If you’re one of the many entrepreneurs who are always on the go, it’s important to ensure that your car is in good shape to avoid any problems while you’re on the road. That means keeping up with routine car maintenance and having a checklist that you can use to take care of any issues that may come up.
Some people like to put off routine maintenance for as long as they can, but this might not be the best idea. A recent study by IMR found that 7.9% of consumers have delayed their next scheduled service appointment and 33% of those say it’s because they couldn’t find a convenient time. Finding the schedule might be even harder if you’re a traveling business owner.
However, maintaining vehicles should not be hard if you perform it regularly. Here is a complete car maintenance checklist you can follow:
Check fluid levels.
To keep your car running smoothly, it’s important to check the levels of all fluids regularly. Here’s a quick guide to checking the most important ones:
- For the engine oil, pop the hood and find the dipstick. Pull it out and clean it. Dip it again and check the oil level. If it’s below the two marks on the dipstick, add more oil until it reaches the full mark.
- The coolant level is next. Locate the coolant reservoir (usually a white plastic tank) and remove the lid. The coolant should be at or above the “Full” line on the side of the tank. If it’s low, add more coolant until it reaches that line.
- Next is brake fluid. With the engine off, locate the brake fluid reservoir (it will have “Brake Fluid” written on it) and remove the lid. The fluid level should be at or above the “Full” line on the side of the reservoir. If it’s low, add more brake fluid until it reaches that line.
- Finally, check the power steering fluid level. Locate the power steering reservoir (usually a clear plastic tank) and remove the lid. The fluid should be at or above the “Full” line on the side of the tank; if it’s not, add more steering fluid until it reaches that line.
Inspect brakes for wear and tear.
Inspecting your brakes is an important part of car maintenance. Brakes can wear down quickly, so it’s important to check them regularly. There are a few ways to inspect brakes for wear and tear.
- Check the brake pads. If they are worn down, they will need to be replaced.
- Check the brake rotors. They will also need to be replaced if they are warped or damaged.
- Check the brake fluid level. If it is low, the brakes may not work properly.
Check the engine.
One of the most important things you can do to keep your car running smoothly is to check the engine regularly. Checking the engine oil level and quality is a good place to start. You should also check the coolant level, hoses, and engine air filter. If any of these levels are low or there are any signs of leaks, it’s important to have them fixed as soon as possible. In some cases, the engine parts will need to be replaced.
When it comes time to replace car engine parts, there are a few things to remember.
- First, it’s important to choose the right parts for your make and model of car. Engine parts can be specific to a particular year, model, and trim level. For example, a vehicle might require either gasoline or diesel engine components.
- Second, you’ll need to decide whether you want to buy new or remanufactured parts. New parts are more expensive, but they come with a warranty. Remanufactured parts are cheaper but may not have the same lifespan as new parts.
- Finally, you’ll need to decide how much you will spend on engine parts. When it comes time for car engine part replacement, keeping these factors in mind will help you make the best decision for your needs.
Rotate tires and check the pressure.
Tire rotation is important for car maintenance because it helps ensure even wear on all four tires. Over time, tires can develop bald spots or become unevenly worn, leading to problems down the road. To rotate tires:
- Jack up the car and remove the wheels.
- Swap the front tires with the rear ones and vice versa.
- Put the wheels back on and lower the car.
It’s also important to check tire pressure regularly. Tire pressure can drop for several reasons, including temperature changes or simply because a tire loses air over time. You can check this by using a tire pressure gauge which most gas stations have for free. If the pressure in one or more tires is low, a tire inflator can be used to add air until the pressure is back to its recommended level.
Clean the car from top to bottom.
A clean car is a happy car and is more likely to last longer and run better. That’s why it’s important to wash and wax your car regularly. You don’t need to go to a professional every time; you can save money by doing it yourself. Just be sure to use gentle cleaners and avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the paint.
In addition to washing the outside of your car, it’s also important to clean the inside. Vacuum the floors and seats and wipe down all the surfaces with a mild cleaner. This will help keep the car looking its best and prevent dirt and grime from building up over time.
Check all lights and signals.
It’s important to check all the lights and signals on your car regularly. This includes the headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights. If any of these are not working properly, they must be fixed as soon as possible. Checking the lights and signals is easy; have someone else stand outside the car while you turn them on and off. If any light is not working, it will need to be replaced.
Keeping your car in good condition is important for both safety and efficiency. Even more so when you’re an entrepreneur who is always on the road. Following this car maintenance checklist ensures that your car runs smoothly no matter where you’re going. Check your car’s fluid levels, inspect the brakes, and ensure that the engine is in pristine condition. Be sure to rotate the tires, check the pressure regularly, and regularly clean the car from top to bottom. And lastly, don’t forget to check all the lights and signals. Doing these things will help keep your car in great shape for years.
