Making our New Year’s resolutions, we all promise to take better care of ourselves. But what about our vehicles? They also deserve some love and care. After all, keeping your car in good condition will help you save a lot of money that you can eventually invest into a gym subscription, cooking lessons, or whatever you have promised yourself this year.
In this article, we shall go over car maintenance essentials and provide you with an optimal schedule for routine checkups that will help you take care of your vehicle effortlessly.
Seasonal Car Maintenance
The easiest way to schedule your car’s maintenance during the year is to stick to the seasons’ change. Here are the main things you will have to keep your eye on during the year:
- Change your winter tires for the regular ones as soon as the spring comes and swap back next winter;
- Ensure to wash and wax the car thoroughly before every season change, temperatures drop and rise, and snow and rain seasons start.
These are the thumb rules for those who live in areas with all 4 seasons or at least a contrast between warm and colder months. However, even if you don’t have to swap between winter and regular tires every year or protect your vehicle’s paint from the severe sun or extreme temperatures, there are simple maintenance rules that will help you stay on track:
- Rotate tires every 5,000 miles;
- Check oil level every time you fuel and change it and oil filters as soon as you notice the need;
- Keep an eye on the headlights even if you don’t drive at night usually.
The 30-60-90 rule
Another way to plan your car’s maintenance for the year is to stick to the so-called 30-60-90 rule. It means checking or replacing specific parts of your vehicle every 30,000-60,000-90,000 miles.
Anyway, you need to remember that depending on your driving habits and conditions and the type of your vehicle, some parts or areas may need your attention more frequently.
30,000 – Air and Fuel Filters
Usually, Air and Fuel Filters require attention every 30,000 miles. However, if you live or had to take a road trip in a particularly dusty area, there was a wildfire or a desert storm, you may need to check the air and fuel filters more often.
60,000 – the 4 B’s
Every 60,000 miles, you should check the 4 big B’s:
- Brake fluid;
- Brake rotors;
- Brake pad/shoes;
- Battery
60,000 miles is usually the critical moment for most vehicles, the time when you should take a car to a garage anyway. Moreover, most of the checkups at this point require a certain level of expertise.
60,000 miles is also high time to check your coolant and transmission fluids.
90,000 – time for the serious car maintenance
A car that got over 90,000 may already need serious attention and some repairs due to wear and tear. Most mechanics also says that it is time to check or replace:
- Spark plugs/ignition system
- Power steering fluid
- Hoses
- Timing belt
However, make sure to go through the car’s manual carefully. Some of those parts require checks and replacements after about 75,000 miles.
Are you looking for a top-quality car service with skilled and experienced personnel and the most professional treatment? Visit OHS Body Shop. Our branches are located all over Montana’s Greater Flathead Valley, in Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls and Polson.
Here we provide all sorts of services, from routine check-ups to urgent repairs and towing. Schedule your next visit today and enjoy safe and comfortable driving all year long.
