RETIRED – Vehicle Maintenance Checklist

At Preston Hood Chevrolet, any of our friendly staff will tell you that the secret to keeping your vehicle running like new is regular servicing. Here is a checklist of some maintenance tasks that you can do on your own.

Begin at the Bottom

Whenever you stop for gas, do a quick inspection of your tires. Make sure that none of them are punctured with nails or other debris. Check the tread depth by inserting a penny, head down. If the top of Lincoln’s head a showing, then your treads are too worn to be safely used. Replace your tires immediately.

Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System should automatically tell you if one of your tires is low on air. If your vehicle does not contain this feature, you can buy a tire gauge at any auto parts store and check the pressure yourself. You’ll find the recommended number on the driver-side door jamb or in your owner’s manual. If your air pressure is too low, fill the tire at your gas station.

Check the Oil

If you do not have an electronic oil monitor that reveals the condition of your oil, then you will need to check this important fluid on your own. Park your car on level ground and make sure that the engine is cold, so you do not burn yourself. Then locate the dipstick, which will be described in your owner’s manual.

Pull the dipstick out of its to and wipe off the oil from the tip. Reinsert the dipstick, pull it out again, and check the oil at the tip. It should be between the minimum and maximum levels. If it is below the minimum, you’re going to need to add oil as described in your owner’s manual.

Examine Other Fluid Reservoirs

Check the reservoirs of other important fluids for your vehicle, including radiator fluid, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. If you do not know where these reservoirs are located, check your owner’s manual, which will also tell you how to refill the liquids and what the recommended brands are for your vehicle.

Keep It Clean.

Dirt, grime, and other foreign substances that remain on the exterior or interior of your car can damage the finish or other automotive materials over time. So make sure to keep your car clean, which you can do yourself or by taking it to your local car wash. If you’re doing it yourself, you may need to pretreat stubborn stains before you do a general wash. Use a cleaner that is specifically formulated for your vehicle. And don’t forget to rinse it off. Rely on a clean cloth, such as chamois, to dry your vehicle.

As for the interior, begin by removing any trash, children’s toys, extra food, or anything else that does not belong there. Then vacuum the upholstery and the carpeting. Wipe any hard surfaces, such as the dashboard and door panels, with cleaner to remove dirt. Don’t forget to take care of the inside of your windshield and windows with a glass cleaning solution.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

If you ever break down on the road, an emergency kit can help you out of minor jams or make the time more bearable if you have to wait for roadside service. Put the following items in a backpack, so you can easily take it with you if you have to leave your car.

• Emergency food and water
• Toolkit and first aid kit
• Jumper cables
• Extra charger and battery for your smartphone
• Flashlight with extra batteries.
• Reflective triangles and road flares.
• Fire extinguisher
• Umbrella and/or rain poncho

In the winter, add cold-weather gear such as extra warm clothing, gloves, an ice scraper, and either Kitty litter or sand to use for extra traction. In the summer, include sunblock, sunglasses, and a sun hat.

Take Advantage of Our Service Department.

Did you know that every new Chevrolet comes with a free maintenance visit within the first year? This includes a multi-point vehicle inspection, tire rotation, oil and oil filter change, and a refill of the diesel exhaust fluid tank if your model is equipped with diesel. Take advantage of this when you can.

Beyond this, we can take care of all your maintenance tasks if you bring it in at the scheduled intervals. Not only will you be saving yourself effort and time, but you’ll also know that you are in good hands because our service technicians are all factory vetted and use parts that are approved by the manufacturer.