Automobile Maintenance

Image: Combat Cars on Sega Genesis!

Recently, I put together my own "how to" manual for keeping track of car maintenance, and I thought I'd stick it here in case anyone else wants to put it in their "home management" notebook. Some of this you do DIY, e.g. engine and cabin filters, windshield wipers, etc. to save on shop costs.

​Keep in mind the price guide provided match my car and chosen shops.

Balance versus Alignment

• https://blog.firestonecompleteautocare.com/alignment/tire-balance-vs-alignment/

Alignment

• Symptoms: car pulls to one side; premature tire tread wear; squealing tires; off-center steering wheel; steering wheel vibrates when accelerating
• When: wheels off-center; change in suspension components or tires
• Cost: $95 at [car shop]

Rotate/Balance tires for even wear per wheel

• Symptoms: uneven tire wear; vibration in steering wheel/floorboard/seat
• When: 7500 miles; balance with rotations; flat tire
• Cost: $48 at [car shop]

Tires

• Symptoms: worn out tread; flat tire; brittle breaks on the side of tires
• When: 10 year lifespan
• Cost: $$112 for Michelins w/80k mile warranty at [car shop]

Brake Pads

• Symptoms:  Worn pads; squealing from tires; indicator light; vibrating brake pedal
• When: every few years
• Cost: $213 at [car shop]

Oil

• Symptoms: indicator
• When: 7500 miles
• Maintenance: https://www.edmunds.com/how-to/how-to-change-your-oil-the-real-down-and-dirty.html
• Cost: $25 DIY; $50+ at [car shop]

Serpentine Belt

• Symptoms: deep and brittle cracks in the belt; squealing from drive belt
• When: 80k miles
• Cost: $126 at [car shop]

Engine Air Filter

• Symptoms: darkened filter
• When: 15-30k miles
• Cost: $10 DIY

Cabin Air Filter

• Symptoms: heater/AC functioning poorly; darkened filter
• When: 30k
• Cost: $10 DIY

Windshield Wipers

• Symptoms: rubber receding from blade and poor clearage of water from windshield
• When: variable; determined by brand and usage
• Maintenance: Clean 'em every now and again
• Cost: $7-$20 per blade; varies on brand

Let me know if you have any thoughts, tips, or suggestions to add. Thanks!