The best way to prevent long-term and costly problem with your vehicles is to:
1. Check your spare tire.
Maintenance Tip: Test the air pressure of your driving tires and your spare tire once a month.
2. Change the oil.
Maintenance Tip: Change the oil every 3,000 miles or follow what is recommended by your car manufacturer.
3. Keep the battery clean.
Maintenance Tip: Test your battery twice a year and inspect it for corrosion.
4. Replace the brake pads.
Maintenance Tip: Check the brake fluid every time you change the oil to be sure it’s not dark in color. If it is, you’re going to need to change the brake system sooner rather than later.
5. Replace your air filter.
Maintenance Tip: Change your air filter every 12 months or 12,000 miles.
6. Get new windshield wipers.
Maintenance Tip: Check your windshield wipers at the change of each season and replace them when necessary.
7. Get your tires rotated.
Maintenance Tip: Rotate your tires every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
8. Check the shocks, springs and struts (suspension system).
Maintenance Tip: Check the shocks and full suspension system every 15,000 to 30,000 miles.
9. Check your coolant.
Maintenance Tip: It’s a good idea to check your coolant twice a year—once before the warm weather hits and again before the cold weather swoops in.
10. Check your spark plugs.
Maintenance Tip: Check and change the spark plugs about every 30,000 miles.
11. Inspect your belts and hoses.
Maintenance Tip: Replace your timing belt every 60,000 miles and your serpentine belt every 40,000 miles. It’s recommended that you change your hoses every four years or whenever one is showing signs of wear.
12. Do the emissions inspection.
Maintenance Tip: Don’t forget to take your car in for inspection once a year. Check with your local department of motor vehicles to know the specific requirements in your state.
The more proactive you are about keeping everything in good shape with these simple car maintenance tips, the less money you’ll spend on the serious fixes. That means you’ll have more to save or pay off debt—and that puts you on track to win with your money!