Vehicle Maintenance Checklist
To extend the life of your vehicle, look at your vehicle checklist. It includes everything on your vehicle that should be checked in the short and long term and seasonal times of the year. When you purchased your vehicle, you should have been given a maintenance checklist. If you were not given a checklist or need a replacement or have any questions, you can contact Gerry Lane Buick GMC. Their friendly, knowledgeable staff is always willing to help their customers.
Aside from keeping your vehicle running well, so you don't find yourself stranded on the side of the road. Following a regular vehicle maintenance checklist also shows that the vehicle was well maintained, and when the time comes to trade it in or sell it outright, you will have all the proof you need.
Aside from keeping your vehicle running well, so you don't find yourself stranded on the side of the road. Following a regular vehicle maintenance checklist also shows that the vehicle was well maintained, and when the time comes to trade it in or sell it outright, you will have all the proof you need.
Oil Changes
Auto maintenance isn't as complicated as it may seem. Everyone knows the oil needs to be changed every x amount of miles depending on the type of oil used.
Most mechanics at a dealership and private garage now use synthetic oil, which needs to be changed between 5,000 and ten thousand miles. Some oils still require the 3000-mile change. When your oil is changed, so is the oil filter Your mechanic will let you know and even put the little sticker in your window.
Coolant Levels
If you take a road trip when you return home, you should check your coolant levels. It's not difficult to do, but if your uncertain, then bring it to the mechanic. If your oil and coolant levels get too low, it can damage your engine. Usually, the oil change and filter change are done simultaneously as the coolant checks and top-offs.
Tires
Your vehicle's tires should be rotated at least once a year. During a maintenance check, the mechanic will check the tires and tire threads. If you notice your vehicle pulling to one side more than the other, drive your car several miles a day/week, notice your vehicle vibrating, and it suddenly becomes noisy, it may be time for the tires to be rotated. You will have a scheduled time to bring your vehicle in for the tire maintenance check but always stay in tune with your vehicle. This could help you prevent costly repairs.
Lights & Turn Signal's
Keep an eye on your headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. The bulbs can blow, and you may not even notice. Be proactive with your vehicle's maintenance. During one of your short-term maintenance visits, your lights and signals will be checked by the mechanic to make sure they are working.
This is an odd maintenance requirement, and it depends on you. The mechanic will not wax your car for you. However, if you look at the checklist, you will find car wax on it. Your vehicle should be washed, and a real good wax job is done every six months. It is recommended that you bring your vehicle to a detailing specialist for this job. Waxing your vehicle every six months helps prevent your paint job from getting scratched, even dinged by small flying debris, and it keeps your vehicle looking shiny and new.
Long-Term Maintenance Checklist Items
The vehicle maintenance checklist is separated into two parts. The first part is short-term and includes all the items listed above. Below you will find all the long-term things that need to be addressed.
Transmission Fluid
The transmission fluid change is on the checklist, and the approximate timing is in the owner's manual. The transmission fluid needs to be changed once or twice a year to keep your car running smoothly. If the fluid gets too low or gets dirt or other debris in it, it becomes a costly repair. Never forget the transmission.
Spark plugs are usually checked once a year. If you notice your vehicle is not running at an optimal capacity, you may need a plug changed. The spark plugs are what ignite and air and gas and make your vehicle run. So, you can see how important it is to make sure the checklist is followed.
Belts & Hoses
Several belts and hoses under the hood need to be checked and often replaced or repaired. These are not something a vehicle owner would think of, so the maintenance checklist is a valuable item to keep your vehicle running.
Seasonal Check-ups
Make sure you take your vehicle in for its seasonal check-ups. They are essential for preparing your vehicle for the upcoming season, and each season is different, and so is each maintenance check.
Auto maintenance isn't as complicated as it may seem. Everyone knows the oil needs to be changed every x amount of miles depending on the type of oil used.
Most mechanics at a dealership and private garage now use synthetic oil, which needs to be changed between 5,000 and ten thousand miles. Some oils still require the 3000-mile change. When your oil is changed, so is the oil filter Your mechanic will let you know and even put the little sticker in your window.
Coolant Levels
If you take a road trip when you return home, you should check your coolant levels. It's not difficult to do, but if your uncertain, then bring it to the mechanic. If your oil and coolant levels get too low, it can damage your engine. Usually, the oil change and filter change are done simultaneously as the coolant checks and top-offs.
Tires
Your vehicle's tires should be rotated at least once a year. During a maintenance check, the mechanic will check the tires and tire threads. If you notice your vehicle pulling to one side more than the other, drive your car several miles a day/week, notice your vehicle vibrating, and it suddenly becomes noisy, it may be time for the tires to be rotated. You will have a scheduled time to bring your vehicle in for the tire maintenance check but always stay in tune with your vehicle. This could help you prevent costly repairs.
Lights & Turn Signal's
Keep an eye on your headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. The bulbs can blow, and you may not even notice. Be proactive with your vehicle's maintenance. During one of your short-term maintenance visits, your lights and signals will be checked by the mechanic to make sure they are working.
Keep Your Paint Job in Good Shape
This is an odd maintenance requirement, and it depends on you. The mechanic will not wax your car for you. However, if you look at the checklist, you will find car wax on it. Your vehicle should be washed, and a real good wax job is done every six months. It is recommended that you bring your vehicle to a detailing specialist for this job. Waxing your vehicle every six months helps prevent your paint job from getting scratched, even dinged by small flying debris, and it keeps your vehicle looking shiny and new.
Long-Term Maintenance Checklist Items
The vehicle maintenance checklist is separated into two parts. The first part is short-term and includes all the items listed above. Below you will find all the long-term things that need to be addressed.
Transmission Fluid
The transmission fluid change is on the checklist, and the approximate timing is in the owner's manual. The transmission fluid needs to be changed once or twice a year to keep your car running smoothly. If the fluid gets too low or gets dirt or other debris in it, it becomes a costly repair. Never forget the transmission.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are usually checked once a year. If you notice your vehicle is not running at an optimal capacity, you may need a plug changed. The spark plugs are what ignite and air and gas and make your vehicle run. So, you can see how important it is to make sure the checklist is followed.
Belts & Hoses
Several belts and hoses under the hood need to be checked and often replaced or repaired. These are not something a vehicle owner would think of, so the maintenance checklist is a valuable item to keep your vehicle running.
Seasonal Check-ups
Make sure you take your vehicle in for its seasonal check-ups. They are essential for preparing your vehicle for the upcoming season, and each season is different, and so is each maintenance check.
By simply following the vehicle maintenance checklist, you will be able to keep your vehicle running well and avoid costly repairs and replacements.