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The following is a quick guide you can use to remember Routine Maintenance Checks for your vehicle. Doing these Routine checks may seem like a hassle, but they could save you time and money in the long run. Try to get yourself into some good habits while driving and maintaining your vehicle. 1. ROUTINE MAINTENANCE CHECKS EACH TIME YOU USE YOUR CAR Check the tires for low pressure. If you do see a low tire, look for nails, screws, or other foreign objects that could cause a puncture. Check the outside for new damage. This is especially important if you are parked in a public parking area. If someone has damaged your vehicle, take pictures for your insurance company. Look for leaks. After leaving a parking spot, glance back and check for signs of a fresh puddle. When you walk away from your parked car, look for dripping liquid. Read This Article About Identifying Your Car’s Fluids: 2. ROUTINE MAINTENANCE CHECKS EACH TIME YOU GET FUEL Check your fluids. Check the level and condition of your engine oil every time you fill up. The other fluids that have a see-through reservoir like coolant and brake fluid only require a quick glance to see their levels are correct. Inspect belts and hoses. Take a look at your belts and hoses to look for abnormal wear. Use caution when touching a hot engine—a visual inspection is sufficient. Also, look for leaks around the engine compartment and under the car. Check tire pressure. This is a good time to check your tires for proper inflation. Frequent checking is the best way to maximize the life of your tires. Clean your windows and wiper blades. If a squeegee and towels are available, take advantage of them. Keeping your wipers and windshield clean will extend the life of your wipers. 3. ROUTINE MAINTENANCE CHECKS EACH OIL CHANGE Whether you change your own oil or have it done by someone else, you should perform the fill-up inspections as well as the following: Inspect your tires for abnormal wear and damage. Check your fluids. In addition to checking the levels, look at the fluids while the engine is cold, and check their condition. Inspect and lubricate the chassis. Check for underside problems and issues with the suspension when lubricating the chassis. Inspect the belts and hoses. With the engine cold, do a thorough inspection of the belts and hoses. Look for signs of leaking around the engine. Check the air filter. Check the external lights. Turn on your lights and make sure all your lights are working, including your turn signal and brake lights. Also, check the small bulb over your license plate. Inspect your battery. Inspect and clean the battery contacts if needed. Look for damage to the cables. 4. ROUTINE MAINTENANCE CHECKS EVERY OTHER OIL CHANGE In addition to the previously described checks, add the following to your list: Rotate the tires. Check automatic transmission fluid and power steering fluid. These are both usually checked while the engine is running. Check the fuel cap. Look for cracking and debris around the seal area. Check the seat belts. Check the belts for fraying and damage, and check the retractors to make sure they are working properly. Check weather stripping and seals. Check the door seals and weatherstripping for tears, breaks, or damage. Check computer codes. The computer should illuminate a dashboard icon if there’s a problem, but it doesn’t hurt to check for codes periodically. Read more on Virmoda.com