Car Maintenance and Service Checklist

Regular car maintenance is essential to keep your vehicle in top-notch condition. Such preventative maintenance helps detect issues early. You can address them before they become expensive repairs.

If you are in Raleigh, NC, then you can schedule a service appointment at Capital Ford Raleigh, for a complete car tune-up. At our authorized auto center, your vehicle can benefit from factory-trained technicians, original parts, and legitimate prices.

Here are some car care and service tips to help you maximize your car’s efficiency over time:

Monitor and Maintain Right Tire Pressure

Your vehicle manual specifies the right tire pressure for your vehicle. Maintaining this pressure is key to expanding tire life and vehicle performance. The right pressure decreases stress on tires and also gives you more mileage.

Lower or higher pressure than recommended levels leads to premature tire wear. Flat tires, blowout, reduced traction, and lower vehicle control are risks of not maintaining the right tire pressure.

Get a tire rotation done for every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Watch out for tire recalls, too.

Inspect and Change Engine Oil Regularly

Engine oil keeps your car’s engine system lubricated. Lubrication is essential to reduce friction between moving parts and reduce early wear of the engine and its parts. Over time, new engine oil collects dust and debris and becomes dirty.

Change engine oil according to the interval specified in your vehicle manual. Inspect oil frequently and particularly before a long road trip. There are many benefits to regularly changing your oil. Always keep an eye out for warning signs that your vehicle needs an oil change.

Keep Track of Engine Fluids

Car fluids need to be maintained at appropriate levels for the smooth working of your vehicle. Check the following fluids and replenish them as needed:

• Coolants
• Brake fluid
• Power steering fluid
• Transmission fluid

Technicians at Capital Ford Raleigh can check and refill car fluids as needed when you come for an oil change. We can also guide you on future refill timelines.

Monitor Brakes

Brake pads need regular inspection. If you notice any unusual noises while braking or vibrations from the brake pedal when stopping, get your car to a mechanic immediately.

Replace Car Filters

Dirt and debris can build up in the filters and compromise their working capacity. Oil filter change is usually recommended after every 3,000 miles or three months. The cabin air filter may be changed every 12,000 miles. Check your Owner’s Manual for accurate frequency.

Clean and Check Car Lights

Lights are crucial for visibility and safe driving. Check all lights, including headlights, parking lights, brake lights, and turn indicators, at least once a month. The bulb may have started to weaken or the fuse could be faulty. Check lights for physical damage as well.

Inspect Windshield Wipers

Windshield wipers are lifesavers during rains and snow. Check wipers for damage or reduced efficiency. It is recommended to change them once a year.

Clean your Car Regularly

Your car tolerates many contaminants including dust, debris, bird droppings, snow, road salt, and sand. Steady exposure to sunlight can cause invisible damage.

Wash your car regularly and have it waxed every six months to protect the paint, prevent corrosion, and improve its appearance.

In Conclusion

Follow these car care tips to enjoy safe and memorable rides for a long time.

Visit Capital Ford in Raleigh for more preventative maintenance service information. We serve Cary, Durham, and Wake Forest, too.