Car Maintenance Checklist

1. Car Maintenance Checklist to Prevent Accidents Having a car is an endless investment. Aside from the payment for the vehicle, you have to eventually pay for maintenance, repairs, fuel, and more. However, a lot of these expenses could be reduced if you check your car periodically. What exactly should you inspect on your vehicle to maximize its performance and keep it away from accidents? Your car maintenance checklist should include the following key elements. 10 Things That Should Be in Your Car Maintenance Checklist Oil This is the fluid that keeps everything in your car running perfectly. To check the oil levels in your vehicle, you only have to use the dipstick and see which mark the liquid is at. Keep in mind that if the color of the oil in the dipstick is black, your car needs an urgent change of oil. Generally, this fluid must be changed every 3,000 miles, so be sure to keep an eye on your car’s stats and your maintenance schedule.

2. A clear sign that you should measure the oil is when the corresponding light turns on in your dashboard. However, the light can also come on when there is a pump failure, or there is a clog in the oil filter. Tire Pressure Checking this would save you from a lot of trouble. When your tires are not inflated correctly, the risk of causing an accident is higher as flat or uneven tire pressure could result in loss of car control. You can buy a pressure gauge to measure the tire pressure yourself, or you can go to a body shop regularly to do it. Remember to check with the tires’ manufacturer for the correct pressure and what outside temperatures performance. Rotating your tires regularly is also advised to keep your wheels in the same thickness and balance. might affect their Breaks Never assume that your car breaks are working properly! Have a professional check them periodically to prevent you from having an accident. Don’t just do this when you’re about to go on road trips. Even if you’re just driving around the area, to and from work, it’s a good idea to ensure your brakes are in perfect condition at all times. If you wait to hear the annoying screeching of the brake pads signaling that they no longer work, your composure will be much more expensive. If the corresponding light comes on your dash, you should take the vehicle to a professional immediately.

3. Power Steering Fluid The majority of the manufacturers recommend changing this fluid every 62,000 miles. However, it could be necessary to make that change in advance if any of the following scenarios happen: Change of color; oil is darkening The sudden presence of a burning smell Increased resistance when turning the steering wheel Presence of abnormal noises when turning the steering wheel Low fluid level or total loss of fluid Moreover, you should be in the habit of changing the power steering fluid if you have made any repairs to the pump or any other steering component. • • • • • Tire Alignment Have you ever noticed that your car turns slightly to the left or the right when it should go straight? If so, it is the right time to take your vehicle for a tire alignment fix, just to be sure that they react and run properly. Antifreeze This fluid prevents corrosion and calcification in the car engine. There are different types of antifreeze in the market, and some of them lose their properties at the same speed. You should check what type of antifreeze your car needs. Here are some items to include in your maintenance schedule: Those that have glycol should be changed every 24,000 miles or 2 years The organic ones should be changed every 50,000 miles or 5 years If the antifreeze light turns on in your dashboard, this means that your engine is overheating and your coolant levels are very low. You’ll have to open the hood and leave it as is until the engine is cool. Do not try to touch the radiator because you could burn yourself! • • Tire Tracks The life of your tires depends on their tread, which provides traction on asphalt, especially in slippery conditions. To make sure your tires are working properly, look for any signs of wear on the surface or watch out for strange lumps that could indicate a problem.

4. Air Filter It is a porous material designed to prevent dust or other particles from getting into the engine. The filtered air is necessary for the car’s fuel. Keep in mind that for every liter of fuel that your vehicle wastes, it needs 10,000 liters of air. With that said, you should change the engine air filter every 9,000 miles or once a year. Since the environmental conditions may not be favorable for your vehicle, chances are, you have to change the filter sooner. The main indicators that it needs to be replaced are lack of power and the exhaust is emitting black or opaque smoke. Transmission Fluid To avoid an expensive repair, you should frequently check the levels of this fluid. The majority of the car models allow you to check it with the dipstick, while the engine is working. When you do it, you should check the color of the fluid. If it is black, you’ll have to wash the transmission and change the fluid. Even though every make and model is different, usually, the transmission fluid should be changed every 37,000 miles or 2 years. If you are going to change the fluid yourself, remember to check what type of transmission your car has. Since not all cars use the same transmission fluid, you will need a fluid with special characteristics suited for your car. The most common fluids are: DCTF: Double Clutch Transmission Fluid ATF: Automatic Transmission Fluid CVTF: Continuously Variable Transmission Fluid It is important to know if your transmission needs a synthetic or an organic fluid and if it needs to be high-performance or not. To know all this information, you must check the owner’s manuals or visit your nearest service center. • • • Lights It is dangerous when thelights on your car are not working properly. Also, this could lead to a fine if you get into an accident where it’s your fault. Remember that the lights help to

5. keep you safe on the road and to communicate with other drivers. Have your lights checked regularly to avoid being caught in an accident! Shock Absorbers Shock absorbers control impact and bounce when your car goes through a pothole, making them an essential part of the steering system. To ensure proper operation, you should check them every 50,000 miles or whenever you feel a decrease in smoothness when driving, as well as a loss of control. Why You Need an Expert Car Accident Lawyer On Speed Dial Doing these fixes and keeping a car maintenance checklist not only saves repair costs but guarantees the correct function of your vehicle. More importantly, a checklist will minimize the possibility of a car accident. If after following your maintenance checklist to a T, you still got involved in a car accident through someone else’s fault, remember that Farahi Law Firm is here to help. We have expert vehicle accident attorneys who are experienced in vehicle-related concerns and are passionate about getting you the compensation you are entitled to. Call us at (844) 824-2955 for a free evaluation of your case.

6. Power Steering Fluid The majority of the manufacturers recommend changing this fluid every 62,000 miles. However, it could be necessary to make that change in advance if any of the following scenarios happen: • Change of color; oil is darkening

7. The sudden presence of a burning smell Increased resistance when turning the steering wheel Presence of abnormal noises when turning the steering wheel Low fluid level or total loss of fluid Moreover, you should be in the habit of changing the power steering fluid if you have made any repairs to the pump or any other steering component. • • • • Tire Alignment Have you ever noticed that your car turns slightly to the left or the right when it should go straight? If so, it is the right time to take your vehicle for a tire alignment fix, just to be sure that they react and run properly. Antifreeze This fluid prevents corrosion and calcification in the car engine. There are different types of antifreeze in the market, and some of them lose their properties at the same speed. You should check what type of antifreeze your car needs. Here are some items to include in your maintenance schedule: Those that have glycol should be changed every 24,000 miles or 2 years The organic ones should be changed every 50,000 miles or 5 years If the antifreeze light turns on in your dashboard, this means that your engine is overheating and your coolant levels are very low. You’ll have to open the hood and leave it as is until the engine is cool. Do not try to touch the radiator because you could burn yourself! • • Tire Tracks The life of your tires depends on their tread, which provides traction on asphalt, especially in slippery conditions. To make sure your tires are working properly, look for any signs of wear on the surface or watch out for strange lumps that could indicate a problem. Air Filter It is a porous material designed to prevent dust or other particles from getting into the engine. The filtered air is necessary for the car’s fuel. Keep in mind that for every liter of fuel that your vehicle wastes, it needs 10,000 liters of air. With that said, you should change the engine air filter every 9,000 miles or once a year.

8. Since the environmental conditions may not be favorable for your vehicle, chances are, you have to change the filter sooner. The main indicators that it needs to be replaced are lack of power and the exhaust is emitting black or opaque smoke. Transmission Fluid To avoid an expensive repair, you should frequently check the levels of this fluid. The majority of the car models allow you to check it with the dipstick, while the engine is working. When you do it, you should check the color of the fluid. If it is black, you’ll have to wash the transmission and change the fluid. Even though every make and model is different, usually, the transmission fluid should be changed every 37,000 miles or 2 years. If you are going to change the fluid yourself, remember to check what type of transmission your car has. Since not all cars use the same transmission fluid, you will need a fluid with special characteristics suited for your car. The most common fluids are: DCTF: Double Clutch Transmission Fluid ATF: Automatic Transmission Fluid CVTF: Continuously Variable Transmission Fluid It is important to know if your transmission needs a synthetic or an organic fluid and if it needs to be high-performance or not. To know all this information, you must check the owner’s manuals or visit your nearest service center. • • • Lights It is dangerous when the lights on your car are not working properly. Also, this could lead to a fine if you get into an accident where it’s your fault. Remember that the lights help to keep you safe on the road and to communicate with other drivers. Have your lights checked regularly to avoid being caught in an accident! Shock Absorbers Shock absorbers control impact and bounce when your car goes through a pothole, making them an essential part of the steering system. To ensure proper operation, you should check them every 50,000 miles or whenever you feel a decrease in smoothness when driving, as well as a loss of control.

9. Why You Need an Expert Car Accident Lawyer On Speed Dial Doing these fixes and keeping a car maintenance checklist not only saves repair costs but guarantees the correct function of your vehicle. More importantly, a checklist will minimize the possibility of a car accident. If after following your maintenance checklist to a T, you still got involved in a car accident through someone else’s fault, remember that Farahi Law Firm is here to help. We have expert vehicle accident attorneys who are experienced in vehicle-related concerns and are passionate about getting you the compensation you are entitled to. Call us at (844) 824-2955 for a free evaluation of your case.