CAR MAINTENANCE
Following these maintenance tips can help avoid those costly repair bills we all dread.
FLUIDS should be checked periodically (once a week. Be sure that you are aware of the location of all the fluid reservoirs. Keep them filled to manufacturers specifications. If you wish you can use this checklist. Action taken would be like water added, quart of oil added, added 1 gallon antifreeze or whatever. You can download the form below in pdf format here .
The Adobe reader is needed for viewing this and can be downloaded here Adobe 6.0
Instead of writing out the item you may just wish to use the numeric designation beside the item to make this form easier to use. *Check every 6 months |
| ITEM CHECKED | DATE | ACTION TAKEN | ||
| OK | ADDED | DESCRIPTION | ||
ANTIFREEZE: The cooling system on your car should be checked every 6 months. Antifreeze added to the radiator not only lowers the freezing point of the water in the system but raises the boiling point so it protects in both winter and summer. You can now buy pre-mixed antifreeze so that you don't get too much or too little in your system and damage it. It is important to remember that ANTIFREEZE IS POISON! If it gets on cement or floors clean it up immediately! If draining radiator be sure to drain into a container. This fluid can kill pets and people!
BATTERIES: Although most batteries today are sealed there are still some that are not, and they do need maintained. You should check the water level every two months. If the level is low add tap water till it reaches the bottom of the cap hole. NOTE: If you have hard water in your area you should use distilled water. Car batteries contain acid and you should use caution when working with them. It is best to remove jewelry and wear goggles, gloves and heavy clothing. Acid can eat through your clothing before you notice it! If the acid gets on your skin or in your eyes rinse in cold running water for 15 minutes then go to a doctor. You should also be aware that batteries can emit explosive gas. Never light a match, or smoke when working with a battery.
OIL: Change your oil every 3000 miles and should include a new oil filter. Use whatever oil is recommended for your vehicle, usually 10W30 or 10W40.
TIRES: You may have not thought of this but your life and the lives of every passenger depends on your tires and brakes. They should be inspected regularly to see if tires are worn or damaged. You should change tires that have less than 1/4 inch tread on them and be sure to check that they are carrying the recommended air pressure. Keep your brake fluid filled and if you notice any grinding, squealing or other sounds, or if the brakes are "soft" then you should have them checked out immediately. If you vehicle pulls to the side you may need a front end alignment if the brakes are ok.
I found this form in a bunch of papers that were just titled handout 1 with no other identifying data. I converted it for inclusion here so any typos or mistakes are my fault. A PDF download of this file can be found here.
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VEHICLE MAINTENANCE |
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| Beginning Odometer Reading | Date: | ||
| After Driving | Odometer Reading | Have this Done: | Date done |
| 3,500 miles | Change oil , Filter & Lube | ||
| 7.000 miles | Change oil , Filter & Lube | ||
| 10,500 miles | Change oil , Filter & Lube, Rotate and Balance Tires | ||
| 14, 000 miles | Change oil , Filter & Lube, Replace Air and Gas filter | ||
| 17,500 miles | Change oil , Filter & Lube, Check Wheel Alignment | ||
| 20,500 miles | Change oil , Filter & Lube, Rotate and Balance Tires, Align Front End, Check Wipers. | ||
| 24,000 miles | Change oil , Filter & Lube, Service Transmission, Filter | ||
| 27,500 miles | Change oil , Filter & Lube, Check All Belts and Hoses | ||
| 30,500 miles | Change oil , Filter & Lube, Check / Change antifreeze | ||
| 34,000 miles | Change oil , Filter & Lube, Replace Gas/Air Filter, Tune Up | ||
| 37,500 miles | Change oil , Filter & Lube, Check Tires for Alignment | ||
| 40,500 miles | Change oil , Filter & Lube, Replace tires, Align Front End, Have Front and rear Brake Job done. | ||
| 44,000 miles | Change oil , Filter & Lube | ||
| 47,500 miles | Change oil , Filter & Lube | ||
| 50,500 miles | Change oil , Filter & Lube, Change & Rotate Tires | ||
| 54.000 miles | Change oil , Filter & Lube, Replace Gas Filter | ||
| 57,500 miles | Change oil , Filter & Lube, Check tire alignment | ||
| 60,500 miles | Change oil , Filter & Lube, Rotate & Balance tires, align front end, check wipers. | ||
| 64,000 miles | Change oil , Filter & Lube, Service Transmission, change filter | ||
| 67,500 miles | Change oil , Filter & Lube, Check all belts and hoses | ||
| 70,500 miles | Change oil , Filter & Lube, Check/Flush antifreeze | ||
| 74,000 miles | Change oil , Filter & Lube, Tune up, Replace Air & Gas Filters. | ||
| 77,500 miles | Change oil , Filter & Lube, Check tire alignment | ||
| 80,500 miles | Change oil , Filter & Lube, Replace tires, Align Front End, Complete brake job. | ||