1. Basic Tips for Maintaining Your Vehicle
Car Maintenance 101
Basic Tips for Maintaining Your Vehicle

2. Basic components for car maintenance
Tires
Engine
Transmission
Brakes
Battery/starter
Air filter and fluids

3. Car service schedule
Every car has a recommended service schedule-usually every 15,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual!
Maintaining your car regularly decreases the chance of a more expensive problem later
If you do nothing else … change your oil every miles.

4. Tires
Tire pressure, balance, alignment, and tread can affect the safety of your vehicle
Check tire pressure at least once per month –
recommended pressure can be found in the owner’s manual
Check the tread on tires and rotate and balance tires every 5,000 miles
Consider replacing tires every 50,000 miles

5. Engine
Regularly change vehicle oil and filter-usually recommended every three months or three thousand miles whichever comes first
Check coolant levels, belts, and hoses for wear and tear at least every 15,000 miles
Flush coolant and antifreeze based on manufacturer guidelines or at least every 30,000 miles

6. Transmission
Check transmission belts and fluid levels, depending on vehicle recommendations or at least every 30,000 miles
Skips, noises, or whining sounds indicate problems- have a mechanic check ASAP
Immediately locate and repair any fluid leakage

7. Brakes
Some components of your brakes include brake fluid, pads, hoses, shoes, rotors, and drums
Brake fluid needs to be replaced on a regular basis
Check your brakes following manufacturer guidelines-typically every 50,000 miles
Brake pads should be checked if you hear squealing-some cars have sensors to let you know when to replace pads

8. Battery Batteries usually last for 3-5 years
Check connections, keep free of corrosions, and replace battery as needed
A dead battery will grind, click, or may not start
Check to make sure you have gas first and then your battery if car does not start
If your car still does not start, take it to a mechanic!

9. Air filter and fluids
Air filter traps dust, pollens, mold, and bacteria from entering your engine
Check air filter and fluids every 3,000 miles and replace air filter when dirty and fluids when low
Examples of fluids include brake, transmission, washer, coolant, and antifreeze

10. Windshield Replace windshield if cracked or damaged.
Windshield replacement is free with comprehensive coverage. Kentucky law requires insurance companies to waive the deductible.
Worn blades affect visibility in rain or snow so replace as needed.

11. Final points
These recommendations are just a few things to consider when maintaining your car.
If you hear strange noises or vibrations, take your car to a trusted mechanic for a check up.
Always ask if there is a charge to diagnose car problems and ask for an estimate before authorizing repair.
Remember-for optimum car health, check the manufacturer’s recommendations and try to follow those as best as possible.
With proper care and investment, your vehicle can safely carry you for tens of thousands of miles.