If you want to keep your car running smoothly for years to come, do not forget to check these things without fail at least every 3 months.

Oil & Filter

Let’s start with the Oil & Oil filter. It needs to be replaced every 3,000-5,000 miles depending on the model, so check your driver’s manual. Check the oil levels and color at least once every 3 months to ensure you are not losing or burning any oil. The oil filter must also be changed with every oil change.

Transmission Fluid

Some cars have closed systems that won’t allow you to change your transmission fluid yourself. However it is good to check the fluid levels at least every 3 months to make sure you are not losing or burning any transmission fluid.

On older cars it is better to just replace 40-60% of the fluid instead of draining it, due to the fact that sometimes particles of metal from the gears are what keeps together an old transmission and prevents it from slipping. If you drain the transmission you could lose these and finish up a transmission that was working by a thread.

If for some reason your transmission dies on you there is still hope! There are auto parts stores who sell car parts. There is no reason to buy a brand new transmission for an older, used vehicle; buy a used transmission from an online auto parts store. Check out My Auto Store, they have OEM parts that will fit your exact make and model, browse their used transmissions for sale.

Power Steering Fluid

As with the other fluids, you should check the driver’s manual to see the recommendation for when to replace your power steering fluid. Although this does not mean you should not check this fluid at least once every 3 months, you should check the color to make sure it is not too dark, check for particles or debris in the liquid, and smell it to make sure the liquid is not being burnt.

In addition, pay attention to the noises your car makes. The power steering fluid in the steering system is controlled through a pump that aids you when you turn the wheel. When the liquid begins to have too many impurities or is burnt, the pump gets noisy. That noise should give you a heads up that is time to change the power steering liquid. You may also feel the wheel tugging against you or that it requires more effort to turn the car at low speeds, which is another way to know when to change it.

Windshield Washer Fluid

This is a fluid you should keep in your trunk at all times. You should also check the levels of your windshield washer fluid at least every 3 months, especially in winter time when you might need to defrost your windshield.

Make sure you always have some of this fluid in your reservoir because you won’t know when you will need it and what is more important than being able to see the road clearly!

Lights

Avoid getting a ticket or causing an accident by checking that all your lights work at least every 3 months. The car’s lights are not only to make it easier to see the road and for other cars to see you, they are also a way to communicate with other drivers about what your intentions are.

If your blinkers, reverse lights, and brake lights are not working properly you are more likely to cause an accident or have someone crash into you. Plus, it is very common to get pulled over for a light not working, and why not avoid it and save money!

PS: Check the license plate lights too!

If your entire headlight or taillight is a goner, you can buy this used car part from My Auto Store as well! You can contact My Auto Store and ask one of their team members for help or fill out a form online.

Battery Terminals and Cables

The car battery is what allows you to use all the electronics in the car, plus it’s where the spark to ignite the car comes from. If you do not take care of it, you will have to replace it sooner.

The terminals get corroded in the summer as some battery liquid evaporates, even a small amount of corrosion can hinder the flow of current and eventually start causing problems.

Make sure you always clean the white crusty corrosion residue to allow the current to have a strong flow. Also make sure to keep a good pair of jumper cables in your trunk just in case your battery ever fails you, especially in the winter.

If you are wondering what other scheduled maintenance your car may need over a longer period of time, check out this awesome article “When Is It Time To Do Some Scheduled Maintenance On My Vehicle”! It expands on the checklist seen here and gives maintenance tips that may only need to be done once or twice during a vehicle’s life. Now, you have the tools to keep your car running smoothly for a longer amount of time. 

If you find yourself needing a car part replacement, you can browse My Auto Store’s used engines and quality used transmissions online. If you need any other used car parts please feel free to contact My Auto Store through phone or fill out a form.