Scheduled maintenance is paramount to boosting the safety, performance, and lifespan of your vehicle. Because we care about extending an ever-better driving experience on the road, we’ve compiled a checklist outlining the most important automotive parts you must inspect in the short-term and long-term.

Automotive Parts to Be Checked Regularly

Oil and Coolant Levels: These must be examined while the engine is cool on a monthly basis or every so often, especially before going on long road trips, to make sure the engine remains in good condition for the longest period possible, without needing to visit a car maintenance center.

Air Filter: The air filter is responsible for regulating the air flowing into your engine. Inspecting the air filter, which you can do on your own without visiting the car maintenance center, helps enhance the performance and longevity of your engine.

Tire Efficiency: Properly maintained and pumped tires are integral automotive parts for a safe and smooth driving experience as they bear the weight, steer and sustain the balance of your vehicle. For this reason, we recommend you get into the habit of checking them every day.

Lights, Signals, and Brakes: Always inspect whether or not the lights on your vehicle are functioning - including your headlights, turn signals, parking lights, and brake lights. You can do that by simply walking around your car, preferably when it’s dark, so they’re easier to spot. Also, never forget to check your brakes, which are some of the most critical automotive parts.

Vehicle Waxing: Not only does waxing keep your car nice and shiny, but it also protects against rust, dust, and sand that may cause paint damage.

Automotive Parts to Be Checked Periodically

Transmission Fluid: This is an essential lubricant that helps keep all the moving parts inside your car functioning properly. To avoid unnecessary issues, we recommend checking it regularly, either by yourself or at a certified car maintenance center should a problem arise.

Transfer Case Fluid: The transfer case is the component that shifts power from the transmission to the axles in four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles, so make it a point to have the fluid measured every now and then to ensure it is full and not leaking.

Shock Absorbers and Struts: These are installed to control and reduce the impact and rebound of your vehicle on bumpy roads and are a key part of your steering system, so remember to have them inspected by an expert at a car maintenance center.

Coolant Fluid Changes: Your radiator is paramount to ensuring your engine functions effectively, which means that you should always keep an eye on your coolant system to protect your motor and, ultimately, your car.

Spark Plugs: Located in the engine, spark plugs are responsible for igniting the mixture of gas and air needed to power your vehicle. If they aren’t working as they should, you will face problems revving up your car, so have a professional at a car maintenance center take a look at them every once in a while to dodge any potential issues.

Serpentine Belt: This automotive part is crucial for powering your engine and other peripheral devices such as your alternator; water, air, and power steering pumps; and air conditioner compressor. Have a specialist at a trusted car maintenance center examine the belt to ensure it is free of cracks or other wear and tear.

Front and/or Rear Differentials: These are devices that separate the torque from the engine to allow the latter to send power to the tires, and must be lubricated to ensure everything is functioning correctly and effectively.

Automotive Parts to Be Checked Seasonally

Windshield Wipers: These must be replaced once every year or as soon as their effectiveness is compromised so as to maintain clear vision at all times, especially during heavy rainfall.

Battery Performance: Batteries are considered some of the most important automotive parts, given that they supply large amounts of electrical current for the entire car and are affected by high temperatures. So always examine yours to make sure it’s in good condition.

Now that you know the key automotive parts you need to inspect regularly, periodically, and seasonally, we invite you to visit the Markazia Toyota showroom on Mecca Street to learn more about our latest vehicles, available car spare parts, and authorized car maintenance centers to make sure your ride stays in great condition and serves you as long as possible.