Auto technicians say the key to keeping vehicles running well-today and down the road-is routine maintenance. Yet many drivers tend to stall when it comes to keeping up with some everyday auto-basics. A recent survey by the Car Care Council found:
- 22 percent of cars had low or dirty engine oil.
- 20 percent had low or contaminated brake fluid.
- 17 percent had dirty air filters.
- 16 percent had inadequate cooling protection or low coolant levels.
- 15 percent had inadequate or contaminated power steering fluid.
- 12 percent needed new belts
For your convenience, the Car Care Council developed a Service Interval Schedule to help you keep track of regular maintenance. Most of the checks and services described here can be done at little or no cost. Best of all, they are quick and easy to do. Learn more about your car’s systems in our vehicle systems overview.
Check Frequently
- Dashboard Indicator Lights On
- Lights
- Tire Inflation and Condition
- Windshield Washer Fluid
- Engine Oil Level
Check Every 3 Months/ 5,000 KM
- Automatic Transmission Fluid
- Battery and Cables
- Belts
- Dashboard Indicator Light On
- Engine Air Filter
- Engine Oil
- Exhaust
- Hoses
- Lights
- Power Steering Fluid
- Tire Inflation and Condition
- Windshield Washer Fluid
Check Every 6 Months/10,000 KM
- Automatic Transmission Fluid
- Battery and Cables
- Belts
- Chassis Lubrication
- Dashboard Indicator Light On
- Engine Air Filter
- Engine Oil
- Exhaust
- Hoses
- Lights
- Power Steering Fluid
- Tire Inflation and Condition
- Windshield Washer Fluid
- Wiper Blades
Check Every 9 Months/ 15,000 KM
- Automatic Transmission Fluid
- Battery and Cables
- Belts
- Dashboard Indicator Light On
- Engine Air Filter
- Engine Oil
- Exhaust
- Hoses
- Lights
- Power Steering Fluid
- Tire Inflation and Condition
- Windshield Washer Fluid
Check every 12 Months/ 20,000 KM
- Automatic Transmission Fluid
- Battery and Cables
- Belts
- Brakes
- Cabin Air Filter
- Chassis Lubrication
- Dashboard Indicator Light On
- Coolant (Antifreeze)
- Engine Air Filter
- Engine Oil
- Exhaust
- Hoses
- Lights
- Power Steering Fluid
- Steering and Suspension
- Tire Inflation and Condition
- Wheel Alignment
- Windshield Washer Fluid
- Wiper Blades
