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To keep your car in good condition and running as it should, you should read your automotive owners manual and pay attention to the suggested vehicle maintenance schedule provided by the car manufacturer. Following this schedule of servicing advice your car should run well, remain in good condition and last you for a very long time.
The car manufacturers recommendations are very important for you to follow. They designed the car and the engine, and understand what it needs to run its best for you.
It is usually recommended that your car have the following checks done about twice a year. Once at about 5,000 miles and again at about 10,000 miles.
The 5,000 and 10,000 Mile Servicing Check List
1. change the oil and the oil filter on your car
2. inspect all hoses
3. inspect all belts
4. check your vehicle fluid levels
5. check the lighting system
6. check your windshield wiper blades
7. check your brakes
8. check your tires. Check the air pressure and the treads and rotate your tires at least every 6,000 miles.
You can take your car to a shop to have these inspections made, or you can learn to do it yourself and save some money. Most of the tasks listed above are very easy to do by yourself. If you feel you don't have the know how or the experience to do it then take it to a service shop and let them do it for you. Don't avoid doing it. If you want your car to run at its optimum performance level it is important to keep it in good running condition.
The next maintenance schedule your car manufacturer suggests is at 15,000 miles.
The 15,000 Mile Servicing Check List
1. change the oil and the oil filter (this needs to be done every 5,000 miles and is very important to the performance and the longevity of your vehicle.)
2. change your air filter
3. change your PVC valve filter
4. change your windshield wiper blades.
5. change your transmission fluid
6. change your fuel filter
7. inspect your battery, your battery cables and the connections on the battery
if they need to be cleaned or tightened do it
Again you can do a lot of these changes yourself. You can buy a good vehicle repair manual to help you or you can take an auto repair class at a local adult school to familiarize yourself with the engine and the work your engine needs done at scheduled intervals through the year.
In between the longer periods of time between maintenance schedules, keep repeating the 5,000 miles check. Keep your oil changed and check your vehicles engine as mentioned above.
The next maintenance schedule your car manufacturer suggests is at 30,000 miles.
The 30,000 Mile Servicing Check List
1. change your transmission fluid and filter
2. change your differential fluid
3. change your transfer case fluid
4. change the brake fluid
5. change your fuel filter
6. change your antifreeze/coolant in your radiator
If you take care of your car it will continue to run for you for years to come. The suggested servicing and equipment checks above are easy enough to do and it pays to give your car the attention it needs. It is for your benefit to keep it in the best condition possible to avoid expensive repairs or breakdowns.
Always change your car's oil after the suggested mileage use as described in your owners manual. This is a very simple, but important, part of the maintenance of your car. It will keep your car's engine in top shape.