According to the most recent count by the United States Census Bureau, there are approximately 331.9 million people living in America. And as of 2021, there were a whopping 278,063,737 personal and commercial vehicles registered to U.S. drivers. This leaves, what, only the infants and children who cannot yet own a vehicle out of the equation? Suffice to say, the percentage of humans who possess the power and mobility of a car or truck in the States is a high one. And as the saying goes: with great power comes great responsibility.
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And as of 2021, there were a whopping 278,063,737 personal and commercial vehicles registered to U.S. drivers
Chances are, if you’re reading this, you have owned, currently own, or will at some point own a vehicle. And while we are taught the importance of driving lessons, road etiquette, how to snag a good deal when purchasing a car, and of course the necessity of quality car insurance, how many of us recognize the value and imperativeness of regular and preventative maintenance?
As humans, we understand that if we don’t take care of our bodies, they let us know. Sometimes the message is uncomfortable, sometimes it’s annoying, and occasionally, it’s dire. And the same thing is true with cars: the little rattle, the small leak, the flashing light you hope will go away on its own. But we all know that the best care is prevention. With physical bodies and automotive bodies: regular, careful attention and maintenance is key.
The question is though – where to start? What areas need the most consideration? What can I do myself versus what I trust to a mechanic? Well, we thought we’d make it easy for you and provide a small but mighty checklist of super helpful points worthy of maybe a screenshot…or if you’re old fashioned, some good old pen and paper note taking. Because (and we barely have to remind you of this): at eTags, we’re here to help!
Maintenance Checklist
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Check Your Oil
Oil is basically the lifeblood of your vehicle. Meaning, oil affects almost every system in your car, and when it becomes compromised, so can all the parts it interacts with. Oil (and oil filter) changes are inexpensive and can be one of the best 5,000-mile investments you can make in ensuring the health of your vehicle.
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Love Your Spare Tire
No, not the one you acquired around your midsection during the holidays…. The spare, lifesaving rubber tire in your trunk should be getting just as much attention as the four wheels that carry your car around ever day. Testing the pressure in your spare at the same time you test the other four can end up saving you hundreds of dollars if you ever get a flat. Rather than paying for a tow truck, consider taking the few minutes to say hello to your spare once a month so that if you need it, it’s ready to step up.
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Brake For Your Brakes
Think you heard a squeak when slowing your vehicle? Pretending the squeak is nothing because you know how expensive brake pads are? Consider this: the squeak is not the beginning of the end…it usually means your brakes are really close to kicking the bucket. And while the investment can be hefty, we’re pretty sure your life (and any loved ones riding with you) is worth infinitely more. If you hear the slightest squeak, get thee to the mechanic and get those pads checked and replaced ASAP if necessary.
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Keep That Battery Beautiful
This might be the easiest maintenance bit. Much like the few minutes spent brushing your teeth, buying a wire brush to keep the top of your car’s battery clean makes all the difference. Sometimes batteries become corroded, developing a blue or white powder on the exterior, which could eventually lead to malfunction or complete shutdown. Brushing this powder off right when you notice it (and regularly checking to see if it comes back) can extend your battery’s life and keep you from unexpectedly getting stranded due to lack of power.
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Be Cool With Your Coolant
For such a small gesture, the rewards are tenfold. The twice-per-year survey of your coolant – once before warm weather, and once before cold weather – can mean the difference between corrosion and breakdown, and the smooth functioning of many systems, including your heater, air conditioner, radiator and air pump. And in case you or your neighbors have any four-legged friends, keeping your coolant in check will help avoid any curious doggies trying to investigate mysterious puddles under your car.
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Rotate The Round Things (Tires, that is!)
Rotating your tires every 3,000 to 5,000 miles can extend the life of those pricey accessories. The occasional spin means you can keep about $200 per tire in your pocket for a lot longer. That’s no small savings, either.
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Clean Your Cabin
Regular attention to your air filter not only keeps pollution away and your lungs healthier, but also extends the life of your whole air conditioning system. A neglected air filter can end up damaging more than just the quality of oxygen in your vehicle, so the maintenance investment is well worth it for both you and your ride.
The average yearly maintenance costs can vary from as little as $600 to $1,800 depending on your car’s make, according to a BankRate post, but cost and time spent is well worth it. Your safety and preserving your investment as long as possible are both important. While this list is in no way complete or comprehensive, but it’s a great start for anyone who is genuinely interested in the long-term care and health of their vehicle, and by extension, themselves. Prevention is always the best cure (and a good way to save some dough).
