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Car Service Checklist

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Table of Contents

Introduction

Use this Car Service Checklist for both self service or garage service:

Save the full checklist and customize it later.

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  • Monthly
  • Tire Pressure
    Depending on the weather, tires will either expand or contract, so check their pressure and add air if necessary.
  • Tires
    Look for things like uneven tread wear, thin spots or bulges and do something about them, quickly.
  • Belts
    Every car has belts that should be checked on a regular basis, to check for fraying and breakage.
  • Hoses
    Sometimes hoses will burst, become brittle or rot, so check them on a monthly basis.
  • Antifreeze
    Also called coolant, check the level and add to it if it's low.
  • Air Filter
    Check this and if needed, replace.
  • Every Three Months
  • Oil Changes
    Without regular oil changes, the car engine can be negatively affected in many ways, so do this every 3 months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first.
  • Batteries
    Check and clean the terminals and cables if they are corroded.
  • Brake Fluid
    Brakes do have a fluid level, so check it, and add to it if necessary.
  • Steering Fluid
    Again, a simple, easy thing to do; add to it if it's low.
  • Transmission Fluid
    One of the most important things to keep your car running, be sure to keep this at the proper level.
  • Windshield Washer Fluid
    Seeing out of the window so that you don't wreck is important, so keep this filled up in case of bugs, muddy rain or other problems.
  • Every Six Months
  • Brakes
    Note if they are starting to slip, or show any signs being worn down.
  • Brake Lights
    Ensure that these can be seen at any time of day, by anyone.
  • Exhaust
    Look for visible holes, cracks, or parts that are not tight.
  • Headlights
    Double-check that the brightness, both standard and bright levels, are actually correct.
  • Horn
    Does it work correctly, or does it need some help?
  • Shock Absorber
    Determine whether there are any leaks, visible damage, or if they are too loose.
  • Spare Tire
    First, ensure that there is a spare; then, double-check that the spare is correctly inflated for use, if it is needed.
  • Turn Signals
    Ensure that the lights work on the inside, and the outside of the vehicle.
  • Wiper Blades
    These do wear out, tear apart, and even rot, so replace them regularly
  • Yearly
  • Tuneup
    Going through the car, system by system to make sure each one is working properly will save you money in the long run.
  • Seasonally
    Check the AC in the spring, and the heat in the fall.
  • Alignment / Rotation
    Have your tires rotated and the steering aligned yearly.
  • Every Five Years
  • Battery
    Consider replacing the battery, if it hasn't already been done.
  • Electrical
    If electrical components in the car itself don't work correctly, this will effect the battery, and the entire car, so have it completely checked out.
  • Air conditioning
    While even the best air conditioners work for a long time, they still need to be re-done occasionally.
  • Radiators
    Tied into keeping the car cool, along with the air conditioning, radiators do need a torough going over, and occasional replacing.

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Presented by:

Taylor Peterson

Taylor Peterson
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PersonalAutomotiveMaintenance

Details

Coming up with a car service checklist for your own personal use is not hard. And doing it on your own, rather than relying on a repair shop, saves you money. In addition to maintaining your car for as long as possible, a well-oiled machine will also keep you safe. Protect your vehicle and yourself by performing regular maintenance.

Car Service Checklist Tips

  • Weather will impact your service in a couple ways.
    • Tire pressure. Because of the changes in heat and cold, tires expand and contract, causing them to possibly lose air. It's even more critical to regularly check the pressure during extreme weather changes.
    •  Antifreeze. Since this helps to maintain the heating and cooling units, it's critical during extreme weather.
    • This Car Service Checklist is just a reference. Save it to your account and then customize it to fit your particular car and your driving habits

Who it's for

This Car Service Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.

  • Avoid forgetting - keep all your Car Service essentials in one place (external memory)
  • Save time - start from a proven Car Service structure instead of a blank page
  • Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
  • Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
  • Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time

How to use it

How to use this Car Service Checklist

  • Save Car Service Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
  • Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for Car Service (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
  • If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
  • Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.

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