Archives: June 2020
When owning your own vehicle, many professionals encourage you to take care of them. But sometimes you don’t know what all the maintenance involves. Today, we at Truck Town Auto Repair would like to share the basic maintenance you should be doing regularly to increase the performance and longevity.
Vehicle Maintenance Checklist & Schedule
1) Do your own inspection. Assess your vehicle, even if you don’t know much about cars. If anything looks or sounds out of the norm, something is wrong, minor issues can be repaired before they turn into expensive problems. Monthly, check the air pressure in all 4 tires and check the wear on the tread.
2) Check your fluids. If you don’t know how to check the various fluids in your engine, ask someone that knows and learn how to do it. Knowing how to check antifreeze, power steering, coolant, oil, and wiper fluid levels can help better protect your car in the event you have a leak. Catching them early can ensure better care for your engine as well as deter major issues. You owner’s manual can also help you learn how to check the fluid levels.
3) Timing and serpentine belts inspection and replacement. On average, your timing belt needs to be replaced every 60,000 miles, and your serpentine belt replaced every 40,000 miles, your owner’s manual will indicate the precise mileage on your specific vehicle. This is just a guideline, as you approach the milestones, ask your mechanic to inspect the timing and serpentine belts, if they are in still decent shape your mechanic will let you know and recommend a projected time frame they may need replacing. If you operate your vehicle with deteriorated belts, other components will be damaged, costing you in repairs.
4) Oil changes on schedule. Though it is recommended that the oil be changed every 3,000 miles or every 3 months, your vehicle, depending on the oil used can go longer. Your mechanic will let you know the most optimal time to change your oil. Be sure to check it on your own. Engines will not last of you attempt to drive with little to no oil.
5) Check your battery. Modern batteries don’t require much in way of maintenance. It doesn’t hurt to inspect them from time to time. If you notice an accumulation of residue, clean it off thoroughly and double check the connections to make sure they haven’t come loose.
6) Replace your windshield wipers. If when you go to use your windshield wipers they the leave streaks, that is a good indicator they need to be replaced. Do not risk your safety by neglecting the replacement of your wipers. They are affordable and easily removed and installed on your own.
7) Cabin air filters replacement. Cabin air filter is another easy things you can do to keep your car comfortable and in optimal condition. In the majority of vehicles the cabin air filter is easily accessible, and replacing it is as simple as opening a box-like compartment.
8) Engine air filter replacement. The engine air filter can be a little bit of a challenge, depending on the model automobile you have. If you consult the owner’s manual give you can get an idea as to the mileage estimate to the frequency of replacing your engine air filter. If you can access the filter regularly inspect it and if it appears dirty and dingy, get it replaced. If you drive excessively, especially in stop-and-go traffic or have a long commute, you will want to replace the filter more frequently. It is important to the performance of your vehicle and the longevity.
9) Rotate, balanced, and alignment of your tires. Your manual should give an indication as to how often this maintenance service should take place. The more you drive, the more often you should get it done. If you are uncertain, a professional will be happy to oblige.
10) Spark plugs. Worn or residue buildup on your spark plugs, is a sign that your engine isn’t functioning efficiently. Not only does it affect your fuel consumption, but it will lead to bring downs.
Car Tune Up, Vehicle Maintenance & More in Bremerton, Kitsap, King & Pierce County, Washington
If you are looking for a trusted mechanic to perform your maintenance and repairs, contact Truck Town Auto Repair and let our experienced experts take care of your vehicle!