We’ve all heard about checking the oil, and it’s hard to miss worn-out wipers, but many people don’t know what they’re supposed to do when their cars reach milestones. This unfortunate oversight can cause major situations such as broken parts or even complete failure like a cracked engine block. It could also mean you’re more likely to get lied to by mechanics.

Here are some ways to learn about what’s necessary:

• Keep your auto clean: Looking good is not the same as working properly a lot of the time, but keeping your car clean from roof to bumper to undercarriage can be considered part of upkeep. If you don’t frequent the car wash, the dirt will damage your paint.
• Make a checklist: Forgetting about car maintenance is easy to do, but a simple method for getting everything done on time is to create a list of all the maintenance your car will ever need when you buy it. Then, check off each item as your car reaches. If you’re not crazy about keeping a notebook, look for electronic tools for the job.
• Keep track: Have you ever worried because that notice on your windshield about your next oil change went missing? Making a quick log of all the work done can solve everything. You can use a list to track service appointments, and you can also track stuff like repairs and replacements with this easy system. To go the extra mile, consider adding fueling information and information about oil checks to help track fuel efficiency and spot leaks early.
• Study the manual: Cars have a manual specific to their make and model, and these manuals discuss the official recommendations for servicing your vehicle. A lot of drivers don’t understand that these recommendations can vary from one car to another, so they end up relying on what potentially confabulating mechanics say about what their car requires. We keep track of the correct upkeep for each car we work on at Christian Brothers Automotive in Richmond, TX, but you can’t blindly believe everyone. If you do, it could thousands more than you should.