Part of owning a vehicle is staying on top of routine vehicle maintenance. Though it would be wonderful to purchase a car and be good to go, cars require a lot of ongoing maintenance to ensure proper functioning. Most cars need regular service once they reach their first 5,000 miles. 

Taking good care of your vehicle with regular and routine maintenance will ensure your car stays functional and safe for as long as possible. In this checklist, you will find all the basic “must-knows” to properly take care of your car.

Monthly Maintenance

Tire Pressure and Visual Inspection of Tires

Certain things should be managed every month, whereas there are other things you will not need to do as frequently. Each month, it is recommended that you inspect your tires. This is a quick process, however, very important. Inspecting your tires each month can include a visual inspection to ensure everything looks good, as well as checking the tire pressure. Checking the tire pressure will make sure your tires are safe to drive on. Before going on a long road trip or out-of-town, it is also a good idea to do a quick tire inspection.

If you do not have a tire gauge, many gas stations offer a free tire pressure check and pump. Each car’s tires have different pressure needs, so be sure to research the correct pressure for the tires on your car. This helpful guide will show you where to find this information for your car.

There are also many at-home ways you can check the tread on your tires to see if it is time to replace them. Check out this guide to learn more about how to know when to replace your tires.

Lights

It is easy for lighting issues to go unnoticed, especially since you’re unlikely to be looking at the outside of your car if you’re in it! Have a friend, neighbor, or family member help you out by walking around the car to ensure all of your lights are working properly. This includes high beam lighting, brake lights, backup lights, and turn signal lighting. You’ll need to be in the car while they are on the outside to do this check. Maintaining functioning lights is very important for driving safety, especially at night or in poor weather conditions. It’s also imperative that you check the lights, as you don’t want to be pulled over by a police officer and be issued a ticket for violating traffic rules.

Windshield

A visual inspection of your windshield can help ensure your safety, especially during the winter months. Make sure you look for cracks, splits, or damages to the windshield and inspect your wipers as well. Always make sure to check your windshield wiper fluid levels too. 

Yearly Maintenance 

As previously mentioned, some parts of maintaining a healthy vehicle only need to be checked up annually. Some of these include: 

Cabin and Air Filters

These control the air you breathe in while you’re driving your car. In general, these should be replaced each year to make sure you are breathing in clean air. A clean air filter will also ensure that your air conditioning system works well in the hot summer months.

Tire Rotations

It is important to do regular tire rotations so that the tires wear evenly. Tires can be quite expensive. Therefore, tire rotations can help increase the longevity of your tires. Tires that are wearing unevenly may cause your car to vibrate or cause other damages and safety risks while driving. Don’t forget to get your tires properly aligned by the mechanic to ensure better handling and to further prolong your tires. Check out this helpful guide that further explores tips on how to properly look after your tires and wheels, allowing you to save money in the long run.

It would be best to take note when the tires are rotated so you don’t lose track. Tire rotations are recommended at least every 5,000 miles or whatever the car manufacturer indicated in the manual. It would be best to do this simultaneously with the oil change so it’s easier to remember. The front tires usually wear off first. If you consistently rotate on a schedule, you will improve the performance of all four tires without spending on new ones.

Brake Check-Ups

Each year, the brakes on your car should be inspected. Many places that perform vehicle inspections will perform a brake check as part of a regular multi-point inspection. This includes listening for noises that seem unusual and clearing brake dust from the brakes.

If you want to streamline the brake check-up process and make it more efficient for your technician, consider using Autoflow, an innovative software designed to increase technician productivity with an easy-to-use interface that creates a clean and high-tech DVI presentation.

You must also check if the brake fluid needs to be replenished, as this is equally important in the function of your brakes. The roads in the urban area are busier than in the rural area. You’ll find that you’re frequently stopping as you drive, and this causes wear and tear on the brake pads. Compared to those living in rural areas, their brake pads don’t need to be changed as frequently.

These are just a few of the components of the basic recommended yearly maintenance. Each vehicle, depending on the type and usage, will have individual needs. It is always a good idea to follow the maintenance schedule as provided by the car manufacturer. Some other considerations for routine vehicle maintenance include: 

• Wipers: Depending on where you live and the winter weather conditions, you may have to replace your windshield wipers more frequently. Worn-out or improper wiper blades can be dangerous if they do not properly clear the windshield during poor weather conditions. The wiper blades you buy must be of good quality and must fit perfectly to prevent damaging your windshield.
• Oil Changes: Most newer cars will tell you when it is time for an oil change. It is a good idea to stay on top of these oil changes as it tells you it is time to do so. Oil changes are needed to ensure the longevity and safety of your car. Be sure to use the correct type of oil for your specific type of vehicle. 
• Car Battery: Every couple of months, it is a good idea to test your car’s battery. This will prevent possible breakdowns. Many car inspections will include a battery test.

Though these checklist points may seem tedious, they can help prevent pricey long-term problems and help ensure the safety of your vehicle when driving. Creating a personal checklist with a timeline can help make taking care of your car easy. 

Interested in doing more to maintain your vehicle’s health? This complete buying guide can help you find the best OBD2 Scanner to help you analyze and diagnose what may be wrong with your car.

MIKE CHRISTOPHER, JR. TO MAKE THREE QUARTER MIDGET INDOOR AUTO RACING SERIES DEBUT JANUARY 7-8 IN ALLENTOWN, PA PPL CENTER; WILL DRIVE TREY HODDICK CAR; ENTRIES GROW FOR TQS, SLINGSHOTS AND CHAMP KARTS

ALLENTOWN, PA DECEMBER 21, 2021 . . . Highly regarded asphalt Modified specialist Mike Christopher, Jr., will make his TQ Midget Indoor Auto Racing Series debut on Friday and Saturday, January 7-8 during the Ironton Global sponsored Allentown Indoor Race inside the PPL Center in downtown Allentown, PA.

Christopher, 22. of Wolcott, CT, will be driving a new car owned by Trey Hoddick of Buffalo, NY. Scott Kreutter of Alden, NY, an experienced TQ Indoor racer, will be Christopher’s teammate.

Christopher’s car will carry the No. 82 in the Indoor Auto Racing Series events.

“Trey said I could put any number on the car I wanted so I’m bringing the number 82 from my Modified,” he shared.

Tickets for the two days of racing in Allentown are on sale now. To order online visit www.pplcenter.com. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the arena box office, open every Tuesday and Thursday and during events hosted at the arena including Lehigh Valley Phantoms games.

Christopher said he had been prepared to race in the 2020 Indoor Auto Racing Series finale.

“I was going to run the last race of season in Syracuse. We were all set to go the day before. I was ready to leave and before I did, the whole thing got shut down because of COVID.

“The car has been sitting on a shelf since then. I called Trey a few weeks ago, and he said, ‘a deal’s a deal’, everything’s ready to go,” Christopher shared.

Christopher. who stands six feet inches, said one of his main obstacles he must face is getting comfortable in the close TQ Midget cockpit.

“I had a problem getting my knees to fit in and at the same time get my head low enough. I’m bringing a bunch of padding with me to help with that.

“What I want to do is come into the Allentown race, make the feature and come out of there clean and with a plan for the next race. If I can’t get comfortable in the car, I’ll just have to suck it up,” Christopher bottom-lined.

Ironton Global and Ironton Telephone and Internet are Allentown Indoor Auto Racing Series title sponsors.

Ironton Global, the leading international provider of cloud-based communication services, headquartered in Coplay, PA, is the title sponsor for the Allentown event.

The Allentown event, as well as 2022 Series events in Atlantic City, NJ and Syracuse, NY are being presented by BELFOR Property Restoration Services, provider of professional 24/7 residential and commercial restoration services.

Future Homes of Kunkletown, PA, a home construction company, specializing in residential, multi-family, and energy efficient buildings, has also returned as the presenting sponsor for the Saturday night card of racing in Allentown.

Though he has yet to turn a wheel in a TQ Midget, Christopher has seen his share of highlight reel footage. His late uncle Ted won five TQ Indoor features and back to back Series titles, in 2010 and 2011.

“I wish I could talk to him and ask him questions about Indoor racing. I saw him have so much success in Indoor races,” Christopher admits. “I know it’s going to be tough to get into the feature but Trey will be giving me a good car. It’s all up to the driver.”

To do well, Christopher, who is used to racing primarily in his native New England region, will have to outrun a solid contingent of greater Lehigh Valley, PA racers.

Kyle Lick of Lehighton, PA returns to the PPL Center driving a car owned by his father. Tyler Lindsay, Micro Sprint dirt track specialist at Shellhammers Speedway, riding out of Slatington, PA, will compete driving a family owned car.

Earl Paules of Lehighton. PA, a perennial favorite, is entered in a car sponsored in part by E. Schneider & Sons Scrap of Allentown, PA. Mike Bednar of Lehighton, PA, will be driving Mike Murray’s highly touted No. 12 TQ Midget.

In addition, western New York teams, Hoddick’s neighbors, are also planning to fight for victory in the PPL Center Series opener.

Ryan Susice, Ramsomville, NY, Tyler Thompson, Oswego, NY, Jonathan Reid of Lockport, NY and Ryan Bartlett of Watertown, NY, have all filed race entries.

Christopher will also be up against one other New Englander. Derek Robbie of Bellingham, MA has entered in a car owned by Nick Giordano.

The biggest Indoor Auto Racing Series PPL Center TQ Midget race winner is Ryan Flores of Mooresville, N.C. Flores, who works for Roger Penske’s NASCAR Cup organization, will be seeking his fifth victory in January, with his eyes set on becoming the winningest TQ driver in series history. Christopher is a close friend of Flores.

The Allentown schedule calls for doors opening at 6:00 PM with racing getting underway at 7:30 PM on Friday. On Saturday, doors open and Fan Fest begins at 5 PM with racing starting at 7:00 PM sharp.

The on-track Fan Fest is available at no extra charge to ticket holders who chose the option when making their purchase. This allows access to the speedway where the cars competing will be on display for photos and drivers available for free autographs.

After Allentown, the series will head to Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall on January 28 & 29 for the NAPA KNOW Gambler’s Classic and conclude in Syracuse, NY at the NY State Fairgrounds Exposition Center on Friday and Saturday, March 11 & 12.

Additional entries are currently being accepted by the Indoor Auto Racing Series for its trio of 2022 races.

“We expect that competitor interest in the TQ Midget, Champ Kart, and Slingshot classes will be at an all-time high since we haven’t raced at all in over a year,” Series organizer Len Sammons noted.

TQ Midget race cars will headline all the programs with high-speed excitement competing on speedways set up on the concrete floors of three arenas. Slingshots and Champ Karts will complete the tripleheader programs.

Series information including links for purchasing tickets, hotel rooms and racer entry forms are available on the series website: www.indoorautoracing.com.

Sponsorship opportunities remain for all Indoor Auto Racing Series races.

You probably remember your first car. It didn’t matter what it was, what year, the make, or the model. All that mattered was that it was yours, and you were going to make it the best no matter what anyone else thought about it.

Your first car will probably always have a special place in your heart, or in the junkyard. But you’ll probably also remember all the steps you took to make that car look its best. And many car owners today are no different.

Reports have shown that in 2020 alone, American car owners spent over 80 billion dollars on car parts, accessories, and beautification products. And this pales in comparison to the money spent on the cost of car maintenance.

Today we have many methods to keep our vehicles looking their best long after we’ve driven them off the lot. Here, we’ll explore a few of those methods.

Paint Protection Film

Aside from the engine and all the moving parts that make a vehicle do what it’s designed for, the most important part of a vehicle in most owners’ minds is the paint job. Without a slick paint job, free from scratches and dents, you might as well be driving your mother’s minivan.

But even though that shiny new paint job that attracted you to the vehicle will surely fade over time, one way to keep it looking sharp is to add a paint protection film.

Paint protection film acts as a buffer of sorts, a line of defense between your car and mother nature, road debris, and the occasional bump from a car door in the parking lot. 

With paint protection film, your car’s coat of paint is better able to hold wax and to keep its shine long into the future.

Car Washing 

Believe it or not, but if you neglect washing your car, all of that dirt, tar, and debris can deteriorate your paint. And just like the human body, you can only avoid the shower for so long before it’s–very noticeable. 

You should wash your car at least once a month to keep the paint looking new. And with frequent washing, you’ll also be able to take care of minor paint chips and other blemishes before they get worse.

Even washing your car should include the use of specially formulated car soap, manufactured specifically for removing grease from the paint. Additionally, you should always wash from the top-down, taking care to scrub away all grease and tar with non-abrasive tools.

Finally, you should always dry your car after each wash. This way you won’t let hard water or soap deposits build up and ruin your shine. 

Waxing

After every few months, you should reapply a coat of wax. And while some wax formulas claim that you only need to apply one coat a year, or longer in some cases, this is probably one of the biggest false claims in the automotive world. 

Studies on car wax have shown that wax will quickly deteriorate under abrasive conditions, and even under direct sunlight exposure. 

And even though you might not be putting as much wear on your car as a Nascar driver, wax doesn’t deteriorate in a uniform fashion either. In fact, spots will begin to form as the wax erodes, leaving blurry and shiny spots all over the car.

As a best practice, always wax under shade, away from direct sunlight. And buff and polish immediately after application. If you really want to keep that shine, make sure you reapply wax after every third wash. 

On average, most car owners who drive every day wax their vehicles once a year. But if you bump this up to 3 times a year, you’ll be able to enjoy your shine much longer than average. 

Our cars immediately lose book value right after we drive them off of the lot. But the value they bring to us never diminishes as long as we take care of them. Taking the time to keep your car looking its best will be of great benefit to you, especially if you go to trade it in years down the road.

Here are the most common questions asked about charging Chevy Bolt, along with their answers.

Can I charge my electric car in the rain?

Chevy Bolt is fully functional in wet weather, making it very safe to drive on slick roads with some caution of course. Electric cars are equipped with safety features that protect the battery and its components from damage that can be caused by water or snow. Below are a few key precautions are recommended during inclement weather conditions:

• Wipe down the exterior of your Chevy Bolt after driving through puddles or sprinklers, especially if you see any fluid on the ground below.
• Don’t let children play near electric car charging stations when they are plugged into an outlet.
• Be aware of possible hazards around areas where ice has accumulated due to being close proximity to a power source for your charger. This includes injury from tripping over excess cord length or a slippery surface.
• Never operate power tools near the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) for your Chevy Bolt. Don’t plug them into outlets that are next to EVSEs, and don’t use an extension cord with EVSEs. They could cause electric shock if they come in contact with water.
• Be careful not to damage electrical components of your vehicle while cleaning it during inclement weather conditions, as excess moisture can lead to corrosion on parts like brake lines and wiring systems.
• Keep a clear area around charging stations when plugged into outlets so you will have enough space to open doors safely.

Can you overcharge an electric car?

Yes, you can overcharge Electric Vehicles. Electric cars have a charge limit to prevent the battery from being damaged by too much power at once. However, Chevy Bolt’s system automatically regulates how much energy is sent to your electric car so there is no risk of damaging it with excess electricity. If a charging station malfunctions or has been tampered with, this safety feature won’t work and an “Overcharging Prevention” light will appear on your dashboard as a reminder not to keep adding more juice into your Electric Vehicle until you’ve unplugged it from both ends. 

To avoid damage caused by overcharging Chevrolet Bolt EV batteries: 

• Never leave plug-in Electric unattended while plugged into an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE).
• Be aware of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment malfunctions and tampering.

Does an electric car lose charge when parked?

Yes, Electric Vehicles lose charge when parked. Electric vehicles that are plugged into Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) will still draw power even if they’re not being used. This is to ensure your Chevy Bolt maintains full battery power and does not discharge while you are not using it.

Can I get a DC charger at home?

Yes, Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment can be installed in your home. Electric Cars have a range of up to 238 miles on one full charge. However, for longer trips, it is best to use a DC fast charger that will provide an 80% recharge within 30 minutes at compatible charging stations along the way.

What is the best charger for the Chevy Bolt?

Definitely comparing the two possible charger options, Level 1 and Level 2, the leader is the fast Level 2. When choosing, use the right amount of amps, for a Chevy Bolt it’s at least 30 amps and 240 volts. Look at proven charger models that are recommended by professional installers. Depending on your needs, you can choose from a variety of hardwired or plug-in Chevy Bolt battery chargers, such as those with a NEMA 6-50 or 14-50 outlet. 

How fast is a DC fast charger?

DC fast chargers can charge Electric Vehicles in half the time of a typical Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) that is used for most Electric cars. DC Fast Chargers provide an 80% recharge within 30 minutes at compatible charging stations, but there are many factors to consider when determining how long it will take your Chevy Bolt to get back up and running:

– Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) type and condition at your charging location, as EV Charging Stations that don’t work properly will take longer to recharge Electric Vehicles. If Electric Car supply equipment is malfunctioning or has been tampered with it may cause damage to Electric Cars like Chevy Bolt.

How much does Chevy Bolt cost?

One of the most frequently asked questions is how much Chevrolet Bolt costs. The base price for a 2017 Electric Vehicle model starts at $37,495 before any applicable state or federal tax credits are applied.

How many miles does an Electric Vehicle have on a full charge?

Chevy Bolt comes standard with an estimated 238-mile range.

How long does it take to charge Chevy Bolt?

It takes around nine hours to fully recharge your car when you plug in using an outlet, but the 240-volt charger that comes standard with this Electric Vehicle package can be recharged in less than five hours!