General Exterior Car Maintenance Checklist
Although you may take your vehicle in for regular maintenance checks, it is still important to keep track of your vehicles performance. Car repair can be expensive, so be sure to check some of the following on a regular basis. It would be wise to check these every time you change your oil.
• Doors-As simple as it might seem, you should make sure that your doors are all working properly. Check the hinges and latches to make sure they are oiled. Check the locks to insure that they latch properly and stayed securely locked.
• Engine Hood-Make sure that the hinges are oiled and in proper working order. Check the hood release and the secondary hood latch. Make sure that it remains latched after opening the primary latch.
• Lights-You will need to check the headlights, tail lights, stop lights, and turn signal lights to make sure they are all working when necessary. Be sure to check your headlights in normal and bright mode. Also, be sure that they are all aimed properly. Sometimes, after changing a bulb, the aim will be off. Most replacement bulbs can be purchased from any auto parts store.
• Tire Rotation-Every car is different due to wear and tear, weather conditions, and so forth. Your vehicle’s manual will give you the recommended tire rotation mileage requirements. But you can check to see if they are wearing evenly.
• Tires-Check your tires periodically for damage, nails, cuts or uneven or excessive wear. Check your tire pressure as well. Your owner’s manual will give you specific tire pressure information.
• Wheel Alignment-When you have your tires rotated, they will probably need to be realigned as well. It is relatively easy to spot if you need an alignment. The car will pull to one side or the other when you are on a straight road.
• Wheel Balance-If your steering wheel or car seat vibrates when you are driving at normal, recommended speed limits, this is an indication that your tires need to be balanced.
• Wheel Nuts-These are located under your wheel cover or rims. Check them, or have them checked regularly to make sure that they are tightened. They should be tightened to the specified torque (you can find this information in your owner’s manual) with a torque wrench.
• Windshield Wiper Blades-If you are seeing streaks on your windshield it is probably past time to change your wiper blades. These can be changed easily. Auto parts stores carry several different types of wiper blades and will be glad to assist you in locating the ones you will need.
Inspecting the exterior of your car should take you about an hour. It is a simple task that is easily performed. Following this checklist, as with all other car maintenance, can save you money on car repairs.