Vehicle maintenance checklist: Keep car, truck or van running smoothly in 2024 and beyond

Your vehicle represents a significant investment. Next to a home, vehicle purchases are typically the things we spend the second most money on. Keeping up with regular maintenance and repairs can keep you and your wallet free from unexpected problems.

First and foremost, consult your vehicle owner's manual for any unique needs your vehicle requires. Things like the type of motor oil or tire pressure requirements will vary from vehicle to vehicle.

If you're uncomfortable or have questions about maintenance or repairs, contact your car dealership, mechanic or service facility. USAA Perks can help you find a trusted service facility through RepairPal®. You can also schedule routine car services and save through CarAdvise®.

Review the following routine vehicle maintenance areas:

Car battery and electrical systems

Check your battery

If you observe a slow start or a change in the way your vehicle starts up, it could be worth your time to have your battery tested. Most batteries will run without issue for years. But any time you have a dead battery, it's not convenient.

Electrical systems

Many cars feature electrical systems like power windows and infotainment systems. Some of these are tied into your vehicle safety equipment. So, if you notice any issues with these components, identify the problems and get them repaired.

Ignition and fuel systems

If you hear a sluggish start or have a rough idle, it could be an engine component like a spark plug or coil pack that needs to be replaced. Spark plugs should last for quite some time, usually 60,000 miles or more. But review your owner's manual for the specifications on your vehicle.

Fluids

Fluid levels are good indicators of your auto's health. You can check your car's fluids or take advantage of service facilities that offer free check-ups. It's a good idea to change your fluids at regularly suggested intervals to keep your engine running and your car on the road. Check and change each of the following as your vehicle specifies:

Engine oil

It's suggested to change the motor oil and oil filter every 3,000 to 10,000 miles depending on the type of oil used, like conventional or full-synthetic. Replace your oil filter with every oil change.

Coolant

It's suggested to change your vehicle coolant every 30,000 miles or two years. When you flush the coolant, you should inspect your hoses and radiator as well. Look for any cracks or rotting. Replace any hoses that show deterioration.

Brake fluid

Brake fluid should be flushed and changed every 30,000 miles or two years. This is dependent on your driving habits as well as your vehicle and fluid specifications.

Transmission fluid

Transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles or every five years. Have your transmission serviced.

Power-steering fluid

Plan to flush and change your power steering fluid every 40,000 to 80,000 miles.

Here's a helpful tip: If you service your vehicle, check all the above fluids at every oil change. If you use a service facility or mechanic, they most likely will provide a multi-point inspection to determine if other work may be needed.

Windows, headlights and safety equipment

Glass

Take care of your windshield, windows and mirrors. Clean your windshield regularly to reduce buildup from weather or debris. Fix any chips or cracks that reduce your ability to see the road. A chipped or cracked windshield can impede your vision, and it can also hurt your car's curb appeal.

Windshield wipers

Inspect your wiper blades, front and back, if applicable, and replace them as needed. Don't wait until it's raining to find out your wipers aren't in good shape. Top off your windshield wiper fluid as needed.

Safety equipment

Check your vehicle's safety equipment too. Backup cameras and collision detection sensors are more common on today's vehicles. Clean any camera lenses and test any sensors your car has to make sure that you can use them appropriately.

Lights and signals

Check your headlights, taillights and signals to verify they all work correctly. Replace any faulty or failing bulbs as soon as possible. In addition to it being a driver safety risk, a faulty headlight or taillight could also end up in a traffic ticket.

Steering and tires

Tires

Make sure to check the tire pressure and inflate your tires to your vehicle's specifications. Most cars will have a tag inside driver's side door that provides the recommended PSI level for each tire. Most modern cars will have onboard sensors that can read your tire pressure as well. Driving at lower than required pressure can impact your cars' responsiveness, wear down your tire treads quicker and affect your gas mileage.

If you live in an area that has wet or icy conditions, consider tires that are designed to improve responsiveness during those conditions. All-season tires may be appropriate for many cars but some regional climates and car types may call for a separate set of winter tires with deeper tread depth.

Steering

Pay attention to any excess vibrations, difficulty or stiffness in your steering wheel. These could be signs of a mechanical issue that needs attention.

Other helpful tips

Engine air filter

A dirty air filter can reduce the airflow your car needs to run smoothly. Replace your air filter regularly with your oil changes.

Check your auto recall status.

Check to see if your vehicle has any open recalls. You can do this using your vehicle identification number (VIN). If there has been a recall on your vehicle, take action as soon possible using these recall tips.

Storing your vehicle

Many people choose to store their cars for prolonged periods. Whether it's a deployment or you're storing your car during the winter, it's important to prepare your vehicle appropriately for storage.

Vehicle cover

Even if parked in a garage, your car could experience an excess buildup of dirt or dust. So, keep it covered. Also, a car cover can help to keep pests out of your vehicle. Rodents may think of your car as their new home, and they tend to chew through wires.

Disconnect the battery

If the vehicle will be stored for more than four weeks, disconnect the battery. Be aware that some electronic systems will need to be reset after you reconnect it. Once the battery is disconnected, the alarm system may be inoperative. Take steps to make sure that your vehicle is stored safely as best as you can.

Review your auto insurance at least once a year

Now that your car maintenance is up to date, it's time to do the same with your auto insurance policy. Verify that you have the right coverages and deductibles in place for your needs. If you're storing your car for a long time, be sure to contact your insurance provider to make any changes to your coverages. Avoid canceling your policy. While your car may not be on the road, thefts, natural disasters and other things can still happen.