Start with your owner handbook
Your manufacturer's owner handbook is the most reliable source for maintenance intervals, fluid specifications, tire pressure, and warning light meanings for your exact vehicle. Keep a copy in the glove box and a digital copy at home.
- Find the maintenance schedule section and note the intervals for your driving conditions.
- Locate the recommended tire pressure, which is also printed on the driver door jamb.
- Review the dashboard indicator pages so unfamiliar symbols are easier to recognize.
- Check which fluids and oil grades the manufacturer specifies.
The ownership checklist
A simple checklist keeps routine tasks from slipping through the cracks.
- Monthly: check tire pressure, lights, wiper blades, and fluid levels.
- Every few months: inspect tire tread depth and look for uneven wear.
- At each service: save the receipt and record the date and odometer reading.
- Yearly: review registration dates, emergency kit supplies, and your budget for upcoming care.
Seasonal preparation
Weather changes affect batteries, tires, and visibility. Before winter, check battery health, coolant, and wiper fluid rated for low temperatures. Before summer, check air conditioning, coolant levels, and tire pressure, which rises with heat.