A Guide to Preventative Maintenance for Your Vehicle

A preventative maintenance schedule for your vehicle can be hard to figure out. It seems like everyone always has a different opinion. This is partly due to some vehicles have different requirements than others. Having your car break down is more expensive than preventative maintenance when you account for towing, the inconvenience, the possible damage done to other parts on your vehicle, etc. In addition to the list below, you should also consult your user manual or your vehicle's dealership for further information.

1) Flushing fluids

The steering fluid and the automatic transmission fluid both need flushing approximately every 30,000 miles. The antifreeze should also be flushed on this same schedule. The fluids can be tested to see if they need flushing, but if it's been 30,000 miles then you should go ahead and have them flushed.

Brake fluid, on the other hand, is a bit different. It really depends on the make and model of the vehicle as to if and when it needs doing.

2) Oil changes

We've all seen the reports that we may not need to get oil changes done as frequently as we're told. However, I don't believe in that. You should get the oil changed every 3,000 miles. If you wait too long, then the place you go to will suggest flushing it, which costs more. You aren't saving money by waiting, especially if it does damage to the motor. I prefer to use a place that tops off the other fluids and also gives the vehicle a look over to make sure everything is all right.

3) Yearly inspections

Some states do not require yearly inspections of vehicles. If your state doesn't require one, you should see about getting an inspection anyway to check the brakes, tires, wipers, hoses, wires, belts, etc.

4) The tires and the battery

Tires should be rotated every other time that you get your oil changed. It could probably wait until 9,000 miles, though. Just make sure that you do this somewhere between 6,000 and 9,000 miles. Occasionally, you also need to have a wheel alignment performed. If the vehicle is out of alignment, the tires will not last as long.

When tires start to look worn, they should be replaced immediately. A tire can go from bad to worse pretty fast. Not to mention if the weather is bad, it is harder to drive in bad weather with bad tires.

The battery should be tested about once a year. Some places will test the battery for free. Even if it's charging within the normal range, a battery should be replaced about every 5 years.

6) Timing chain

The timing chain should be replaced every 60,000 miles. When replacing the timing chain, you should also replace the drive belt since they are right there together. Depending on the vehicle, these belts are usually hard to get to, which makes it is a lot cheaper to replace them at the same time.

7) Tune-ups

Most vehicles need a tune at 100,000 miles. However, some need one at only 50,000 miles. This would be a good time to have other stuff done that you haven't, such as changing the filters.

8) Washing your vehicle

This isn't something normally found on a preventative maintenance list. However, it is very important after the winter months. The chemicals that are put down on the roads to remove the snow and ice are hard on your vehicle. What I like to do after winter has passed is to use one of those places where you drive the car through to have it washed. This cleans under it more than you can do yourself. If these chemicals aren't washed off, they can cause corrosion.