Vehicle Maintenance Checklist: Keep Your Car Running in Every Season

Your tires are the only contact between your car and the road — so check them often. Confirm proper tire pressure, inspect tread depth, and look for cracks, bulges or uneven wear. After checking tread depth, also inspect the tread patterns, especially for winter driving, as specialized tread patterns help grip snow and ice for safer handling. If tread indicators show significant wear, it's time for new tires. Don't forget to check your spare tire for proper inflation and condition.
Properly inflated and maintained tires improve safety, fuel economy and handling. Tire pressure decreases by one pound per square inch for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit drop in temperature, so check regularly, especially in colder months. Refer to your owner's manual for the correct tire pressure and specifications for your specific vehicle. Aggressive driving can cause premature wear on tires, reducing their lifespan. Timely tire replacement is essential to ensure your safety on the road.

Oil keeps your engine lubricated and healthy. Follow your manufacturer’s recommended oil change schedule, and don’t forget to replace the oil filter while you’re at it. Clean oil and filters help prevent engine wear and improve performance.
Be sure to check and replace the air filter and engine air filter regularly, as this can improve fuel efficiency and engine performance by ensuring better airflow and preventing debris from entering the engine.
Keep in mind that motor oil thickens in cold temperatures, which can make it harder for the engine to start.

Brakes wear over time with daily use, stop‑and‑go traffic and seasonal conditions. Have your brake pads, rotors and fluid checked regularly to ensure responsive stopping power.

Before any season or long trip, test headlights, brake lights, turn signals, parking lights, and daytime running lights. Good lighting helps you see the road and makes your car visible to others in low‑light conditions. Make sure all lights are working properly for maximum safety and visibility. Also, check your dashboard warning lights and understand what each one means, as they can alert you to issues that require immediate attention.

Cold mornings and hot afternoons both affect battery life. Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can impact battery performance and reliability, so regular testing is essential to ensure your battery functions properly under harsh weather conditions. Cold weather can significantly reduce a car battery's cranking power, making regular checks especially important in winter. Check the health of your car battery and clean corrosion from terminals. If your battery is older or showing weakness, consider replacing it before it leaves you stranded.

Warm weather puts added stress on your cooling system. Check coolant levels, hoses, radiator performance and thermostat operation to prevent overheating on hot drives. Maintaining the coolant system is essential to keep the engine cool and avoid overheating, so monitor for any warning lights related to coolant issues and schedule regular coolant flushes as needed. As part of routine preventative maintenance, also inspect engine components to ensure all parts are functioning properly for vehicle safety and performance. Regularly checking fluid levels, including coolant and transmission fluid, is necessary for optimal vehicle performance.

Summer heat demands a strong air conditioning system. Confirm the AC blows cold and check cabin filters so everyone stays comfortable on long rides.

Rain and summer storms call for clear visibility. Replace worn wiper blades and top off your washer fluid so you can clear windshields quickly during unexpected showers. Use windshield washer fluid that is appropriate for the season to prevent freezing and ensure proper cleaning. Clean your windows and windshield regularly with a quality glass cleaner to maintain optimal visibility. Remember to replace windshield wipers regularly, especially before winter, to ensure clear vision while driving.

Potholes and rough summer roads can knock your alignment out of whack. Inspect alignment, suspension and steering components — proper alignment improves tire life and fuel economy.

Check brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid and serpentine belts. The serpentine belt is a crucial rubber belt that powers essential components like the power steering pump, alternator, and air conditioning compressor. Summer heat accelerates fluid breakdown and belt wear, so top off or replace as needed. Regular inspections of belts and hoses can prevent breakdowns and ensure proper engine function.

As temperatures fall, prepare your cooling system for cold weather. A coolant flush and refill with the proper antifreeze mix helps protect your engine when weather turns chilly.

Fall is the perfect time to rotate tires and decide if winter tires are right for your driving needs. Proper rotation improves tire life and ensures even wear.
Winter tires feature specialized tread patterns designed to grip snow and ice, improving traction in harsh winter conditions. They are also made to remain soft in cold temperatures, providing better grip on snow and ice for safer winter driving.

Test your heater and defroster system before winter arrives. A strong heater keeps you comfortable, and a working defroster clears frost and fog from your windshield safely. Make sure both the heater and defroster are working properly to ensure maximum safety and visibility during cold weather.

With more rain and colder temperatures on the way, make sure your wipers are in good condition and that your washer fluid is winter‑ready. Use windshield washer fluid that is rated for low temperatures to prevent freezing and maintain visibility. It's also important to replace your wipers before the winter months to ensure clear vision during harsh weather.

Drop in temperature makes batteries work harder. Cold temperatures can reduce battery performance and reliability, making pre-winter testing essential. Have your battery tested ahead of winter to avoid cold‑weather surprises.

Snow, ice and slush demand excellent grip. Winter tires have specialized tread patterns designed to grip snow and ice, improving traction and safety in winter conditions. Winter tires offer better traction in cold, snowy conditions — switching ahead of the first snowfall helps keep you safe. If your current tires are worn, it's important to install new tires before winter driving to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Confirm your antifreeze and coolant levels are at the correct ratio for freezing temperatures. Proper antifreeze protection prevents engine block and radiator freezing.

Salt used on winter roads can cause corrosion. After winter drives, rinse the undercarriage and wheel wells to remove salt build‑up and protect metal components. Removing dirt, mud, and salt helps prevent rust and damage to your vehicle's paint. Regularly washing your car helps maintain its appearance and prevent long-term damage.

Winter breakdowns happen — even to well‑maintained cars. Keep a winter emergency kit packed with blankets, flashlight, snacks, shovel, ice scraper, jumper cables and phone charger.

Slippery roads require sharp braking and traction control. Confirm anti‑lock brakes, stability control and traction systems are functioning well before winter weather arrives.