is driving sluggish, bring this to the mechanic’s attention.
Do a Brake Check
Another important item to get looked at while at the auto shop is your vehicle’s brake system.
A brake check will give you a lot of information about upcoming expenses and how safe it is to actually drive your car. A mechanic will be able to determine how much life your brake pads still have and prevent dangerous situations from arising.
You can learn more about routine service that includes brake checks to make sure that nothing is overlooked!
Tune the Engine
During an oil change, mechanics often take a look at the engine to watch for red flags.
Regular maintenance on the engine can prevent hefty costs and replacements. If you don’t take care of your vehicle’s engine, the transmission can fail along with cooling systems. Checking on the engine can extend the life of your car and give you ease while driving on the road.
If you begin hearing weird sounds or notice a difference in the way that your car functions, take it to a shop immediately. Waiting until the engine light comes on can be too late for a response.
Check Air Conditioning
There’s nothing worse than getting into your car on a hot day, only to find out that your air conditioning won’t work.
If your air conditioning unit is not producing cool air, it’s time to get it checked out. Not only does the air conditioning keep you comfortable, but it also affects the entire AC system. Try to fix small problems as they arise to avoid replacing the entire system.
Many professionals recommend getting your air conditioning unit looked at each year. This timeframe should keep you covered for the year to come and you don’t have to worry about overheating.
Inspect Tires & Rotate
Something that falls within every service checklist for cars is the tires.
Mechanics will likely check your tires every time that you bring in your vehicle to be serviced. Not only will they check how much traction you still have, but they will also inspect the overall condition and rotate them.
Rotating tires is important because it helps prevent one side of tires from wearing down faster. Aim to get your tires rotated every 5,000 to 7,000 miles if you want to be on the safe side. Many people recommend putting a chalk mark on your tires before your appointment to make sure that they are rotated.
Between appointments, make sure that your air levels are where they should be. You will also want to avoid areas with nails and metal on the road that can puncture a hole.
Monitor Steering & Suspension
Steering and suspension should not be overlooked when you bring your car in for maintenance.
A mechanic will be able to review car general service checklist items to take care of this aspect. Steering and suspension are important because they help control your car’s stability. Which helps keep things balanced.
Many people that deal with steering or suspension issues notice that the vehicle is unable to maintain speeds while turning. They also notice that it can make the car feel like it’s shaking.
If you want to have complete control over your vehicle and stay safe, make sure that you get this looked at for your next appointment.
Battery Replacement
Every few years you may notice that your battery is weakened and needs to be replaced.
At the auto shop, a mechanic can test the strength of your battery to determine if you need a new one. Most people notice battery issues during the winter and summer. Extreme temperatures can fluctuate how a battery functions. Make sure that you fully charge your battery before putting it back if you decide to hold off on getting a new one.
Avoid leaving lights and the radio on in your vehicle while it is off. This can eat away at the battery and reduce its lifetime in the vehicle. The best part—battery replacements are fairly easy to do if you think you can take on the challenge yourself!
Make Your Way Through the Car Service Checklist
Is it time for you to bring your car to the shop and get things checked out?
By working through this car service checklist, you can fine-tune your vehicle and get it running as well as new. Oil changes are one of the most common routine maintenance that people handle. There is so much beyond the simple oil change that your car should receive.
Have the auto shop workers check on things like your tires, air conditioning, and steering to be safe.
Be sure to check out our blog for more articles about car maintenance and how to take proper care of your vehicle!