Regular upkeep of your car will give you a comfortable and safe drive while saving you money on unexpected significant repairs. Follow this helpful guide to learn more about when to service your vehicle.

Regular maintenance and checks

Before buying a car, there are a number of decisions that will determine the type of car you can afford.

One of these important items to consider is whether you have the budget for car maintenance.

In order to increase the longevity of your car, as well as its different components, it's important to perform routine maintenance on your vehicle at regular intervals, over and above your scheduled services.

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These checks include:

• Tires
• Windshield wiper blades
• Hoses
• Oil change
• Rubber gaskets.

You can take your car to a dealership or car mechanic for these checks, or you can do it yourself at home. 

Don't wait until your next service is due to pay attention to these car components, which may lead to extensive repair costs in the long run.

Vehicle Maintenance Schedule

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You should always consult your car's manual for the manufacturer's instructions on when to service your car or replace certain parts.

However, here are some recommendations to follow that will help you keep up to date with your car maintenance.

Following this guide will ensure that preventable car issues and unexpected repairs are avoided and decrease the mechanical spending on your car.

Engine check

Let's start with what's going on under the hood of your car. 

An engine service should be performed every 3,000 and 5,000 miles or when your check engine light goes on. Keeping your engine in top condition will save you on costly car repairs in the future.

During a diagnostic test on your car's engine, all the different parts in your engine will be checked, including fluids such as engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, power-steering fluid, and brake fluid.

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Tire rotation and replacement

All of your car's tires need to be inspected on a regular basis to ensure they are safe and economical to use.

Not only does the improper inflation of tires pose significant road dangers, but it also decreases fuel efficiency.

To drive safely and save on fuel costs, rotate your tires every 6,000 miles and replace them every 50,000 miles.

If you drive on roads in poor condition, it is recommended to do a tire rotation and replacement more often.

Air filter

Your car's air filter is responsible for keeping your engine clean of dirt and debris. A clogged-up engine will run slower and may lead to more extensive damage over time.

The engine air filter should be checked regularly and replaced every 15,000 miles.

If you find yourself in very dusty or heavily polluted environments often, it is advised to replace the air filter as needed.

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Fuel system and fuel filter

The fuel system on a car should be checked regularly for any leaks or obstructions.

The fuel filter, which makes sure the injectors are clean, should be replaced every 15,000 miles.

When the fuel filter is dirty, your risk of injector damage is higher, and you will also use more gas when driving.

Any damage to the fuel line or fuel filter needs to be addressed promptly to prevent any unnecessary loss of fuel, as well as the risk of engine damage.

Battery

If you are lucky enough to live in a moderate climate, you'll probably only need to replace your battery every five years. 

In climates with more extreme temperatures, this number decreases to three years.

Very hot or cold temperatures can lead to battery fluid evaporation or corrosion in the battery system.

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The battery fluid should also be checked every month and topped up if needed.

While you're at it, check the battery terminals for any signs of rust or damage.

Brakes

The brake fluid, which keeps the hydraulic brake system in peak condition, must be replaced after 20,000 miles.

A car mechanic will drain the old fluid in your system and replace it with new fluid.

This will have your brakes functioning as they should and prevent any alarming sounds that a faulty brake system may cause.

Brake pads and rotors

Speaking of sounds, if you hear a screeching noise while hitting the brake pedal, it's probably time to schedule a brake service.

Your driving style and the condition of the roads you often drive on will impact the longevity of your brake pads and rotors.

Generally, it is recommended to replace brake pads after 50,000 miles, while brake rotors can go for 60,000 miles before needing replacement.

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Coolant

Also called antifreeze, coolant is vital in the overall temperature regulation of your car. To prevent overheating, top up your engine coolant every 60,000 miles.

Without coolant, there is a risk of a blown gasket or corrosion in the engine and its components, which can cause considerable and costly damage.

Transmission fluid

Transmission fluid is what keeps your car's engine lubricated and in tip-top shape. It also plays a vital role in cleaning and protecting the transmission.

We advise replacing transmission fluid as soon as it has a dark red or brown colour and a burnt smell. 

As a rule, it's good to replace the transmission fluid after 30,000 miles.

Hoses

After about 90,000 miles, your car's hoses may need to be replaced. Damage to hoses usually comes about as a result of dryness, general use, and extreme temperatures.

At every car checkup or service, be sure to ask your mechanic to check the hoses for any holes, tears, or other types of damage.

Power steering fluid

Power steering fluid should be checked regularly so your driving performance and safety are not compromised.

A lack of power steering fluid can cause damage to key components of the steering system, such as the power steering pump, leading to expensive repairs. It is recommended to replace the power steering fluid every 75,000 miles or as needed.

Spark plugs

There are three types of spark plugs found in cars today: copper, platinum, and Iridium. 

• Copper spark plugs, present in older car models, have a shorter lifespan than platinum and Iridium. They need replacing every 30,000 miles.
• Platinum and Iridium spark plugs last longer and will only need to be replaced at around 90,000 miles.

Timing belt

Different cars require a timing belt change at different times, so check the owner's manual for replacing recommendations.

 However, the timing belt is usually checked every 75,000 miles to avoid catastrophic engine damage.

When a timing belt wears out and stops working, you're looking at damage to the valves, pistons, and cylinders.

This can lead to a complete engine shutdown, which will cost a pretty penny to repair.

Wrapping Up

Buying a car is the first step. Maintaining that car and keeping it in a safe driving condition is the next.

It's important to have the necessary budget for car tune-ups, brake services, and general auto maintenance so that you can avoid forking out tens of thousands on car repairs as a result of improper upkeep.