1) The document provides a checklist of vehicle systems and components to check on different schedules ranging from monthly to every 12 months.
2) Key items include checking transmission fluid, battery connections, belts, hoses, lights, and tire inflation monthly and changing engine oil and filters every 3 months.
3) The owner's manual should be consulted for specific schedules and procedures for replacing spark plugs, oxygen sensors, belts, and other components.
1) The document provides a checklist of vehicle systems and components to check on different schedules ranging from monthly to every 12 months.
2) Key items include checking transmission fluid, battery connections, belts, hoses, lights, and tire inflation monthly and changing engine oil and filters every 3 months.
3) The owner's manual should be consulted for specific schedules and procedures for replacing spark plugs, oxygen sensors, belts, and other components.
1) The document provides a checklist of vehicle systems and components to check on different schedules ranging from monthly to every 12 months.
2) Key items include checking transmission fluid, battery connections, belts, hoses, lights, and tire inflation monthly and changing engine oil and filters every 3 months.
3) The owner's manual should be consulted for specific schedules and procedures for replacing spark plugs, oxygen sensors, belts, and other components.
Check Monthly Check every 9 months/ Automatic Transmission Fluid Check fluid level with engine running and Exhaust Inspect for leaks, damage and broken 9,000 miles transmission in park. If low, add the type of automatic transmission fluid specified supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous Check Engine Light On in the owner's manual and/or on dipstick. and must be corrected without delay. For maximum performance, change every Cleaning Automatic Transmission Fluid two years or 24,000 miles, or as directed Fuel Filter Lights in owner's manual. Inspect filter at each oil change. Replace Battery and Cables if restricted or water contaminated or Tire Inflation and Condition Belts Battery and Cables once a year on cars with carburetors. On Battery should be securely mounted. cars with fuel injection, replace filter Windshield Washer Fluid Check Engine Light On Battery connection should be clean, tight every two years or 24,000 miles. and corrosion free. If the battery is three Engine Air Filter years old or more, it should be tested and Hoses replaced if necessary. Inspect hoses at each oil change and Check every 3 months/ Engine Oil and Filter replace when leaking, brittle, cracked, Belts rusted, swollen or restricted. 3,000 miles Exhaust Check V-belts and serpentine belts for looseness and condition. Replace when Lights Fuel Filter cracked, frayed, glazed or showing signs Replace bulb immediately if light is out. Hoses of excessive wear. Replace timing belt per Check fuses first. Automatic Transmission Fluid interval specified in owner's manual. Battery and Cables Lights Typically this is 60,000 to 90,000 miles. Oxygen Sensor Not replacing the belt as required could Replace at interval as recommended in Belts Power Steering Fluid cause a breakdown or serious engine owner's manual or when other conditions damage. dictate, such as failing an emissions test. Check Engine Light On Tire Inflation and Condition Some cars have an oxygen sensor Windshield Washer Fluid Brakes replacement light that appears when Engine Air Filter Check the entire brake system every year, oxygen sensor replacement is needed. including brake linings, rotors and drums. 1996 and newer cars have more than Engine Oil and Filter one oxygen sensor. Cabin Air Filter Exhaust Check every 12 Replace annually, or more often in areas Power Steering Fluid Fuel Filter months/ with heavy airborne contaminants or Check the fluid with the car warmed up. whenever heating or cooling efficiency is Add correct type of fluid if low. If Hoses reduced. frequent topping off is required, inspect Lights 12,000 miles for leaks and replace if contaminated. Chassis Lubrication Power Steering Fluid Many newer cars are lubed-for-life; some Spark Plugs Automatic Transmission Fluid still require this service. Check owner's Typical replacement intervals range Tire Inflation and Condition manual. Replacement steering and between 30,000 and 100,000 miles, Battery and Cables suspension components may require depending on the vehicle and type of Windshield Washer Fluid periodic lubrication. spark plug. Always consult your owner's Belts manual for your specific vehicle. Check Engine Light On Brakes If light comes on while driving or remains Steering and Suspension Check every 6 months/ Cabin Air Filter on, your vehicle may have an emissions or sensor problem and should be analyzed. If Inspect system annually, including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts, such 6,000 miles Chassis Lubrication light flashes, the condition is more severe and must be checked immediately to as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components. Replace if leaks, Check Engine Light On prevent catalytic converter damage. damage and loose mounting hardware are found. Symptoms of worn Automatic Transmission Fluid Polish Cleaning & Polishing suspension include uneven tire wear and excessive Battery and Cables Coolant (Antifreeze) finish, use only automotive car wash Belts Engine Air Filter products, not dishwashing liquids. Polish at least twice a year to maintain and Tire Inflation and Condition Engine Oil and Filter protect the finish. Check the pressure of all tires, including the spare, at every oil change. Check the Check Engine Light On Coolant (Antifreeze) tread for uneven or irregular wear and Check level at reservoir. Never open a cuts or bruises along the sidewalls. Polish Fuel Filter hot Inflate tires and maintain at Engine Air Filter Hoses radiator cap. If low, add 50/50 mix of recommended pressure. Replace tires if approved antifreeze and distilled water. worn or damaged. Engine Oil and Filter Lights Change coolant annually on most vehicles. Windshield Washer Fluid Exhaust Power Steering Fluid Engine Air Filter Check fluid level monthly. Some vehicles Inspect filter at each oil change. Replace have two reservoirs. Do not use water. Fuel Filter Spark Plugs annually or when leaking, torn, water or Use washer fluid only. Hoses Steering and Suspension oil soaked, dirty or showing other signs of wear. Wiper Blades Lights Tire Inflation and Condition Replace every six months or when Engine Oil and Filter Power Steering Fluid Windshield Washer Fluid Check level with engine off at every fill chattering. up. For maximum engine life, change oil Tire Inflation and Condition Wiper Blades and filter every three months or 3,000 miles or as directed in your owner's Windshield Washer Fluid manual. Use specified oil grade and weight. Wiper Blades * The Car Care Council has developed a service interval schedule to provide general guidelines for the regular maintenance of passenger cars, mini vans, pickups and SUVs. Intervals are built around an oil change every 3,000 miles, an accepted recommendation for the majority of motorists who are severe service drivers. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific recommendations by the car maker.