Preventative Car Maintenance – Scheduled Maintenance

Autotec in Campblell San Jose car maintenanceAn automobile is said to be an investment. But the moment that it is driven off of the sales lot, the one thing you can be sure of is that there will eventually be wear and tear on your car.  To keep a vehicle as a good investment, you have to make sure that it lasts longer. You can do so by performing preventative maintenance. Consulting your owner’s manual will tell you which parts should be replaced and when. In most manuals look under Car Maintenance – Changing the oil.

Although auto parts are made to last a long time, these components can have a shorter life than advertised if the car isn’t used in the proper manner or affected by other faculty components before serious damage is done.  For example, the brake rotors may be properly installed but if the brake pads, which are in contact with the rotors, are worn beyond their limit, they could damage the rotors.

Below are suggested car maintenance schedules. Consult the owner’s manual of your vehicle for your specific maintenance schedule.  At AutoTec we have access to all of the recommended preventative maintenance for the cars that we service so if you have misplaced your manual, we have you covered.

If you don’t drive too much you can get your car maintained in the summer and winter. Otherwise it’s best to do maintenance at the following times (or when specified by your owner’s manual):

Monthly Preventative Car Maintenance:

  • Check battery cables, clamps and terminals.
  • Check the following levels and add the recommended fluids as necessary:
    • Oil level
    • Engine coolant level (antifreeze)
    • Brake fluid level
    • Power steering fluid level (if applicable)
    • Transmission fluid
    • Windshield washer fluid reservoir level
  • Check belts for tension, cracks or wear.
  • Check hoses for leaks, cracks or wear.
  • Inspect the engine and under the car for any leaks.
  • Check tire pressure on all tires, including the spare tire.
  • Inspect the tread depth. The tread should be at least as deep as the head of a penny. (At least 2/32″ remaining tread.)
  • Inspect tires for uneven wear or any object that could cause a puncture.

Top

Summer Car Maintenance

Hot weather creates extreme conditions for vehicles. The increased temperature can cause fluids and oil lubricants to break down. This could cause decreased performance, engine seizing and possibly permanent damage to your car’s engine. In the late spring, after all danger of unexpected winter storms has passed, is the best time to get your car ready for summer heat. The following is a suggested list of items to check in preparation for summer travel.

  • Air Conditioning
    • Your system is in good working condition
    • Refrigerants are fully charged
  • Antifreeze
    • Check coolant levels
    • Hoses are in good condition, not soft or brittle
  • Battery
    • Battery load has been tested for weakness
    • Be sure the battery is at proper operating levels
    • Battery terminals are clean, in good condition and cables are secure
  • Emergency Kit
    • Summer Emergency Kit is assembled and in the car
  • Exhaust
    • Exhaust system is free of leaks and/or holes
  • Lights
    • Brake lights are in good working order
    • Headlights are in good working order
    • Reverse lights are in good working order
  • Oil
    • An oil change has been done within the last 3,000 miles
  • Tires
    • Check air pressure for proper inflation, including spare
    • Inspect tread for wear
  • Transmission
    • Transmission fluid is at proper levels
  • Tune-up
    • Oil filter has been changed
    • Air filter has been changed
  • Windshield Wipers
    • Are still in good condition (not cracked or worn)
    • Windshield Wiper Fluid is at proper levels

Top

Winter Car Maintenance

In extreme cold, your vehicle needs extra care to help it start and keep going through hard weather conditions. In the bay area we don’t have harsh winters but if you plan to go up to Tahoe, for example, than a good winter maintenance checkup is an excellent idea. Autumn is the perfect time to get your car ready for winter driving. Below is a basic list of how to prepare your vehicle for winter. Also, make sure to check your owner’s manual for any other manufacturer’s recommendations.

  • Antifreeze
    • Check coolant levels
    • Hoses are in good condition, not soft or brittle
  • Battery
    • Battery load has been tested for weakness
    • Be sure the battery is at proper operating levels
    • Battery terminals are clean, in good condition and cables are secure.
  • Brakes
    • Brake fluid is at proper levels
    • Inspect brake pads for wear
    • Rotors are in good condition
  • Winter Emergency Kit is assembled and in the car
  • Heater & Defroster in good working order
  • Lights
    • Brake lights are in good working order
    • Headlights are in good working order
    • Reverse lights are in good working order
  • Oil change has been done within the last 3,000 miles
  • Tires
    • Check air pressure for proper inflation, including spare
    • Inspect tread for wear
  • Transmission fluid is at proper levels
  • Tune-up
    • Oil filter has been changed
    • Air filter has been changed
  • Windshield Wipers
    • Are still in good condition (not cracked or worn)
    • Windshield Wiper Fluid is at proper levels

Top

3,000 Miles

At 3,000 miles it’s important to take your vehicle to have your oil changed as well as your tire treads and air pressure checked. These very basic but very important steps are the cornerstone of good vehicle maintenance. Always refer to your owner’s manual for recommended maintenance intervals.

  • Change engine oil & filter (up to 5 quarts)
  • Check under-hood fluid levels
  • Check wiper blades
  • Check tread depth on all four tires
  • Adjust tire pressure to manufacturer’s specs

Top

15,000 Miles

At 15,000 miles engine parts and accessories begin to show wear and tear. Having your vehicle thoroughly inspected and checked before problems get serious. It’s also important to get the standard oil change as well as tire tread and air pressure checks. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for recommended maintenance intervals.

  • Change engine oil & filter (up to 5 quarts)
  • Check under-hood fluid levels
  • Check wiper blades
  • Check tread depth on all four tires
  • Adjust tire pressure to manufacturer’s specs
  • Check alignment
  • Lubricate transmission control linkage
  • Inspect CV joint boots
  • Inspect fuel system connections, hoses and lines
  • Lubricate steering and suspension components
  • Complete tire rotation
  • Evaluate brake condition
  • Inspect cabin air filter (not applicable to some vehicles)
  • Fuel Injection maintenance

Top

30,000 Miles

At 30,000 miles, engine parts and accessories begin to show wear and tear. Having your vehicle thoroughly inspected can help stop potential problems before they get serious. It’s also important to get the standard oil change as well as tire tread and air pressure checks. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual and recommended maintenance intervals.

  • Change engine oil & filter (up to 5 quarts)
  • Check under-hood fluid levels
  • Check wiper blades
  • Check tread depth on all four tires
  • Adjust tire pressure to manufacturer’s specs
  • Inspect rotors, linings, pads, drums
  • Lubricate caliper slide rails
  • Inspect brake lines and hoses
  • Complete transmission fluid flush (automatic transmissions)
  • Lubricate transmission control linkage
  • Inspect CV joint boots
  • Inspect drive belt
  • Inspect exhaust system
  • Inspect fuel system connections, hoses and lines
  • Replace engine air filter (most vehicles)
  • Inspect spark plugs
  • Lubricate steering and suspension components
  • Change engine coolant (except extended life antifreeze)
  • Replace cabin air filter (not applicable to some vehicles)
  • Fuel Injection Maintenance

Top

45,000 Miles

At 45,000 miles, it’s important to keep to your scheduled maintenance. Depending on how often you drive your vehicle and under what conditions, taking your vehicle in for maintenance helps ensure that you have a properly running, reliable car every time you need it. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for recommended maintenance intervals.

  • Change engine oil & filter (up to 5 quarts)
  • Check under-hood fluid levels
  • Check wiper blades
  • Check tread depth on all four tires
  • Adjust tire pressure to manufacturer’s specs
  • Check alignment
  • Lubricate transmission control linkage
  • Inspect CV joint boots
  • Inspect fuel system and suspension components
  • Complete tire rotation
  • Evaluate brake condition
  • Inspect cabin air filter (where applicable, most vehicles)
  • Fuel Injection Maintenance

Top

60,000 Miles

Whether you plan to keep your car for another 60,000 miles or want to trade it in, maintaining your vehicle at regularly scheduled intervals not only keeps it running but helps you retain its value, as well. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for a recommended maintenance program.

  • Change engine oil & filters (up to 5 quarts)
  • Check under-hood fluid levels
  • Check wiper blades
  • Check tread depth on all four tires
  • Adjust tire pressure to manufacturer’s specs
  • Check alignment
  • Inspect rotors, linings, pads, drums
  • Lubricate caliper slide rails
  • Inspect brake lines and hoses
  • Complete transmission fluid flush
  • Lubricate transmission control linkage
  • Inspect CV joint boots
  • Inspect drive belt
  • Inspect exhaust system
  • Inspect fuel system connections, hoses and lines
  • Replace engine air filter (most vehicles)
  • Inspect spark plugs
  • Lubricate steering and suspension components
  • Change engine coolant (except extended life antifreeze)
  • Replace cabin air filter (where applicable, most vehicles)
  • Fuel Injection Maintenance

Refer to your owner’s manual for additional maintenance schedules.

Top