Routine oil changes are a no-brainer, but there are additional routine maintenance measures that can easily be overlooked. While this isn't a comprehensive list, it highlights some of the most overlooked car maintenance items that can help cut down on unnecessary car repair expenses and keep your car running smoothly.

A car battery lasts an average of two to five years. You can prolong the life of your battery by following some basic maintenance tips. You should check your battery annually and keep an eye out for warning signs that indicate your battery is nearing the end of its lifespan.

A battery that registers at You can revive your vehicle by giving it a jump start if you left your lights on, but having to regularly jump your battery is a sign it needs to be left on a battery charger for at least 24 hours.

You should also check your car battery's terminals to make sure the connections are clean and free of debris buildup. Also make sure the wires from the connectors are tight and without frays or breaks. If anything interrupts this flow of air, the engine will sputter or stall.

Most cars have at least one particulate filter for the air that is being sent into the engine for combustion.

That engine air filter requires regular cleaning or replacement. Replacement is nearly always the better option. Most air filters require replacement about every two oil changes, depending on the climate, contamination, and air quality where you live. Filters are cheap enough that more frequent changes are better.

Use only quality filters or insist that only quality preferably OEM filters be used. The fluids in your vehicle include engine oil, windshield washer fluid, grease, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and likely transmission fluid.

Some engines may have other fluids as well, such as diesel exhaust after-treatment. Most also have a way to determine how clean the fluid is. Motor oil and transmission fluid are accessed with dipsticks located inside the engine compartment.

These should be checked regularly. Windshield washer fluid is held in a reservoir that is usually visibly accessible from under the hood. Use a clean rag or paper towel to wipe off your dipsticks. Some experts say to run the vehicle until it reaches normal operating temperatures, shut it off, and then wait minutes before checking your oil dipstick.

Others say you can check the oil dipstick when the vehicle is cold. Not all vehicles have a transmission fluid dipstick. If yours does, check the transmission fluid level with the vehicle running. Your brake fluid can be found in a reservoir tank with easy to view fluid level indicators.

Also check the power steering fluid reservoir, which may have a dipstick depending on your vehicle model. The last fluid level to check is for your windshield washer fluid , which any experienced driver should be quite familiar with. Overinflating your tires can cause problems as well.

These car care tips involving visual inspections and light hands-on maintenance will keep your vehicles running smoothly. And if your car care skills allow you to do more in-depth maintenance on your vehicles, we can also help.

Our garage cabinet systems are ideal for a garage workshop. Our car lifts are also useful for vehicle maintenance tasks, in addition to being a great solution for adding extra garage parking space.

Schedule a free design consultation with us to plan your garage makeover. Car Care Tips: 7 Simple Maintenance Tasks You Can Do Yourself Reading time: 8 minutes. Approximate time needed: minutes 2. Change your windshield wiper blades One of the biggest safety concerns when driving is having a clear windshield to provide the highest level of road visibility.

Approximate time needed: minutes 3. Change the engine air filter Of all the care care tips listed here, changing your own engine air filter is probably the most intimidating.

Approximate time needed: minutes 4. Don't forget to check the spare tire! This may also come into play regarding leased vehicles.

Some lease terms specifically address wear and tear on the vehicle. Preventing undue damage to your leased vehicle can sometimes affect your payments, depending on the lease terms. Maintaining proper tire pressure may prevent undue damage which, in turn, can affect your lease terms.

See a dealer for more details. What if you own your car? As an owner, required maintenance advice is always good to follow because maintenance can help extend the life of your vehicle. Did you know that Toyota has been the Kelley Blue Book® Best Resale Value Brand for three years in a row: , , and ?

As much as we want them to, tires don't wear evenly on their own. The front tires and the back tires carry different loads on different vehicles.

The best way to ensure more even wear and tear is to get your tires rotated. It can also help the car drive better. It is recommended to have your tires rotated every 5, to 8, miles. Your Toyota Service Center professionals are maintenance experts, and tire rotation is just one of many services they can offer to you.

Check the balance of the tires during this appointment, too. Take a few moments to look at your car each day. There are a few reasons to do this, but the main reason has to do with vehicle health.

Regularly reviewing your car clues you into things on the exterior that need tending to such as tire pressure, cracks in the windshield, and chipped paint.

When you're inspecting your car, be sure to check the lights are they hazy? clean them! and tire tread. Many tires have tread indicators, but if not, you can always use the penny test.

Stick a penny in the tread of your tires. If you can clearly see Lincoln's full head, it's probably time for new tires. If you can see some of his head, your tires are worn but still usable. No one likes seeing a warning light turn on.

It could turn a simple spin around town into a stressful drive home. That's why you should learn what each warning light means and what to do when one is on. Often, having a warning light on is not a serious thing.

It could mean you're low on gas or that your car is due for a scheduled service. If one of these warnings come up, your car needs service as soon as possible. Your Toyota Dealer can always answer questions about warning lights as well.

Like tires and lights, it's a good idea to check your vehicle's fluid levels. Even if you leave changing them up to the pros, you should still know how to check them.

If you need help with checking the fluids, you can ask your dealer's Toyota mechanic for tips. The serpentine belt is one of the most important parts of your car and one that flies under the radar.

Usually made of rubber, these belts are used to drive and assist timing of many important car parts, like the AC condenser, water pump, power steering, and alternator.

If damaged, your engine could overheat and stop. The serpentine belt is vital to your vehicle's performance and needs care. A timing belt or chain, on the other hand, can be found inside your engine. Basically, the timing belt controls when the engine valves open and allows fuel and air into the cylinder.

It can also drive the oil or water pump depending on engine type. These belts feature teeth on the inside and are usually made of more sturdy materials such as neoprene, metals, but can also be made of rubber.

Interference engines that use rubber timing belts rely on the integrity of the belt to run properly. If the belt were to break while driving, catastrophic engine damage can occur. Vehicles that use timing chains rather than rubber timing belts may never need a replacement.

While most modern batteries don't need much tending to, it's good to know how to check them and where they are. This is especially true if you suspect there's an issue with your battery. The best time to check it is when you check your vehicle fluids.

Just take a quick look at your car battery while the hood is popped. If there is, don't worry. All you need to do is clean the contacts with a battery cleaning brush. Your Toyota Service Center can handle this maintenance for you.

Just follow these steps to get them looking new again:. Make sure you wear gloves and try not to touch any part of the corrosion.

Old and worn-out windshield wipers won't work very well, or at all, which means you won't be able to see if you are driving in inclement weather. Replace them before you think you need to. The best time to replace wipers is if your windshield is still dirty after running them.

For example, if you see streaks after using the wipers, it may be time to get a new set. Wipers are inexpensive and simple to replace.

Your dealer, mechanic, and local auto parts store can all help you find the right wipers for your car. Your car "breathes" better with clean filters. According to FuelEconomy. gov, the official U.

government source for fuel information, replacing filters improves acceleration and fuel economy.

Lighten your load Change your air filter Refresh your windshield wipers

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Lighten your load Fix foggy headlights 1. Inspect your battery · 2. Change your windshield wiper blades · 3. Change the engine air filter · 4. Wash your vehicle · 5. Wax your vehicle · 6. Check your: Free car maintenance tips

Good tire pressure will also help you know if your vehicle is Bargain specialty produce rips. Of Cost-effective meal offers the care cxr tips listed here, changing your own engine air filter is probably the most intimidating. Shop Online Now. You also agree to the Endurance Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. Price New Car Price Used Car.	Wash your car and check your oil levels once a month or before any long drive. Join Text Club Join Birthday Club Get Facebook Offer Earn Rewards Earn Referral Reward. Reattach the positive cable to the positive terminal and then reattach the negative cable to the negative terminal. Does it make weird noises when you crank it up, accelerate to a certain speed, turn a corner, back up or sit at a traffic light? Same great service and value. So get a professional to check your spark plugs so that those plugs are replaced if faulty. Car maintenance.	Lighten your load Change your air filter Refresh your windshield wipers	Putting off routine auto maintenance or ignoring your car's clues or hints that something is wrong can lead to more expensive repairs. Stay on top of your car General Car Maintenance Tips: 1) Refer to the Owner Manual: 2) Keep a Check on the Tire Pressure: 3) Change Oil and Oil Filter Basic Car Maintenance · Move your car out of direct sunlight and make sure it is not hot to the touch. · Get the vehicle good and wet to wash off any	Wash your car regularly. First thing's first: wash your car Wax your car to protect the paint Clean, protect, and refresh your floor mats
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1. Clean your vehicle regularly · 2. Get routine maintenance · 3. Don't skip major services · 4. Get your brakes checked · 5. Check fluid levels often · 6. Pay Here's a comprehensive list of car maintenance tips and checklists for every car owner · Inspect your vehicle regularly · Check your air filter Putting off routine auto maintenance or ignoring your car's clues or hints that something is wrong can lead to more expensive repairs. Stay on top of your car: Free car maintenance tips

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If Frde brake pads need replacing, you might hear squeaking or even metal Discount baby food deals. Change Baby freebies Battery Symptoms of bad car batteries include residue and caf car Discount baby food deals to start when you turn it on. Your Toyota dealer will have the knowledge and parts to keep your car running well. Preventing undue damage to your leased vehicle can sometimes affect your payments, depending on the lease terms. Having positive equity works in your favor if you want to refinance your car loan.	Give the rubber strips an occasional wipe with a damp rag or paper towel to remove any debris. Since then, I had new flare fenders with led lights installed on my Jeep Wrangler. It gives your vehicle a quicker steering response and a smoother ride of course. Proper tire inflation contributes to vehicle safety and optimal fuel efficiency. Take a look! You should also check your headlights at least once a month. One of the best ways to keep your vehicle running great is to work on a problem as soon as it arises.	Lighten your load Change your air filter Refresh your windshield wipers	Clean, protect, and refresh your floor mats Save money with these DIY car maintenance tasks. Check your oil, tire pressure, and tire tread. Replace engine and cabin air filters Lighten your load	Here's a comprehensive list of car maintenance tips and checklists for every car owner · Inspect your vehicle regularly · Check your air filter SHORT TERM CHECK-UPS · OIL AND COOLANT LEVELS · AIR FILTER · TIRE PRESSURE AND TREAD DEPTH · HEADLIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, BRAKE, AND PARKING LIGHTS · OIL & FILTER 1. Don't Skip Scheduled Car Maintenance Services · 2. Read Your Owner's Manual · 3. The Importance of Oil Changes · 4. Use the Correct Octane Rating · 5. Check Your

Free car maintenance tips - Clean, protect, and refresh your floor mats Lighten your load Change your air filter Refresh your windshield wipers

We're open from 8AM to 5PM on weekdays. We take cash, cashiers checks and all major credit cards. Open: Monday - Friday ampm Business Update for Coronavirus. Call Us Now Car Maintenance Tips For National Car Care Month — Trouble Free Driving. Check the battery to be sure connections are tight and watch for signs of corrosion on the connections.

Inspect all your tires, watching for uneven tread wear, which indicates the need for a wheel alignment. Look for bumps or bubbles on the tire walls. Check windshield wipers and blades to be sure they clear the window evenly.

Refill the washer fluid and keep spare fluid in the car. Check all lights including rear and brake lights to be sure all bulbs are working. Wash grime and dust off all the lights to maximize visibility. Many car owners can do the steps listed above for themselves, but the following safety checks usually require a professional service technician.

Check the brake system. This should include inspecting brake linings, rotors and drums. Inspect the exhaust system, checking for leaks, loose or broken hangars and supports. A leak in the exhaust system should be repaired immediately, to prevent carbon monoxide from the engine from getting into the passenger cabin, where it can be deadly.

Check to be sure the air conditioning is functioning properly. The steering and suspension systems should also be checked. Preventative Vehicle Maintenance Springtime is a good time to schedule an overall tune-up to be sure the engine is running smoothly and efficiently.

Gail Parker. Leslie Meyers. Hina K. Miriam Green. Samuel Jones. Loren Vann. Stephanie Besos. Conley Smith. Randall Vann. One of the biggest safety concerns when driving is having a clear windshield to provide the highest level of road visibility. Even if your wiper blades seem to be working well, periodically inspect the rubber strips on the blades for signs of cracking.

Give the rubber strips an occasional wipe with a damp rag or paper towel to remove any debris. Just as with most of the maintenance tasks included in these car care tips, variables such as weather and vehicle usage will affect your timetable for replacing certain car parts.

Next time you buy a new pair, buy an extra set you can store in the trunk and have readily available. On most vehicles, changing the windshield wiper blades can easily be done yourself. Of all the care care tips listed here, changing your own engine air filter is probably the most intimidating.

A dirty air filter will restrict how much air flow your engine takes in, which puts extra strain on the engine. This can affect gas mileage slightly and, more noticeably, acceleration performance on your vehicles.

The frequency with which an engine air filter should be changed will depend on various factors. Driving regularly on unpaved roads and in heavy traffic will cause air filters to become clogged faster. The maintenance schedules for changing air filters can vary widely between car manufacturers.

Some recommend doing it every 15, miles 24, kilometres , while others advise you to change it every 45, miles 72, kilometres.

A quick look at your air filter will let you know whether or not it should be changed. A dirty air filter will appear gray or black. One of the easiest car care tips to follow is to simply wash your vehicles on a regular basis. Doing so will protect the exteriors of your vehicles and keep them looking like new.

Some drivers wash their car or truck too little, while others go overboard and wash it too much. Parking in the garage is always recommended, as your cars and trucks will be less exposed to the elements.

That also includes things like acidic bird droppings, tree sap, dead bugs, and airborne elements like dust, dirt, and pollen. Take some windshield washer fluid or a wet rag and clean them so they're not streaking on you, and don't forget your back wiper.

Swapping out wiper blades is fairly simple: After pulling the wiper away from the windshield, press the small tab underneath and slide the blade off. Line up the new wiper with the arm and slide it down, pulling it tight until it clicks.

Over time, engine oil filters get dirty and clogged with debris, decreasing your fuel economy and swapping them for new ones isn't hard. Milchtein posted a video of herself changing her air filter , which takes just a few minutes.

Your owner's manual will recommend when to change your engine air filter, but depending where you live, you may need to change it more often, she adds.

Anytime you turn on your heat or air conditioning, the air blowing through your vents is going through a cabin filter, says Campbell.

Cabin filters are often behind the glove box, which pops out fairly easily to reveal the access panel behind it. Before a road trip, be sure your battery is fully charged, says Campbell, who suggests purchasing a volt meter or a battery tester. Clean off any mineral buildup on the battery contact terminals, and make sure they're tight, adds Bennett.

Most batteries last three to five years. To change it yourself, you'll need an adjustable wrench or ratchet set to loosen the positive and negative battery cables and the clamp holding it in place.

Then, switch out the old battery for the new one and reconnect. To learn more about preventive car maintenance, AAA's auto repair section offers resources and videos. Your Guide to Modern Auto Maintenance. Discover AARP Members Only Access.

Already a Member? See All. Carrabba's Italian Grill®. Savings on monthly home security monitoring. AARP® Staying Sharp®. Activities, recipes, challenges and more with full access to AARP Staying Sharp®. SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS. With a little tech support, you can change air filters, upgrade wipers, replace headlights.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn. Wendy Helfenbaum. En español. Published January 08, With a little advice, you can do your own car maintenance: Replace lights Check tire pressure Inspect tire tread Check engine fluids Change wiper blades Change air filters Check battery health.