#Car maintenance checklist age how to
#Car maintenance checklist age full

The transmission fluid should also be smooth and clean if you find metal flakes, take your vehicle to a mechanic so they can change it out. Look under the hood for the dipstick labeled 'transmission.' Repeat the same steps you just did for checking your oil. Transmission fluid allows a vehicle to change gears smoothly, so checking it before a road trip is a crucial step. If the level doesn't hit between these lines, add more.

Top off any low fluidsĪgain, consult the manual for steps to check and add transmission, power steering and brake fluid. These will all have reservoirs located under the hood, and you should see the minimum and maximum lines. Don't get into a higher level of maintenance than you feel comfortable with.

#Car maintenance checklist age how to

Turn off the car and check the dipstick to ensure proper levels.Įach make and model are different, so consult your manual to find out how to replace the oil, air, in-cabin and fuel filters. See a mechanic if any of the steps seem complicated (some vehicles require you to remove parts to access some of the filters).

Start the engine to ensure the oil pressure light doesn't come on, and let it run for several minutes.

Pour in new oil up to the proper level, and replace the cap.

Prepare the new filter by smearing a bit of clean oil on the gasket ring, then screw in the new filter and replace the oil plug.

Unscrew the oil filter over the drain pan.

Wait several minutes for the oil to drain.

Place a drain pan underneath the engine, open the hood and remove the oil cap, then remove the oil plug under the vehicle.

Jack up the vehicle (follow these safety tips) and use jack stands to secure it.Pull the car onto level ground and let it run for about 10 minutes to warm up the oil.If they include steps to follow, use your manual. Check the owner's manual for the type and weight of the oil you need (it's critical to follow their recommendations for oil viscosity to prevent engine damage). You can take your car to a mechanic for this, but it's actually pretty easy to do on most vehicles.

#Car maintenance checklist age full

If it's not full or it's dark or thick, it's time to change the oil.

It should be at the 'full' line, and the fluid should be clear. Look at the end of the stick and see where the oil level is. Ready to get started? Check and change the oilĪfter a short drive, when the engine is still warm, locate the dipstick labeled 'oil,' pull it out and wipe off the residue with a towel. Battery tester and/or charger (possibly a new battery).Transmission, power steering and brake fluids.Some of these won't need replacing on your car, but here's everything in the list that you might have to pick up: We recommend doing an initial skim over the entire list and figuring out what you need at the auto parts store. You might typically keep your owner's manual in the glove box and only consult it when a light comes on, but you'll need it for model-specific detailed instructions on many of these steps. In just a few hours, you can go over these checks and repairs to make sure your car is in top condition:īefore you get started, you need to find your owner's manual, some basic tools and possibly visit an auto parts store.