#Basic car maintenance checklist manual#
#Basic car maintenance checklist professional#

The next step is to have your tyres checked. This will help keep them from wearing unevenly and help you avoid emergency tyre repair bills. Get the tyres rotated every 8,000 to 16,000 kilometres. To replace the air filter, locate it under the bonnet, make a note of how it is installed, remove it, replace it with a new one, and secure the housing back in place.Īlways keep tyres properly inflated and balanced by checking the pressure regularly.

It is recommended to replace the air filter every 12 months or 20,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. Engine Air FilterĪ faulty or dirty or clogged air filter can reduce fuel efficiency and engine power. As a rule of thumb, spark plugs should be checked every 50,000 kilometres.

#Basic car maintenance checklist professional#

In accordance with the car manufacturer's guidelines or if you notice a loss of engine power, have a professional inspect your spark plugs and replace any that are defective. Your engine will lose power and won't run as efficiently if your spark plugs aren't working properly. The spark plugs in your engine are responsible for providing the spark that ignites the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber, which creates the energy that powers the car. You should also look out for signs of corrosion and that it is mounted securely every 3 months are so and make sure your battery is inspected by the professionals when it is due for its service. A battery's capacity and its ability to charge is greatly decreased in adverse weather conditions. Your vehicle may have trouble starting or completely fail to start as a result of this. One of the most frequent reasons of breakdowns in Ireland is worn-out and flat batteries.

#Basic car maintenance checklist manual#

Like the coolant this should only be done when the engine is cold and an expert or instruction manual should be consulted when looking at how and when they require topping up. Power steering and brake fluid should also be checked between services. To avoid injury only check your coolant levels when the engine is cold and look in your handbook for the correct coolant and anti-freeze mix to use should you need to top it up. The coolant tank is made of a transparent material and has an external maximum and minimum mark in most modern vehicles. Coolant Levels and Other Important FluidsĬheck that your car's coolant level is correct monthly because a low coolant level can cause your engine to overheat. Consult the owner's manual or a local dealer to determine the proper type of oil to use. It is important to check the oil level regularly using the dipstick and top it off if necessary. Low oil levels can cause damage to a car's engine if left unresolved.

If you regularly drive long distances, you should consider changing it more often. Have your oil changed at least once every 5,000 kilometres or three months (whichever comes first). Of all checks, it is the oil level that is most important and should be done frequently. Of all the parts of your car, this is probably the one with the most parts that needs checking and requires constant attention.