Smart maintenance tips to keep your car running smoothly

The difference between a car that lasts and one that doesn’t often comes down to care. Regular vehicle maintenance is the key to keeping your used car running at its best.

With consistent upkeep and attention to the advice in the vehicle’s owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website, you can help ensure your vehicle has optimal performance and less downtime. And it doesn’t have to be time-consuming or labor-intensive — it can be as simple as regularly checking your tire pressure, having your oil changed and getting your brake pads checked. 

• Regular maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your vehicle.
• Keeping up with routine maintenance items such as oil changes, tire rotations and brake checks can help ensure your vehicle continues to operate safely.
• It is always best to check the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for the most accurate information and maintenance schedule for your vehicle.

When you buy a used car from Enterprise Car Sales, you can be confident that your vehicle has undergone a thorough inspection by an ASE-certified technician (as awarded by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence).

To help keep your vehicle running safely and smoothly going forward, here are a few general recommendations for some of the most common maintenance tasks. Of course, every car is different, so it’s important that you check the vehicle’s owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for the most complete and accurate maintenance schedule for your vehicle.

Staying on top of your car’s maintenance needs means you can spend less time (and money) on urgent repairs and more time planning that next epic road trip.

An improperly inflated tire or one that is worn can be dangerous and could lead to a blowout or loss of control. During colder seasons, tire air pressure can decrease rapidly as lower temperatures cause the air inside the tire to contract.  

You can find the recommended tire pressure for most vehicles on the Tire and Loading sticker inside the car door frame, when you open the driver’s side door. The owner’s manual will also tell you. 

When the tires are cold (parked 3+ hours or driven less than a mile at moderate speed), check the pressure and adjust as necessary. If your car has an advanced tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), you might be able to check the pressure from one of the screens in your vehicle. If not, you’ll need a tire pressure gauge.

The easiest way is to use the penny method. Put a penny with Lincoln’s head pointing down, between the treads of the tire. If his head is fully visible, then it’s likely time for a visit to your trusted mechanic or tire shop for a set of new tires.

TIP:  Having your car’s tires rotated helps them wear evenly, extends their lifespan, improves handling and can save you money by delaying the need for replacements. 

Motor oil lubricates complex moving parts, ensuring they don’t overheat or grind due to excess friction. Over time, motor oil and the filter become less effective as they collect contaminants and small metal shavings. Regular oil changes help prolong engine life and protect internal components by removing these contaminants and ensuring proper lubrication, preventing potentially costly engine damage. 

This differs based on the make, model and year of the vehicle, whether it uses conventional or synthetic oil, and how often and how many miles you drive. Your owners’ manual or the manufacturer’s website will hold this information, along with the oil type that is best for your vehicle. Any quick lube or auto shop can handle this for you. 

If your wiper blades are streaking, noisy or failing to properly clear your windshield, it's likely time for a replacement. Also, if your washer fluid tank isn't dispensing fluid, it needs to be topped up.

The washer fluid tank is located under your car’s hood and should be clearly marked and easy to top off. The owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website can help you locate it. The manual should also tell you the correct wiper blade type and size, but if you’re unsure, most auto parts stores can find this information for you. You can also visit your local auto shop to have them replaced.

It goes without saying that worn brake pads are dangerous, but they can also cause damage to: 

• Brake rotors: Without the protection of the brake pads, the brake pad backing plate is in direct contact with the rotor, causing warping and overheating. 
• Calipers: Uneven pad wear can cause calipers to stick or seize, leading to pulling or brake drag. 
• Wheel bearings: Without the brake pads, these may overheat causing premature wear or bearing failure. 

You can check the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for mileage-based guidance for your vehicle or replace them when your trusted mechanic or auto shop finds wear during a routine car maintenance check. Other signs to watch for are if you have to press down on the brake pedal harder than normal, if you can hear a squeal or if you hear or feel grinding when braking. 

• Brake fluid
• Calipers 
• ABS modules
• Parking brake cables

The manufacturer will offer the most accurate guidance based on your vehicle type, but here are some other things to get checked regularly and changed when needed:  

• Transmission fluid: This reduces friction to keep moving parts cool, lubricated and operating smoothly.
• Coolant: Engine coolant helps keep temperatures from rising so high as to cause damage.
• Power steering fluid (if relevant for your vehicle): This makes driving safer and easier by lowering the amount of effort needed to turn the steering wheel.
• Cabin air filter: This keeps the air inside your car clean and helps the AC run efficiently.
• Engine air filter: A clean filter helps your engine "breathe" better.
• Shocks and struts: Part of your car’s suspension system, shocks and struts keep your ride smooth while helping maintain traction and control.
• Battery: The battery supplies power to the car’s starter and other electronics and is recharged as your engine runs.

Different weather can bring different challenges for your vehicle. Here’s how your car may be affected:

• Battery: During cold weather, your car’s battery may need to work harder to start the engine. If the battery is weak, the fluid inside can freeze and cause damage. If you have an EV, extreme cold can shorten your range between charges.
• Tires: If you live in a very snowy area, you may decide to switch to winter tires to improve traction on winter roads. Your tire pressure can also be affected as the air contracts when temperatures drop.
• Antifreeze: Coolant is important in winter because it lowers the freezing point, with different mixes to withstand different temperature ranges.
• Door locks: Locks and hinges, if not well lubricated, can freeze making it impossible to get into your vehicle in extreme cold.
• Undercarriage and exterior: Salt from winter road treatments can cause rust if left too long, so it’s a good idea to get a car wash when the weather warms.
• Wiper blades: Ice and snow can be tough on wiper blades, damaging the rubber.
• Infotainment displays: If your car has an LCD screen, it might take a bit longer to react.

• Coolant: Overheating can be a common problem in summertime, so it’s important to maintain proper coolant levels.
• Battery: Extreme heat can affect your car’s battery by causing fluid to evaporate more quickly.
• Tire pressure: Just as winter's cold can cause tire pressure to drop, hot summer weather can cause it to rise as the air expands.

If you don’t have a copy of your vehicle’s owner’s manual, you can check the manufacturer’s website for the most accurate recommendations for your specific make, model and year.