1. Establish a simple plan of attack. One way to think of this is to use the acronym T.O.W.B.I.F., which stands for Tires, Oil, Windows, Brakes, Interiors, and Fluids. Use your owner's manual to establish a schedule for your car.
2. Tires. Make sure they are properly inflated to the manufacturer's specified pressure. Tire gauges are cheap and easy to use. Tires should be replaced when tread wearindicators are showing between the treads. Ask your local tire dealer if you are unsure how to identify tread wear indicators. Check your tires every other day for pressure and every week for wear or damage. Have them replaced when they become worn beyond acceptable limits.
3. Oil. Oil is the blood of your car, and without it, the car isn't going to go far or quietly. Have your mechanic demonstrate how to check your oil properly, and have the oil changed every 3,000 – 3,500 miles. While oil manufacturers have claimed that their oil can last 10,000 miles, it is generally best to use the same oil for no more than 5,000 miles to maximize engine reliability and efficiency over the long term. Check the oil regularly, about once a week, and change the oil or have it changed when you reach the 4,000–4,500 mile (6,400–7,200 km) limit.
4. Windows. Make sure that all windows, mirrors and lights are clean and not broken. Replace any broken lights or mirrors as soon as possible. Have small windshield cracks by a windshield repair center to determine whether the windshield can be repaired or needs to be replaced. Check regularly for cracks and damage.
- Allow plenty of room if when following behind other vehicles that could throw objects from the road or loose debris from their loads. Even a small pebble from the back of a gravel truck can damage your windshield.
5. Brakes, belts, and battery.
- The braking systems of modern cars are designed to be replaced periodically to maintain maximum braking efficiency. If you notice ANY problems with the brakes, take your car to have the brakes checked immediately. If the brakes fail, you can have a very serious crash.
- Check the belts or have them checked regularly for wear and tension. Very loose belts often make a loud squealing sound; have yours serviced if you hear this noise.
- Check the battery once per month for corrosion and clean it or have it cleaned and as needed. Avoid running your battery down, if possible. Even with a jump start, it's hard on the battery. Batteries do eventually get old. If you must replace your battery, also check the alternator to make sure that it is still functioning properly.
7. Fluids. The other lifeblood of the car are the fluids that the drive train must have. Coolant, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid, brake fluid, and other fluids need to be checked at a minimum of once per week. Ask your mechanic to demonstrate the method to check these.
8. Lights. You can check your own lights if you have someplace you can park near reflective glass windows, or you can ask a friend to walk around your car while you turn on different lights. Make sure to check your headlights, taillights, reverse lights, brake lights, and turn signals.
- Notice where your headlights point and correct it or have it corrected as needed. They should be pointing down and towards the outside of the road, not straight out, up, or towards the center. You can see the light pattern on the road ahead of you. Misaligned headlights can be distracting or hazardous to drivers ahead of you or in oncoming or adjacent lanes. If they are too low, this could limit the distance you can see while driving at night.
10. Emission control systems. Depending on where you live, you may be required to get your car checked for emissions periodically. This is usually part of the MOT inspection. Generally, a professional must perform the diagnosis. Oxygen sensors and EGR valves are two common culprits
