Top 10 Maintenance Items Car Owners Should Never Overlook

Keeping your car well-maintained and serviced so that it runs great year round is one of those things that car, truck and SUV owners know is important, but one that can be about as enjoyable to do as going to the dentist. (No offense if you are dentist) That said, here is our list of the 10 most frequently overlooked maintenance items that should not be overlooked.

Not Performing Scheduled Maintenance

Wow, who would have expected this to be the number one area that vehicle owners overlook or downright ignore when it comes to keeping their cars and trucks running in good condition. Why? Most often, drivers feel that if the car is running there’s no need to do any kind of maintenance to it. Why mess with a good thing right?

Well, the problem with that thinking is that it always comes back around to bite you in the pants, and your wallet. Repair bills always cost a LOT more than routine maintenance. One example to consider is your transmission. How much is a transmission service consisting of changing the filter, fluid and cleaning the screen? Maybe $100 or even up to $200. Now, how much is a new transmission? $2000-$4000+ depending on the vehicle. That’s enough to make you sick…or depending on your budget, a walker instead of a driver.

Oil Changes

Having regularly scheduled oil changes is the single biggest item that car owners neglect. Unfortunately, it is also the biggest cause for major engine repairs. Dirty oil is an enemy to today’s high-tech engines. Having it changed every 3000-5000 miles is going to save you big money during the course of your vehicle’s life.

Tire Pressure/Inflation

Because we’re a tire site we know all to well the results of not keeping your tires properly inflated on a daily basis. What many drivers forget is that rubber is not air tight. Over time your tires gradually lose air. They also expand and contract in hot and cold weather.

The reasons to keep your tires inflated is that it helps to increase the treadlife so you’re not having to buy tires so often, allows you to drive the car the way it was designed to be driven, and you’ll also get the best fuel mileage possible.

Worn Out Tires

While we’re talking about tires we should mention how important it is to replacethem when they’ve become worn out. We’ve all seen the guy driving around on tires that resembled racing slicks better suited for the track than driving right next to you at 70 mph in rush hour traffic. Not a pretty sight.

The fact is, tires wear out. But…they can wear out while still having a lot of tread left on them. Yes, after 5-6 years your tires can be shot due to the sun’s ultra-violet rays, ozone and extreme heat during the summer. Check your tires for signs of cracking and treadwear. Be sure to check the date your tires were made on the sidewall.

Changing Air and Fuel Filters

When is the last time you checked, or changed, your car’s air filter? If you can’t remember then it likely means it needs changing. Naturally, where you drive and how much you drive is going to determine how often you need to change filters. Folks who live off of gravel roads may need to change the airfilter two to three times a year, while others who drive only a few miles a week can change it annually or even longer. Why change it so often? It lets your engine breathe and run better, and in return it saves you money on gas by increasing fuel efficiency and performance.

Check Engine Light

Ignoring the check engine light for weeks and months on end is a recipe for a nice four-digit repair bill. Many times the light comes on due to a faulty CO2 sensor or other small maintenance item. But it could also be something that can lead to a major headache if not addressed pretty soon. The best tip here isto take your vehicle into a shop and let them put it on the computer to quickly find out what is wrong.

Windshield Wiper Blades

Here’s an item that is so often overlooked and ignored, yet is so simple to keep up on. Don’t you love riding in someone’s car when it begins to rain and they flip on the wipers only to hear them screeching across the windshield and leaving a trail of streaks in the process? It drives you nuts. The best thing you can do is replace your wiper blades in the Fall and Spring.

Brake Pads

Here’s one area it is unwise to blow off for any length of time. Your brakes are the only thing from preventing your car from running into something or someone else. If you are hearing noises likea squealing pad or deep grinding when you hit the brake pedal, get to the nearest brake repair shop now. Don’t wait a month or two. Your safety, and the safety of those driving around you, are far too important. Besides that, having to replace brake systems can be costly when compared to only needing new pads.

Hoses and Belts

Hoses and belts is something often overlooked until they give out. With today’s vehicles the serpentine belt controls just about everything in the engine compartment. When it breaks you won’t be moving down the road. What we recommend is changing this belt once every two years even if it doesn’t appear to be too worn down. Sometimes you are simply better off being safe than sorry, and this is one of those times.

Keep a Maintenance Record Book

If you’re like me then it can be hard at times to remember what you ate for breakfast let alone the last time you changed your oil or added air to the tires. This is where a small maintenance book can save the day. Truthfully, besides knowing when routine maintenance was performed, this book will also save you money by having records at your fingertips. You can show them to your mechanic or service technician if the need arises.

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