A Basic Car Care Checklist for Every Driver

Keeping your car maintained can make the difference between a long-lasting vehicle and one that burns out fast. With proper maintenance and basic care, your car can be road-ready for years to come. Save yourself time and money when you prevent costly repairs by doing these regular check-ups on your ride.

Check the Oil and Other Fluids

To keep your engine running as smoothly and efficiently as possible in your new Kia for sale, check the oil levels on a regular basis. Once a month is a good routine to start to check all fluids and replenish when necessary. Change the oil every few thousand miles as well. You can do this yourself or take it to a service center.

Other important fluids to keep an eye on are coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid.

Test Your Battery

Car batteries can last for years, but for peace of mind, you can check your output with a multimeter. If you don’t have one, you can go to an auto-care store for a battery test.

Rotate Tires and Check the Pressure

To reduce wear and improve your gas efficiency, properly filled tires are key. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended psi for your tires and fill them or deflate them as needed. Rotating your tires helps them last longer by changing up which part of the tire is used the most.

Wash Your Car

The elements outside are harsh and they can ruin the paint and undercarriage of your vehicle. Salt during winter months and bird droppings during summer months can both lead to expensive repairs. Keep your car as fresh and clean as possible to reduce the cost of repainting or rust removal.

Inspect the Lights

Avoid a ticket when you know you have working lights on all areas of your vehicle. It can be a quick fix to change the bulb itself, but if the fuse is blown you may need to head to a mechanic. Taking the time to do a quick look around your car can offer you peace of mind when you need to drive at night or in the rain.

Replace Windshield Wipers

When you start seeing streaks across your window during a rainstorm, it’s probably time to change your wipers. The rubber on wipers wears out over time, giving you less than ideal visibility in the rain or snow. Depending on how often you use them, they may need to be replaced every six months to one year.

Examine the Filters

Your engine filter prevents dirt and other small particles from entering your engine and reducing its efficiency. When it’s full, it needs to be replaced to protect your engine from harm.

Make Your Car Last for Years

With the proper maintenance routines in place, your vehicle can last a lengthy amount of time. This saves you money on monthly car payments, large repairs, and insurance costs. Checking each of these things in between yearly inspections can ensure you have a top-notch car with minimal issues.