Spring cleaning is here, but that doesn’t mean just keeping your house tidy! There’s no better time than the spring to make sure your car is functioning as it should and up to date. Here is a car maintenance checklist to help you stay on track and take care of everything!
Car Maintenance Checklist
Let’s first start with the smaller tasks on your car maintenance checklist. These are simple fixes for your car that you may have neglected over time. Make these part of your spring cleaning!
We recommend starting by looking at your car’s oil and coolant levels and seeing if your levels are low. It’s also good to replace your car’s cabin air filter if it’s been a while! These are quick and easy fixes for your car. Now, let’s get into some of the bigger tasks on a car maintenance checklist.
1. Tires
Make sure to give your tires some attention. Inspect them and the tire pressure. You will need to get a tire pressure gauge to check the levels at home.
While you’re inspecting your tires, look at the tread. If needed, go ahead and get your tires rotated. You’ll want to be sure that your tires are all set to go for long drives!
2. Lights
It’s a good idea to check to make sure that your headlights, turn signals, and brake lights are all functioning properly. Grab a friend or neighbor to check your lights while you’re in your car. If anything isn’t working, make sure to find a time to replace them so that your car will be safe for the roads.
3. Car Wash
One great way to get your car all clean and fresh for spring and rid of pollen is by washing it yourself or running it through a car wash. Take some time to vacuum the inside of your car with a handheld vacuum, and then organize the inside. There’s nothing like a clean car on the inside and the outside as you go into the new spring world!
4. Check Your Windshield Wipers
Over time, wiper blades can wear down. With spring showers, it’s important that you can see properly while driving in the rain! If it’s been at least a year since you last replaced your wipers, it’s probably time for new ones.
While you’re at it, check to see if you need more windshield washer fluid! It’s easy enough to replace on your own if you’re running low.
5. Test Your Battery
While you’re going through a car maintenance checklist, you might as well test your car battery to make sure it’s performing at the level it should be. It’s never fun to have to unexpectedly deal with a dead battery!
6. Fluids
Check your transmission fluid, brake fluid, and transfer case fluid to ensure that the levels look good and don’t need to be replaced. If needed, go ahead and get the fluids topped off.
7. Oil Change
Have you had an engine oil change recently? It’s recommended that you have one every 3,000 miles or every 3 months. If you get it done regularly enough, you might extend the life of your vehicle. Get one scheduled for the spring if it’s been a while, and check off another item on your car maintenance checklist!
For the exact type of oil you should get, check your owner’s manual!
8. Inspect Your Car
Doing a self-check by walking around your car and inspecting it can clue you into some fixes that you didn’t know about. Maybe you notice some chipped paint or a crack in your windshield, or a nail in your tire. Then, you can decide if these are issues that are necessary to fix to keep your vehicle working long term.
More Car Tips
This car maintenance checklist will have your car all ready for the spring. If you’re planning to travel over spring break or summer, make sure your car will be ready for a road trip.
Whether you’re traveling far or not, we also recommend having an emergency kit for your car. It’s a great thing to add while you’re getting your car ready for the spring. No matter where you might go this season, consider getting some car accessories to improve your car even more!
