There are different levels of routine car care that car owners can adhere to.  If you want to keep your car running for 200,000 miles or more you should be more diligent with your car care regimen.  This type of routine may cost a little more for the life of your car, but it should keep it on the road for a long time.  You can opt to pay a little less for your routine car care and still achieve good results for maintaining your vehicles life.  You can do just the minimum car care if you only keep a car for a few years.  What you should have done and when will be discussed for each type of car owner.

When you should do some of the maintenance will depend on the manufacturer’s guide for the make and model you own.  These things would be the tune up requirements, timing belts if applicable and any other recommendations.

When should you check under the hood? At least once a week.  It can be done when you are at the filling station so it becomes a routine.  What are you looking for?  The oil level, washer fluid and any loose wires.  The transmission fluid should be checked periodically as well as the radiator.  Only inspect the radiator fluid when the car is cool, however.

The next subject is an oil change.  It should be done approximately every three thousand miles.  Once you have your oil changed there will be some type of reminder attached to your vehicle so that you will be alerted as to the time of the next oil change.  This schedule applies to all types of car owners.

Checking the alignment and balance of your car can vary.  If at any time you notice a problem with drifting or vibration you should take the car in.  The person that wants to get the longest life from their car may have it aligned and balanced about 12,000 to 15,000 miles.

Rotating the tires can occur at 6,000 mile intervals or whatever the tire manufacturer suggests.  This will provide the optimum life of your tires.  If you don’t drive your car a lot you may wait six months or a year before they need to be rotated.  However, the tires should be checked regularly.  If they are showing signs of wear they should be rotated.

Washing your car should be done once a week if you are interested in prolonging the finish.  Every two weeks or once a month is also alright if you have it in a garage or don’t plan on keeping the car a long time.  If you live in an area that uses chemicals on the road during the winter you may need to wash it more frequently so that rust and corrosion don’t harm the body and finish of the car.  Waxing can be done twice a year.

These recommendations are guidelines that can be followed to retain your car’s beauty and function.  It is always best to refer to the manufacturer for their recommendations.