Doing so may negatively affect your vehicle’s handling and the life of the tire. Otherwise, you should check with the tire manufacturer or a trusted professional directly to get an inflation recommendation-and that figure can vary depending on the ways in which you use your vehicle.ĭon’t inflate the tire to the pressure stamped on the tire sidewall that’s the maximum sustainable pressure. Usually, basic car maintenance involves checking or replacing parts like spark plugs, wires, fluids, and serpentine belts. If it’s flashing, you may need to get to a service shop immediately. If this light is constant, get the car checked as soon as you can. Check the pressure at least once a month. If your car still has its original tires, the correct pressure can be found in the owner’s manual or on the driver’s doorjamb. Service right away Attend to as soon as possible if your car is experiencing the following: Check engine light The check engine light indicates your electronic control system has run into a problem it can’t fix. Service Immediately Monthly Check-up 3-Month Check-up 6-Month Check-up 1-Year Check-up 2-Year Check-up Long-Term Check-up The Importance of Car Maintenance When you perform car maintenance. Incidentally, the TPMS light comes on only after a tire is 25% or more underinflated, which is dangerously low. (Gauges attached to the air hoses at gas stations are notoriously unreliable.)Ĭost to replace a set of tires: $500 or more. Now, let’s dive into the comprehensive car maintenance checklist. Battery: Test twice per year, preferably before winter and before summer. Steering and alignment: Check annually, or if you notice steering issues. If you have a transmission dipstick, check your car’s transmission fluid every six months. Yet according to a survey by Schrader International, a maker of TPMS components, 42% of drivers fail to identify the light when it comes on.Ĭost to properly inflate tires: $10–20 for a basic tire-pressure gauge. Filters and belts: Replace air and cabin filters every 12,000 to 15,000 miles inspect belts regularly. Tires low on air pose a safety risk, waste fuel, and can self-destruct.Ī tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) has been standard on cars since model year 2008 a dash warning light indicates loss of pressure in 1 or more tires (some systems even indicate which tire is low).