AARP Smart Guide to Car Maintenance

13. Filtration is key

Filters restrict unwanted material from entering your car’s mechanical components, like using a quality paper mask to limit exposure to contagions. “If you regularly change your oil filter, engine air filter and transmission filter, that will provide excellent screening of your core systems,” Lang says. Changing a filter can be very quick, but most shops don’t prorate their labor by the minute, so they may charge you a half hour of labor for a five-minute task. Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual for how often to change filters, and check YouTube tutorials to learn how to change them yourself. This can help you save a significant amount of money over the life of your car.

Learning these relatively simple projects can also help you become more familiar with your car’s core systems and recognize when issues arise that may affect its longevity. “You learn to intimately know what’s going on in your car,” Quiroga says.

14. When to opt for premium gas

If the manufacturer recommends premium gasoline, it may be worth using it, but only if you’re interested in maximum engine output and horsepower. Otherwise, Quiroga says, there is little benefit, for longevity or otherwise, to using premium gasoline. “The car itself is not going to be harmed. Modern cars have plenty of safeguards to allow them to run on less-than-premium fuel.” He adds that those octane listings on the inside of your fuel filler door are generally not doctrine: “They’re not requirements. They’re just recommendations.” So if you want to save money at every fill-up, Montoya says, opt for regular gas.

15. Consider Top Tier gasoline

To extend the life of your car, Bennett recommends Top Tier gasoline, a brand-name premium fuel that meets or exceeds standards for added detergents — cleaners that help prevent carbon deposits from building up in your motor. Such deposits can damage engine health over the long term. You can determine which brands offer Top Tier gas by visiting the site associated with the standard. Most familiar gas station brands adhere to these standards, and while you should expect to pay a bit more than you would at discount or unknown stations or chains, it’s worth it. “It may not be the cheapest gas. You may be able to find gas for 5 cents a gallon less over here, versus Top Tier,” Bennett says. “If it’s reducing the carbon deposits, you may save money in the long term.”

16. Create your own oil-change schedule

Most contemporary cars have an onboard, computer-controlled oil life monitor that factors in how you drive and recommends oil change intervals accordingly. These can range from 7,500 to 10,000 miles in many cases. But our sources agree that it’s worth changing your oil more frequently — every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, or twice a year. “There are certain recommendations that make me nervous, like 10,000 or 15,000 miles [between oil changes]. Personally, I wouldn’t do that to my own car that I paid five figures for,” Quiroga says. “Cars are a massive investment. Oil changes aren’t really that expensive relative to the cost of the car. And so it’s pretty cheap insurance to do it [more often].”

Montoya says there are other reasons to change your oil less frequently. “Oil is a limited resource,” he says. “I’m definitely not a fan of the philosophy of changing the oil every 3,000 miles.” He also notes that the stickers placed on your windshield to remind you about upcoming oil changes are more of a sales tactic than a prescription. “It’s just a method to get you in there more frequently,” he says. “So I would ignore the sticker and go with the manual’s recommendations, or what your vehicle’s in-car monitors are telling you it needs.”

17. Look into using synthetic oil

While it’s more expensive than traditional motor oil, Quiroga says synthetic oil is worth the additional cost because it’s better engineered and offers superior, longer-lasting lubrication for your engine. That can save money on repairs to large components. “If I’m choosing between synthetic and conventional oil, I’m always going to go synthetic,” he says. “The protection is better. And the most modern technology is in the synthetic oils.”

18. Check your fluids

Your car has a trio of fluid reservoirs — oil, engine coolant and transmission fluid — that allow for simple diagnoses of larger issues. Each has a dipstick with a normal fill range indicated, or a marker in the reservoir under the hood that shows the correct level. Check them whenever you fill up, or at least once a month. “If those levels change between gas stops, it likely indicates a problem,” Lang says. You need to get the car to the shop to determine what’s causing the loss — a loose seal, a leaky hose, a worn part — before it becomes something larger. Making a small repair before it becomes a big problem can save you a great deal of money in the long term.

According to Kelley Blue Book, your car’s coolant system should generally be flushed every two to three years or 30,000 miles, and your transmission fluid should be changed every 60,000-70,000 miles. But it is important to check your car’s owner’s manual for specific intervals.

19. Don’t forget to check the brake fluid

Brake fluid is obviously key to your car’s ability to slow itself. And clean fluid also helps your entire braking system last longer. “People often forget about their brake fluid,” Quiroga says. It’s so important — and so often neglected —that he uses it as an indicator of proper maintenance. “If I’m shopping for a used car, I look at the brake fluid, and if it’s clean, I’m like, ‘Oh, this person knows what they’re doing,’ ” Quiroga says. “They’re taking care of their car.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends changing the brake fluid every two to three years because its moisture-absorbing qualities can cause corrosion. Again, consult your owner’s manual for specific intervals.

20. Don’t fall for the hard sell

Auto-parts stores offer products or supplements to add to your gasoline, your motor oil, your coolant reservoir or other fluids that promise to increase fuel economy or extend the life of your car’s components. Our sources agree that these are generally ineffectual, so don’t waste money on them. Quiroga says that some may even delay necessary repairs until they become major issues. “There are really no miracles in a can,” Quiroga says. “You can put Band-Aids on things temporarily, but you’re not really fixing the core problem.”

IMPROVE YOUR DRIVING STYLE

21. Take it easy

Lang suggests that if you go easy on your car, you will put less strain on its components, thereby extending its life. “Be light on the throttle [accelerator pedal]. If you see a stop sign or a stoplight ahead, coast so that you’re not pressing the suspension or brakes,” Lang says. “Think about maximizing your fuel economy because if you focus on that, it will usually also be able to maximize the vehicle’s life cycle.”

22. Stop idling for long periods of time

Running your car while it’s sitting still for extended periods adds unnecessary stress to the engine, so try to avoid idling for long periods. “If you’re stuck in a traffic jam and it looks like you’re going to be sitting there for a while — if the weather’s good — go ahead and put it in park and shut it off,” Bennett says. “Open the windows.” If you need to cool down or warm up the cabin, turn it back on briefly and run the heat or AC.

23. Use your parking brake more frequently

Your parking brake isn’t just for use on hills. In fact, many automotive experts recommend engaging it every time you park your car to preserve your transmission. Here’s why: When you put your car in park, it engages a small pawl (or pin) that prevents the transmission’s output shaft (and thus your wheels) from moving. Over time, the teeth of the pawl can become worn down and break off. If that happens, the parking gear stops working.

24. Stop buying windshield wiper blades

Windshield wipers are an essential safety tool for driving. However, most people replace the whole blade when it starts squeaking and dragging across the windshield. Instead, just replace the rubber inserts, which are typically sold at major retailers such as Walmart and Amazon, as well as at auto parts stores. They come in packs of four that can range in price from $2.50 to $20. Replacing just the rubber can potentially save you around $15 to $30.

LOOKING GOOD

25. Keep it tidy

Lang recommends that if you bring something into your car, take it out when you’re finished using it. “If you are in the mood for a fast-food run, take all that junk left after you eat your meal and throw it out,” Lang says. “Think about cockroaches and nasty smells. They only get there if you are not taking care of your car.”

26. Wash regularly

Quiroga reminds us that as with your car’s interior, leaving grime on the exterior can contribute to issues, so wash your car regularly. “It is important to remove this stuff from the car’s body because it traps moisture, which can lead to corrosion of metal or rubber seals,” Quiroga says. And if you live in a state where it snows and they use salt on the roads, wash it even more frequently, Montoya advises. “Salt can be hard on the paint and can decompose underbody components. So make sure you’re cleaning more frequently,” he says. “I’m not telling you to go every week, but if you do once a month you should be good.”

27. Get the junk out of the trunk

Additional weight inside a vehicle leads to additional and unnecessary wear on all systems: tires, brakes, suspension, power train. So if there’s stuff in the cabin or trunk that you don’t need, or aren’t moving somewhere immediately, remove it. “Get rid of that bowling ball from last week’s league game, and all that sand from your household project. There’s no reason to carry that on board,” Bennett says.

28. Fix the rips

If you notice a rip or a seam beginning to separate on one of your seats, consider fixing it yourself, or take it to an upholstery or body shop and have it looked at. “If you have a small tear, go ahead and fix that as soon as you can before it becomes a large tear,” Bennett says. “That’s for cloth seats, leather seats, the same thing.”

29. Avoid cabin fever

The cabin air filter keeps particles, fumes and unwanted scents from entering the passenger area, where they can linger and accumulate, causing long-term degradation. If it’s dirty, “that can have an impact on how efficient the climate control system is,” according to Brian Moody, an executive editor at Cox Automotive, which publishes titles including Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for changing these filters, and have them checked if you detect a change in the performance of your heat or AC system or if you notice odd smells in your car. Check these filters biannually, in the spring and fall. You can even change them yourself and save money, according to Montoya. “Pull up a YouTube video on any car, and they will show you how easy it is,” he says. “It will cost you significantly more at the dealership versus doing it yourself.”

30. Keep it covered

Lang suggests that the ideal way to protect your car’s paint and bodywork, as well as its interior materials, is to keep it inside and covered if possible. “The best thing for your car is a garage,” Lang says. “A garage will take care of nearly all your needs in that area.” If you don’t have a garage or carport, a quality waterproof, dust-resistant, fitted car cover will help.

31. Consider ceramic tinting

Ceramic tinting is a newer, long-lasting product intended to coat the glass of your vehicle. According to Moody, “The tinting cuts down the heat and the UV rays that come through your windows,” lowering the damage — fading, drying, cracking — to your interior’s fabric, plastic and leather. Detailing shops can provide this service.

32. Get the bugs off

If you live in an area with lots of bugs, consider cleaning your car’s exterior more frequently. “The acidity levels within these bugs can eat into the paint,” Bennett warns. Use a bug and tar remover for stubborn dried splats.

33. Seal it up

Applying a car sealant — the most up-to-date incarnation of car “wax” — can protect your paint from grime, bugs, tar, sap, road salt and sand. It also makes it easier to remove those things when you wash your vehicle. After a thorough cleaning, Bennett suggests sealing your car, or having it sealed professionally by a detailer, twice a year. “Typically before winter and after winter are good ways to time it,” he says. Your car’s horizontal surfaces — the hood, roof and trunk lid — absorb the greatest impact from sunlight. So if you only have time or energy to seal a few areas, Lang recommends starting with those. “The five minutes of work on those panels will do more for your car’s looks than inflicting 100 quickie car washes on it,” Lang says.

34. Search the crevices for creatures

Small animals — mice, rats, squirrels — seeking a warm, safe space can nest in your car, so when you detail your car twice a year, make sure to check under the hood, inside the fender panels and in the spare wheel well. Rodents can chew through wiring and hoses or eat through upholstery and paneling. They can also surprise you, emerging when you’re driving, and a shock while driving is never a good thing. “It wasn’t until the mouse ran right in front of me while I was driving, and scared me, that I realized that it was living in my car,” Bennett recalls.

KEEP ON ROLLING

35. Have a re-tire-ment strategy

The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) tires that come with your car off the dealer’s lot were chosen for an optimal combination of handling, ride quality, fuel efficiency and noise. If you want to optimize for longevity, Lang recommends looking online for your specific make and model — Tire Rack, Discount Tire and Pep Boys all offer this option — and buying the tires with the best overall owner ratings. “OEM tires usually don’t last as long as the ones that you can buy that have exceptional durability to them,” Lang says.

Tires should be checked for wear and potential replacement seasonally: at least once in the winter and once in the spring, according to Montoya. And even people who don’t drive much each year and thus don’t wear out their tread should consider the need for potential replacements. “Between the fifth and sixth year of a tire’s age, you really want to start looking at replacing them, even if they have plenty of tread, because tire compounds wear down over time,” Montoya says. Every tire’s birth date is on its sidewall, near the tire size. “It will give you the week and the year in which the tire was created [e.g. 03/22 is the third week, which is roughly mid-January, of 2022], and that lets you do the math on how old the tire is.”

36. Buy name brands

Tires affect nearly every aspect of your vehicle’s performance, from handling and braking to road noise and fuel efficiency. So purchasing quality tires like those from Michelin, Bridgestone or Goodyear is worth the investment. “If you buy a name-brand tire, you’re going to be in good shape,” Quiroga says. “It’s when you start delving into tire brands you’ve never heard of, ones that are really inexpensive, that you will see things suffer. So spending more on tires is never a bad thing.”

37. Keep them properly inflated

To keep your tires lasting as long as possible, make sure they’re properly inflated. The proper inflation pressure is in the owner’s manual and on a sticker inside the driver’s doorjamb. You can test tire pressure with a tire pressure gauge, available at most gas stations or auto parts stores. Simply unscrew the tire cap and fit the gauge over the opening, allowing a tiny bit of air to escape. This moves the gauge and shows you the pressure. “That’s going to ensure that they’re wearing properly,” Bennett says. “Underinflated tires wear more on the sides, where an overinflated tire will wear more in the center.” Additionally, tire pressure affects your gas mileage. “Even just being a few pounds of pressure off can affect your fuel economy by up to 10 percent,” Montoya says. “I recommend checking your tires every two weeks, or whenever you fill up your gas.”

38. Rotate regularly

Another tip for making your tires last longer is to rotate them regularly. Your owner’s manual will have the proper instructions — it varies depending on whether your car is front-, rear- or all-wheel drive, among other things — and your mechanic will be able to do this job. Plus, Bennett says, “When you rotate, the technician can look at your tires and make sure there’s no nails, no puncture wounds, make sure they’re wearing evenly.” The tires will also reveal if a car’s suspension is in or out of balance.

39. Don’t wear down tires unnecessarily

Squealing the tires may sound exciting and remind you of your youthful days cruising and drag racing, but that noise is the sound of your tires leaving rubber behind, and thus wearing out. “Always drive looking ahead, to anticipate the stop,” Bennett says, “so that way you’re not doing this quick stop, which can create extra wear on the tires and vehicles themselves.”

40. Don’t cheap out

Remember that your car will only wear as well as the parts you put on it. “If you buy cheap parts, you usually get bad results,” says Lang. “So if you’re planning on keeping your car for decades instead of years, don’t focus on the initial price. Look at it as an investment, and buy what will yield a quality product for you in the future.”

ELECTRIC VEHICLE MAINTENANCE: WHAT OLDER DRIVERS SHOULD KNOW

41. What to know about EVs

Electric vehicles have far fewer moving parts and require less regular maintenance than petroleum-powered cars, so maintenance costs can be up to 40 percent lower, according to the DOE. And the cost of electricity per mile traveled is typically much lower than the cost of gasoline. So, operating an EV could potentially yield significant overall savings. But EVs also have certain wear items that tend not to last as long as those on gas-powered vehicles. In addition, when things go wrong — for example, with the battery pack or motors — repairs can be catastrophically expensive. So, according to Montoya, you have to be aware and prepared.

42. Batteries not included

Electric car batteries degrade just like those in your phone, but on a much larger scale. Because of that, many electric cars come with a longer standard warranty on major components than gasoline-powered cars: around eight years and 100,000 miles on the battery and motor. But once it’s out of warranty, a battery pack is an extremely expensive fix, so if a car can accept an updated, more modern battery pack, it could significantly improve overall efficiency. Still, Moody is uncertain about the wisdom of buying a used EV with a battery nearing the end of its life. “I would have a difficult time recommending to someone to buy a 10-year-old electric car,” he says. “Whereas if someone wanted to buy a 10-year-old, 100,000-mile Honda Civic, it’s probably going to be fine.”

43. Know how to charge

EVs are often advertised with alluring numbers, proclaiming a lengthy maximum range and short charging time. But according to our sources, fully charging the battery to 100 percent and regularly using fast charging will degrade the battery and shorten its lifespan. “So if you want to extend the life of your EV, you don’t fully charge it, and you don’t use fast charging unless you really need it,” Quiroga says.

To optimize your battery’s health, don’t run it all the way down or charge it all the way up. “Keep your battery within the 20 percent and 80 percent range,” Montoya says. “A lot of vehicles will let you set the charging limit as far as what it will top out at when you charge, so you don’t have to be there monitoring it. Just set it at 80 percent.”

Batteries, like humans, operate optimally within a narrow temperature range. If you live in a place with extreme weather — either very hot or very cold — your battery will behave less optimally. “Many contemporary cars will allow you to precondition the temperature of the battery before you charge or drive, to help mediate for these issues,” Montoya says.

44. Regeneration generation

Most electric cars have a regenerative braking system that engages when the driver’s foot is removed from the accelerator, allowing the car to recoup energy during coasting or slowing down and store it in the battery. But these “one-pedal” driving systems — so-called because in many circumstances they allow you to drive using only the accelerator — can be so effective that the regular friction brakes don’t need to be used as often. This can mean lower costs overall on brake repairs. But it can also cause the rotors to rust and wear out from disuse. To prevent this and save on these potential costs, Quiroga says to “every once in a while make sure you’re hitting the brake pedal hard enough to actually use the friction brakes so that you don’t have premature corrosion.”        

45. Tire and tire again

Because of the additional mass associated with their very heavy batteries, electric vehicles tend to wear out their tires more quickly than gas-powered cars do. “There are special electric vehicle tires that help with that by having stronger rubber,” says Montoya. “So you can look for electric-vehicle-specific long-wear tires, or if you want to use traditional ones, you can just be aware that they can wear out faster.”

Moreover, because EVs lack the background engine noise associated with gas-powered vehicles, road noise can be more noticeable and irksome inside the cabin. “So you want a tire that’s going to help make it a nice, quiet experience. Otherwise you’re just going to hear a bunch of road noise, and it won’t be as pleasant,” Montoya says. EV-specific tires can help solve this issue as well.

46. Take the update

Many electric cars are what are known as “software-defined vehicles.” This means that the computer software that controls them is, in many ways, more important than their hardware: batteries, motors and other hard components. Like a smartphone, this allows the cars to be updated remotely. Such “Over the Air” (OTA) updates can be used to improve performance and efficiency, and add new features and experiences to things like the in-car entertainment and information system. They can even fix bugs or other issues the cars might be having. “A lot of issues are going to be addressed through these updates,” Montoya says.

That’s why it’s important to accept updates when they’re offered. “You should be comfortable knowing that the car is going to take updates like that,” Montoya says. “Oftentimes they tell you to park the vehicle for a certain period of time, and it has to be in a place where it can get a signal from onboard WiFi or a cellular signal.”

47. Tanks a lot

Plug-in hybrids are a type of electric vehicle (PHEV) that can run on a battery pack — typically smaller than the one in a pure battery electric vehicle (BEV) — or an onboard gas-powered motor, or a combination of the two. You plug them in to charge them. But because many users keep them charged and drive them only in electric mode, the gasoline in their tanks can sometimes go stale. Quiroga recommends letting the battery deplete on occasion so the gasoline motor will start, and keeping the fuel circulating to prevent it from becoming stale. Montoya notes that the latest PHEVs have “a system in place to burn a small amount of fuel when needed, so that it keeps the fuel relatively fresh and prevents it from getting stale.”