Annual car maintenance services extend the life of your vehicle. A mechanic can check your vehicle to diagnose any engine lights or sounds. A professional can also let you know if you need to prepare for upcoming expenses.

Many vehicle-related services are expensive, costing hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars. These costs can be easier if you can prepare for these expenses and save for them over time.

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Services Needed Every 12 Months or 12,000 Miles
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An annual examination should include checking the brake system. While you should check the brake pads more often, a mechanic can look at all of the components, including rotors, pumps, and fluid.

Parts of the brake system to check each year:

  • Master cylinder
  • Boosters
  • Anti Lock braking system (ABS)
  • Brake calipers
  • Pistons
  • Pads and rotors
  • Pumps and fluid

Check your coolant levels and top off fluids to prevent your vehicle from running low and overheating. If your vehicle becomes too hot, the radiator can break and the engine block could crack.

Make sure you have clean transmission fluid to help you smoothly switch gears. Low or dirty fluid can cause gears to skip and the transmission to drop out.

Have a mechanic check your steering and suspension system. All of these checks may show that everything is in good repair from routine maintenance, but it is safer to ensure your vehicle systems are running properly than take a gamble.

Keeping a 30-60-90 schedule can help you maintain your vehicle. Find out more about what it is and how it helps on the next slide.

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