Best Buys
Apr 1, 2022

Winter has come to an end, spring is in full swing, and there is no better time than April to get your car in tip-top shape for summer road trips or simply for driving around town! That’s why the Car Care Council named April as one of their two National Car Care Months. No matter your transportation needs, it is essential to make sure that your car is in excellent condition to help you reach your destination safely and comfortably. Keep reading for a rundown of the car maintenance tasks you should make sure not to forget. The Car Care Council recommends 10 basic maintenance procedures to keep your car operating at its best:

1. Oils and Fluids

Check the oil, filters and fluids. Oil should be checked at every fill-up and changed per the owner’s manual recommended intervals. Brake, transmission, power steering, coolant and windshield washer fluids should also be checked regularly. Your car’s filters, including those for the transmission, fuel system and interior ventilation, need regular inspection and replacement.

2. Belts and Hoses

Inspect hoses at each oil change and have them replaced when leaking, brittle, cracked, rusted, swollen or restricted. Check V-belts and serpentine belts for looseness and condition, and have them replaced when cracked, frayed, glazed or showing signs of excessive wear. Typically replace the timing belt between 60,000 and 90,000 miles or the interval specified in the owner’s manual to avoid a breakdown or serious engine damage.

3. Brakes

Check the engine brake system every year and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.

4. Battery

Check that the battery connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free. The battery should be securely mounted. If it is three years old or more, the battery should be tested and replaced if necessary.

5. Exhaust System

Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.

6. Engine Tune-Up

Schedule a tune-up that will help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.

7. HVAC

Check the car’s heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons, such as defrosting.

8. Steering and Suspension

Inspect the steering and suspension system annually, including shock absorbers and struts, and chassis parts, such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.

9. Tires

Check the pressure of all tires, including the spare, at least once a month. Check the tread for uneven or irregular wear and cuts and bruises along the sidewalls. Have your car’s alignment checked at least annually to reduce tire wear and improve fuel economy and handling.

10. Lights and Wipers

Test exterior and interior lights and have bulbs that are not working checked immediately. Replace windshield wiper blades every six months or when cracked, cut, torn, streaking or chattering for optimum wiping performance and safety.