Car maintenance takes more than filling up your tank or changing the engine oil. Your car is much like your body. The more you take care of it, the longer it will last. If you want to keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come, you must keep up with these top eight car-maintenance checklist:
1. Fuel Filters
The fuel filter is more or less on continuous duty whenever your ignition is on and the fuel pump is active, as it's preventing impurities from clogging injectors. But a replacement will be necessary over time. This item is located in either the hood or undercarriage to inside the fuel tank itself. It’s best to let a technician handle fuel filters since systems are often pressurized and fuel lines must be safely crimped. Fuel filters should be replaced every 2 years or 24,000 miles.
1. Fuel Filters
The fuel filter is more or less on continuous duty whenever your ignition is on and the fuel pump is active, as it's preventing impurities from clogging injectors. But a replacement will be necessary over time. This item is located in either the hood or undercarriage to inside the fuel tank itself. It’s best to let a technician handle fuel filters since systems are often pressurized and fuel lines must be safely crimped. Fuel filters should be replaced every 2 years or 24,000 miles.
2. Battery
When replacing your battery, be sure you use only the battery that matches manufacturer’s specs at the very least. Consider upgrading to advanced-technology batteries with steady performance and extended life. It should be changed every 48 to 60 months or as needed.
3. Air Filter
To avoid damaging the engine, air filters trap dust and debris. The air for the engine and airflow sensor must be free from contaminates. Air filters should be replaced as needed or depending on the vehicle’s driving conditions. Drivers who live in a dry and dusty climate are going to need to a replacement more often than someone who drives primarily on paved roads. A simple guideline to follow is to change the air filter with every other oil change, every 12 months or 12,000 miles.
4. Automatic trans fluid filter
To keep your transmission fluid clean and avoid damaging your car’s transmission, you should remember to change the transmission fluid filter. It fights friction and keeps things within safe operating temps. Some mechanics may advice you that replacing your trans fluid filter isn’t necessary, but it always depends on manufacturer and vehicle. Automatic transmissions do not need replacement until 100,000 miles or 150,000 miles. It’s best to check the maintenance schedule in the manual.
5. Engine belts & timing belts
Certain engines with overhead camshafts have timing belts that have a limited lifespan. Your vehicle’s manual will recommend at what mileage timing belts must be replaced. It is typically every 60,000 miles to 90,000 miles for timing belts, and every 3 years or 36,000 miles for engine belts.
6. Coolant
The liquid in the radiator can serve as antifreeze, coolant and guards against corrosion in the cooling system. You must check this regularly in order to maintain cleanliness and potency diminish. It should only be replace with the right coolant type and water mixture ratio (it is typically 50/50) every 2 years of 24,000 miles.
7. Tires
The performance of your car ties is highly important to the safety, performance and efficiency of your vehicle. In time, most tires will lose performance in terms of their traction and braking ability. Tires should be replace at the minimum safe tread depth or 6 to 10 years. Need help in choosing the right tires? Read “Things To Know When Buying New Tires.”
8. Brakes
The brakes are the most important feature in your car, and you should always pay attention to its maintenance. The braking system is essential to ensure safety on the road. Replacing your brakes can be easy and cost-effective. Listen for high-pitched screeching sound or any noise coming from your brakes. Check the fluid level and change it every 2 years or 24,000 miles prior to minimum safe thickness of your pads. To learn more about car brakes, read “Car Brakes 101.”
If you have any more questions or concerns regarding your vehicle, call the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Meyers Auto Parts (702 431 8000). Once they help identify the problem, they will have the parts to fix it.
When replacing your battery, be sure you use only the battery that matches manufacturer’s specs at the very least. Consider upgrading to advanced-technology batteries with steady performance and extended life. It should be changed every 48 to 60 months or as needed.
3. Air Filter
To avoid damaging the engine, air filters trap dust and debris. The air for the engine and airflow sensor must be free from contaminates. Air filters should be replaced as needed or depending on the vehicle’s driving conditions. Drivers who live in a dry and dusty climate are going to need to a replacement more often than someone who drives primarily on paved roads. A simple guideline to follow is to change the air filter with every other oil change, every 12 months or 12,000 miles.
4. Automatic trans fluid filter
To keep your transmission fluid clean and avoid damaging your car’s transmission, you should remember to change the transmission fluid filter. It fights friction and keeps things within safe operating temps. Some mechanics may advice you that replacing your trans fluid filter isn’t necessary, but it always depends on manufacturer and vehicle. Automatic transmissions do not need replacement until 100,000 miles or 150,000 miles. It’s best to check the maintenance schedule in the manual.
5. Engine belts & timing belts
Certain engines with overhead camshafts have timing belts that have a limited lifespan. Your vehicle’s manual will recommend at what mileage timing belts must be replaced. It is typically every 60,000 miles to 90,000 miles for timing belts, and every 3 years or 36,000 miles for engine belts.
6. Coolant
The liquid in the radiator can serve as antifreeze, coolant and guards against corrosion in the cooling system. You must check this regularly in order to maintain cleanliness and potency diminish. It should only be replace with the right coolant type and water mixture ratio (it is typically 50/50) every 2 years of 24,000 miles.
7. Tires
The performance of your car ties is highly important to the safety, performance and efficiency of your vehicle. In time, most tires will lose performance in terms of their traction and braking ability. Tires should be replace at the minimum safe tread depth or 6 to 10 years. Need help in choosing the right tires? Read “Things To Know When Buying New Tires.”
8. Brakes
The brakes are the most important feature in your car, and you should always pay attention to its maintenance. The braking system is essential to ensure safety on the road. Replacing your brakes can be easy and cost-effective. Listen for high-pitched screeching sound or any noise coming from your brakes. Check the fluid level and change it every 2 years or 24,000 miles prior to minimum safe thickness of your pads. To learn more about car brakes, read “Car Brakes 101.”
If you have any more questions or concerns regarding your vehicle, call the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Meyers Auto Parts (702 431 8000). Once they help identify the problem, they will have the parts to fix it.
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