Car Service and Maintenance – Where to Begin?

The old adage of ‘prevention is better than cure’ can be applied to our car maintenance routine. Neglecting basic maintenance, driving too long on the same spark plugs and forgetting to change engine oil are among the most common ways to kill a perfectly good vehicle. One should regularly service their car to maximize the life and performance of their car to prevent any kind of mishaps down the road, which can be dangerous and costly.

To make it easier for you to keep track of your car maintenance schedule, we have created a basic car maintenance checklist on when and what to do when you service your car to help extend its life.

On Short Term basis (Can be done before you go on a long drive or every month)

Oil and Coolant Level
Low levels of oil and coolant level can lead to big damage to your engine or any unnecessary breakdowns along the way. That’s why it’s always best to look under the hood of your car to inspect these fluids while the engine is off.

Depending on the type of car and oil you are using, you may need to change both the oil and its filter every 3 months or at 10,000 km.

Air Filter
A functional air filter can improve fuel efficiency, decrease emissions, and help ensure that the condition of your car engine remains optimal. Air filter checking can be easily done at home, so check your owner’s manual for instructions and how often it needs to be changed.

Tire Pressure and Rotation
The number marked on the tires is the maximum amount of pressure that tires can contain. If the capacity is exceeded, it may cause a tire blowout. On the contrary, low tire pressure may lead to wasted fuel and hotter tires.

In addition to tire pressure, tire rotation should be done at every 8,000 km. The tread wear patterns on your tires may vary depending on your vehicle alignment, usage, and many other factors. Rotating them will help extend the service life by balancing the tread wear and help prevent vibration problems.

Car Lights
It is important that the lights on your vehicle are properly functioning, but oftentimes it can be easily overlooked. Ask for another person’s help to complete this check. You can also park your car in front of a flat surface to check if both the headlights are working properly and are well-positioned.

On Long Term basis (Every two years)

Spark Plugs
The spark plugs are used to ignite the car and the air mixtures that power up your car. Your car engine might not be performing at its optimal capacity if spark plugs are not working properly. You can opt to replace any faulty spark plugs when your car engine is not performing properly or get it changed at every 50,000 km.

Serpentine Belt
This simple piece of rubber is essential in keeping your car running by powering peripheral devices such as your alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioner compressor. Visually inspect the belt to ensure that it is free of cracks or other wear and tear. Make sure to replace it based on your car manufacturer’s recommendation.

Shock and Struts
The shocks and struts of your car function to control the impact of speed bumps and holes on the roads are essential to your auto steering system. These should be inspected by a professional every 100,000 km or when you notice a decrease in smoothness or loss of control when driving.

Transmission Fluid
Similar to your engine oil, this fluid is a lubricant that keeps all the moving parts inside your transmission working properly. No matter the transmission (manual or auto), it is important to get this fluid checked and changed whenever necessary to avoid any costly damage down the road. You can either change it every two years or after driving 50,000 km to 90,000 km.

Transfer Case Fluid
The transfer case is what shifts power from the transmission to the axles of a 4-wheel drive car. You’ll need to have the transfer case fluid checked according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations to make certain that it is properly filled and leak-free. You can change this fluid every 50,000 km. Coolant Fluid

Having your coolant system flushed regularly will help get rid of contaminants that can build up inside as well as ensure that your radiator is filled to a proper level. It is recommended to change coolant after the first 210,000 km or 120 months, then every 30,000 km or 24 months.

On seasonal basis (Every 6 to 12 months)

Replace Windshield Wipers
Wiper blades are degradable and become less effective over time. It is recommended to change them every 6-12 months. You should also know the signs of worn out wiper blades, such as broken, split or cracked pieces of rubber, weird noises when they drag across the glass, and so on.

Battery Performance Check
Car battery is one of the most important components for your car to run. Make sure to perform a battery check every time you service your car as extreme temperatures affect the battery performance. Some workshops give you a complimentary battery health check whenever you service your car with them; otherwise, you’ll have to request it during the service.

Now that you know when and what you should service on your car, do follow these tips to ensure your dream ride is always in tip-top condition.

If you’re in need of a trusted service center for a worry-free car service and maintenance, check out CARSOME Service Center. With a free 20-point inspection and affordable service packages starting from RM98, you can bring your car in for a professional service without breaking the bank. What’s more, we only use quality parts so you can be rest assured that your car will be well taken care of.

Car Maintenance Checklist