This Is the Ultimate Car Care Checklist Made for Your Budget
09/12/2024
In most of America, you need a car to get around, but how many people consider their car a financial investment? It's a necessary part of daily life, but what happens when you don't give your car proper care and maintenance?
It's easy to derail your finances with unexpected repair costs. If you buy a brand-new car, it comes with extensive warranties that cover the first few years of maintenance, but what happens when that runs out, or if you buy pre-owned? If you want your finances AND your car to continue running smoothly, then it's important to maintain your vehicle.
Don't worry - we've put together a simple guide to help you keep track of your car's maintenance so you can keep it running smoothly.
Monthly Checks
- Check Oil: Get in the habit of checking your oil at least once a month to help you prevent issues.
- Monitor Fluids: Check the levels of all your various fluids, including coolant/anti-freeze, windshield wiper fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, etc.
3 Months
- Check Tires: Check the pressure, treads, and condition of all your tires! Look for uneven wear patterns, damage to treads or sidewalls, and low treads.
- Inspect Hoses: Make sure none of your hoses are brittle, cracked, or leaking. If they are, they need to be replaced right away, or they can cause more significant issues.
- Examine Belts: Make sure your belts are tight, secure, and in good condition. If any are frayed or worn, replace them immediately.
- Check Exhaust: Inspect for damage or leaks, especially if the exhaust has been making any strange noises. Repair or replace the exhaust immediately if there are any problems.
- Monitor Air Filters: Filters should be primarily white or off-white. If it's dirty or has debris, replace it.
6 Months
- Oil Change: When you need an oil change can vary depending on your vehicle and how often you use it, but typically, it should be replaced at least twice a year.
- Rotate Tires: Swapping out the placement of your tires ensures they last longer by helping them wear out evenly and improves your safety on the road.
- Check Battery: Make sure the battery is mounted securely and cables are fastened tightly. Verify that there's no evidence of corrosion.
1 Year
- Inspect Brakes: Inspect all components of the brake system, including the pads, linings, rotors, and fluid.
- Check Alignment: Make sure your car isn't pulling to one side. Even if it tracks in a straight line, it's a good idea to double-check the alignment once a year.
- Replace Coolant/Anti-Freeze: Replace this fluid annually - or more often, depending on the climate.
- Replace Air Filters: Ensure you replace your engine and cabin air filters once a year, even if they're not noticeably dirty.
2 Years
- Monitor Transmission Fluid: Change transmission fluid as recommended to avoid costly damage to your transmission or having to replace the whole thing – which is even more expensive.
- Inspect Brake Fluid: Completely replace your brake fluid to prevent damage to the brake system that could cause your brakes to fail.
- Check Fuel Filter: Failure to change out your fuel filter can result in engine stalling, misfires, and numerous other problems.
Address ASAP
Sometimes, you're going to miss something your car needs, but thankfully, your vehicle has built-in systems to alert you when something isn't right. If any of these issues arise, make sure you take care of them immediately.
- Check Engine Light Is On: When your check engine light comes on, it means your car's system has encountered a problem it can't fix. If the light stays constantly on, get your vehicle checked out as soon as possible. But if the light is flashing, take it to a repair shop immediately!
- Tire Pressure Light Is On: When this light comes on, check your tire pressure and check for a leak! Put extra air in your tires to get them to the appropriate level.
- Headlight or Taillight Is Out: Check for a blown fuse if a light goes out. If the fuse isn't the problem, get the light replaced immediately. Driving with a burnt-out light is dangerous for you and other drivers as it impacts visibility.
ARE YOU CU CERTIFIED?
You can try to prepare for every eventuality, and still fail to cover everything. That's why it can help to have a vehicle service contract to cover what you can't. If you plan to get an auto loan with Atlantic, you can also get the CU Certified Coverage. Some of the benefits include:
- Vehicle Protection - CU Certified pays for the cost of parts and labor during the repair or replacement of major component parts when in conjunction with the repair of a covered item.
- International Acceptance - CU Certified Agreements are accepted by repair facilities nationwide and Canada. In the event that a network repair facility is not available, transient claims are paid by a Century Automotive Credit Card.
- Diagnostic Coverage - Unlike some programs, CU Certified Auto pays for the cost of diagnosing your vehicle's covered failure. This can save hundreds in labor rates.
- Rental Reimbursement - If a member is in need of a rental vehicle during a mechanical failure, due to covered repair work, CU Certified will allow rental coverage with no deductible.
- Trip Interruption - In the event of a covered mechanical breakdown occurring more than one hundred (100) miles from a member's home, the member may receive up to one hundred dollars ($100.00) per day for up to 3 days for meals and lodging.
- Tire & Wheel - CU Certified surcharge provides coverage for damage caused by road hazards to your tires and wheels for the length of the CU Certified contract chosen.
It's important, when comparing your options, especially if you're buying from a dealership, to know that vehicle service contracts don't always offer the same coverage. When shopping for a new vehicle, you should also consider the vehicle service contract and coverage that best suits you!
Interested in being CU Certified? Ask your Consumer Loan Officer to learn more!
We're Here to Help!
Maintaining your vehicle will increase its performance and longevity while preventing many unforeseen and costly repairs. Remember, a well-maintained car is not only safer to drive, but it also holds its value better over time. Take care of your car, and it will take care of you.
If you're facing unexpected car repair costs and looking for an affordable financing option, we're here to help. Our team will work with you one-on-one to get you the funds you need to either repair your vehicle or purchase a new one. Please stop by any of our convenient branch locations or call 800-834-0432 to speak with a team member today.
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Each individual’s financial situation is unique and readers are encouraged to contact the Credit Union when seeking financial advice on the products and services discussed. This article is for educational purposes only; the authors assume no legal responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of the contents.