Our busy, everyday lives can make it difficult to remember all of the important maintenance items for your car, so we’ve put together a checklist for all drivers to reference. To start, if you’re comfortable performing these tasks on your car, they can typically be done by the driver. A service center is always happy to help if you are not comfortable checking these off.
Engine Air Filter.
These should get switched out every year or sooner if you travel on especially dusty roads.
Cabin Air Filter.
This should be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. It’s typically located behind your glove box, but it all depends on the car model.
Windshield Wipers.
These should be replaced every year or every big seasonal change depending on how they’re holding up.
Tire Pressure.
With a tire pressure gauge, it’s easy to check the air pressure in your tires regularly. Most gas stations have an air compressor that you can use to put more air in your tires (they’re usually free or at a low cost).
Coolant.
Check your coolant level to make sure there’s enough in there. Coolant is an essential part of keeping the engine’s temperature cool and functioning.
Windshield Wiper Fluid.
Top off your windshield wiper fluid to make sure you don’t run out and your visibility is not compromised.
These tasks are best handled by a trusted service center because they deal with areas and parts that are harder to access without the right equipment.
Hoses & Belts.
There are a lot of different hoses and belts in your vehicle’s mechanical system, and they need to be in good shape to work properly. A mechanic will be able to look under the hood and frame to evaluate and see if any need replacing.
Oil Change.
Depending on the type of car you have and the recommended oil it uses, your engine oil may need to be changed between every 3,000 to 10,000 miles.
Headlights.
If you can, test the lights on your car to see if there’s issues with the headlights, turn signals, brakes, or parking lights. Otherwise, if you’re in for a routine appointment, the mechanics will probably test and note it themselves.
Battery.
Car batteries last on average around 3 to 4 years, so you should get the charge measured if you’re around that stage. Get it replaced if it’s underperforming so you can hopefully avoid the engine stalling.
Brake Pads.
A lot of factors contribute to how long your brake pads last, but they typically need to be replaced between 30,000 to 70,000 miles.
Rotate Tires.
To get the most out of your tires, you should get them rotated around every 7,000 miles. This helps even out the tread wear to extend the overall life of them and prevent potential vibration issues.
We hope this list helps you stay on top of important preventative maintenance items. Superior Service Center has a location in Eagan and Apple Valley, so we can expertly serve the Southern Twin Cities.