Essential Car Service and Maintenance Procedures: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Manufacturers agree to perform engine oil changes along with inspections and services to keep you car running correctly for many years to come. Each service is due after a number of miles have been driven according to the service manual included with each vehicle. Each procedure is outlined with a step-by-step process, making it easy to follow along and perform basic services on your own. Let’s dive into the core areas of car maintenance.

Car Maintenance Inspection

1. Engine Oil Change: Changing the engine oil is by far the best service you can do for your engine, if this service is neglected it can cause serious engine damage which is very expensive and can total the car.

2. Brake Pad Replacement: A vehicle's brake pads wear out at different rates depending on design, driving habits, brake pad quality, and road conditions. A typical brake replacement will include a brake caliper, brake pads and brake rotor and can occur as soon as 15,000 miles. Most brake pads have some kind the sensing device that will warn you if the brake pads are getting low, either a brake warning light or a noise sensor the will make a high pitched squeal.

3. Checking Fluid Levels: All fluids must be maintained at a proper level, while some are easily checked others will require a lift. These fluids should be checked when the vehicle is cold only to avoid getting burned, such as engine coolant, brake fluid, engine oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid and the fluid inside of the differential and transfer case, (if equipped).

4. Car Safety Inspection: A vehicle inspection is necessary to find any malfunction caused by outside forces such as road debris or defective parts. Start by checking under the hood, inspect the cooling hoses, vacuum lines and serpentine drive belt for any obvious cracks or breaks where a repair as needed. Next, look for any fluid leaks and pin point the source which will need repair.

Next, inspect under the vehicle to observe suspension components and driveline universal joints. replace any components that exhibits excessive wear or torn lubrication boots. Also inspect for "rust dust" on any frame member, universal joints, sway bars, locating arms, strut rod mounting bolts and any other frame or suspension components. This rust colored dust is created from metal on metal friction with no lubrication and is indication that a components has failed.

5. Shock Absorbers: Shocks and struts are used to control the vehicle, when a shock or strut fails it can cause the car tire to lose contact with the ground, when a car tire loses traction it can initiate a skid resulting in an accident. To test the operation of your shocks start by parking your car on level ground. Then take one knee on the front or rear bumper, then lean into the car putting all our body weight on it, then release it. The car should pounce up and then stop, if the car continues to bounce the socks or strut are worn out and need to be replaced.

6. Safety Belt and Airbag System: There is no maintenance for these items, just visual and operational inspections. To check test the airbag safety system start by sitting in the driver's seat with all doors closed. Start the engine and allow to idle, the airbag and seat belt warning light should illuminate for about five seconds and then go out. If either of these lights stays illuminated the system has shut down, (Note: if an airbag warning light is illuminated while driving, the airbag safety system has been disabled and will not deploy in case of an accident.)

Next, inspect the seat safety belt material for defects, tears or burn marks. Then, check the retraction action of the belt, it should retract fully with no rough or weak spots, replace the seat belt if damaged or shows signs of wear.

7. Replace Windshield Wipers: In foul weather is essential to have new wiper blades to ensure proper windshield vision and control of the car. Replacing wiper blades is relatively simple, snap the new wiper blade in place and lower the wiper arm, repeat this operation on the opposite side.

8. Checking Tire Wear and Pressure: Tires need to maintained at a prescribed air pressure level and rotated at scheduled intervals, most vehicle tire pressure recommendations are located on a sticker in the driver's door jam or on the tire sidewall. For the tire rotation, is advised to keep the tires on the same side of the car, front to rear and rear to front.

9. Battery Inspection: While inspection your car's battery looks for external acid deposits, bulging, sulfur odor, or slow cranking, these are all signs the battery needs to be replaced.

10. Checking Engine Air Filter: A car engine must have clean air to process, if any debris is present in the intake manifold it will cause premature engine failure. Inspecting the air filter is a simple process in most cases and typically only involves opening the hood and locating the air filter housing that is usually near the air intake, if the air filter is dirty it will need to be replaced.

11. Engine Tune Up: The engine ignition, fuel delivery and emissions systems are main support systems for your cars engine. These systems have various service parts and filters that must be changed for proper engine operation. The engine electrical system includes: spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor cap, and ignition rotor (if equipped). If these components are left unattended they will build up additional resistance causing the ignition system to fail and the engine to misfire.

12. Checking the Exhaust System: An exhaust manifold is used to transfer exhaust gases from the engine to the exhaust pipe. This system needs little maintenance but a visual inspection is needed to ensure the proper operation. Engine exhaust is a poisonous gas,  in concentrated amounts can be deadly so it is important to perform an inspection annually. If an inspection reveals any rusted holes or broken exhaust pipes replacement is required.

Conclusion

By following these maintenance procedures, you can extend the life of your car, improve its performance, and prevent costly repairs. Remember to consult your vehicle's owner's manual for specific intervals and procedures tailored to your make and model.

Credits

This guide knowledge base was created by the 2CarPros Team, and by Ken Lavacot: Automobile repair shop owner and certified master automobile technician of over 30 years. If you have question or need help please ask one of our experts we are happy to help. Please visit our 2CarPros YouTube Channel for additional car repairs.