Preventative Maintenance Check List Air Filter Check the air filter every other month

Preventative Maintenance Check List

Air Filter
Check the air filter every other month. Replace it when it's dirty or as part of a tune-up.

Antifreeze
Check the antifreeze/coolant level weekly. Some cars have transparent reservoirs with level markings. Fill to level marking with 50/50 solution of antifreeze and water. Caution: Do not remove the radiator or reservoir pressure cap when engine is hot. A service or radiator flush should be performed once a year or every 15,000 whichever comes first. Some companies like Toyota have what they call '5 year coolant'. Well, check it every year anyway. When it smells like dead fish...change it.

Battery
Use extreme caution when handling a battery since it can produce explosive gases. Do not smoke, create a spark or light a match near a battery and always wear protective glasses and gloves. Have it checked with every oil change. Cables should be attached securely and be free of corrosion.

Belts
Inspect belts and hoses monthly. Replace worn, glazed, frayed or cracked belts. Tighten them when more than 1/2" of slack can be depressed between the pulleys. Vehicles with spring loaded belt tensioners require no adjustment.

Brake Fluid
Check brake fluid monthly. If it is low, have a mechanic check the brakes. Caution: Do Not Overfill. If your car's brake fluid is very dirty...change it. Overheated brake fluid (that's why it is black) does not allow the brake system to work at it's optimum level.

Engine Oil
Check oil every fill up. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean. insert it fully and remove it again. If it is low, add oil. To maintain peak performance, change oil every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first. Replace oil filter with every oil change. For awesome service change the oil and filter every 2500 miles.

Exhaust
Look underneath for loose or broken exhaust clamps and supports. Check for holes in muffler or pipes. Replace rusted or damaged parts. Have emission checked at least once per year for compliance with local laws.

Hoses
Inspect hoses monthly. Replace bulging, rotten or brittle hoses and tighten clamps. If a hose looks bad, or feels too soft or too hard, it should be replaced. If this simple hose blows out, you could be left stranded. Worse than that, it could let the engine overheat and create irreparable damage to the engine.

Lights
Be sure all your lights are clean and working, including brake lights, turn signals and emergency flashers. Keep spare bulbs and fuses in your vehicle.

Oil Filter
To maintain peak performance, change oil every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first. Replace oil filter with every oil change. We suggest changing oil and filter every 2500 miles.

Power Steering Fluid
Check power steering fluid level once per month. Simply remove the reservoir dipstick. If the level is down, add fluid and inspect the pump and hoses for leaks. Make sure that you use power steering fluid, not transmission fluid. Transmission fluid is much more flammable than power steering fluid.

Shock Absorbers
Look for signs of oil seepage on shock absorbers, test shock action by bouncing the car up and down. Push down on the front or rear bumper. The car should stop bouncing when you step back. Worn or leaking shocks should be replaced. Always replace shock absorbers in pairs (front or rear).

Timing Belt service
For most cars this service is done every 60,000 to 90,000 miles. There are some exceptions to the rule. Most Volvos are 50,000 and some BMWs are 40,000. Give us a call and we will let you know when it's right for you.

Tires
Keep tires inflated to recommended pressure. Check for cuts, bulges and excessive tread wear. Uneven wear indicates tires are misaligned or out of balance. If you have bumps on the top of the tread, you may need shocks or struts. Keep a record of tire rotation. Rotate every 6,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid
Check transmission fluid monthly with engine warm and running, and parking brake on. Shift to drive, then to park. Remove dipstick, wipe dry, insert it and remove it again. Add the approved type fluid, if needed. Caution: Do Not Overfill!

Washer Fluid
Keep windshield washer fluid reservoir full. When topping off, use some windshield washer fluid on a rag to clean off the wiper blades. In the winter months, pay attention to the freezing point of the washer fluid.

Wiper Blades
Inspect windshield wiper blades whenever you clean your windshield. Do not wait until rubber is worn or brittle to replace them. Wiper blades should be replaced at least once per year, and more often if smearing or chattering occurs.