Vehicle Maintenance Checklist

You want to be able to drive your vehicle problem-free for as long as you choose to own it. The secret to achieving that goal is to perform regular maintenance. The following checklist reveals the more important service tasks.

Start at the Bottom

Properly inflated tires boost fuel economy while optimizing handling. Many of the vehicles at Community Buick GMC have a built-in Tire Pressure Monitoring System that tells you when your tires are low on air. If not, you can buy a tire gauge at any auto parts store to manually check the pressure. The recommended number is listed in the owner’s manual or on the driver’s-side door jamb. If the pressure is below that number, you can fill the tire at your local gas station.

At least once a month, inspect the treads on your tires for wear. Try the penny test. Insert the coin into a tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If the top of his head is showing, the tread is too worn to be safe. You should replace your tires immediately.

Check the Oil

Of the many fluids that are needed by your vehicle, oil is probably the most important because it lubricates the engine and prevents it from overheating. Check the oil at least once a month if not more often.

Make sure that your car is parked on a level surface and give the engine some time to cool. Then pop open the hood and remove the dipstick. (If you don’t know where to find the dipstick, your owner’s manual can tell you the location.) Wipe the tip and reinsert it into its tub. Then pull it out again to see if the oil is within the correct range. If the oil is near minimum, add oil a little at a time into the oil fill port. After each edition, check the dipstick as before to make sure that you’ve put in enough fluid.

Inspect the Battery

The battery primarily provides the power to start your vehicle and also allows your lights, wipers, and audio system to function for a short time when your engine is turned off. Give it a look every time you open the hood to make sure that it is mounted securely and that its connectors are fastened tightly.

If the terminals are showing corrosion, you can typically clean them using a mix of one tablespoon of baking soda and one cup of water. Wear gloves and use an old toothbrush to scrub the terminals with the mix. Don’t forget to rinse any residue with water and wipe the terminals dry with a rag.

Shed Some Light

You can’t usually tell if you have a problem with your lights by yourself. So once a month, get a family member or friend to turn the headlights on and off, switch between high beams and low beams, step on the brakes, turn on both signals, and set the vehicle in park. As this is being done, walk around the vehicle to verify that all your lights are in working order. If any of them are burned out, you may need to take them to our service department to get fixed.

Change Your Wiper Blades

Your wiper blades keep your front view clear and are necessary when you drive in bad weather. If you notice that your wipers are not cleaning as well as they used to or are leaving bothersome streaks, it’s time to change the blades. You should do this every six months or every year. Be sure to use the right type and go for a high-quality brand that will last longer. Your owner’s manual or the blade package can tell you how to make the change.

Bring It In

The best thing you can do to keep your vehicle well-maintained is to bring it into the service department of Community Buick GMC according to its regular service schedule, which will be listed in the owner’s manual. Our factory-certified automotive techs can perform all these tasks plus others that you can’t do such as balancing and rotating the tires, changing the oil, and checking for leaks. We rely only on manufacturer-approved parts, so your vehicle runs in as original condition as possible.