How to Schedule Car Maintenance
Staying on top of car maintenance is just one more thing on our long list of things to take care of. However, maintaining your car makes it run more efficiently and last longer. Your car is one of your biggest investments. If you want to save money, save your car by keeping it regularly maintained.
- Search for a mechanic you feel comfortable with to help you maintain your car. You can always ask your friends and family about good experiences they’ve had with area mechanics. You can also call the Better Business Bureau to ask about local auto shops.
- Find the manual for your car and make a photocopy of the suggested routine maintenance procedures. Regular maintenance includes having your oil changed and checking your fluids. You’ll also need to maintain or change your tires or get a tune-up.
- Place the photo copy of your maintenance procedures inside your planner.
- Plan service dates for the maintenance procedures your manual requires and schedule appointments by calling your preferred mechanic.
- Keep track of the miles in between each service to determine when your next service should be. For example, your manual may require your oil to be changed every 3,000 miles. Write down your current mileage when you have your oil changed, then, add 3,000 miles to your current mileage to determine when your next oil change should be.
- Check your cars fluids regularly. It’s very important to check your coolant, oil, transmission and power steering fluids to keep your car running smoothly. You should also check your tire pressure, tire wear, and washer fluid. A great time to perform these checks is when you stop at a gas station. Always check all your fluids to make sure they are at the proper level and check your tires before making a lengthy trip.
- Change belts as needed. You can tell a belt is worn if it is starting to fray or looks glazed on the bottom.
- Check all of your hoses, such as coolant and air hoses, to make sure they are not leaking. Replace any leaky or cracked hoses.