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<\/p>\nBELL KA PANG \/\/ Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The automotive market has been hit hard by ongoing inflation and uncertainty about trade policy. And with President Donald Trump enacting a 25% tariff on all imported vehicles and vehicle parts as of April 2025, car prices are about to rise even higher.<\/span><\/p>\n That means fewer Americans will be shelling out money to buy new vehicles and instead will focus on maintaining their current set of wheels. In 2024, the average age of<\/span> drivable vehicles reached a record of 12.6 years<\/span><\/a>, according to an S&P Global Mobility report in May of that year. With upcoming price increases, owners will likely hold onto their vehicles longer.<\/span><\/p>\n But as any machine ages, components degrade, parts wear down, and failures potentially become inevitable. Routine maintenance is critical to preventing deterioration and prolonging a vehicle\u2019s lifespan in terms of both safety and operation. Maintenance tasks often have a time or mileage schedule, and knowing when to change fluids or rotate the tires can help owners extend their vehicle\u2019s lifespan and reduce the need for more costly repairs down the line.<\/span><\/p>\n Not all types of vehicles will require the same maintenance, however. Electric vehicles are exempt from regular spark plug or oil changes, but require much larger batteries for operation.<\/span><\/p>\n The General<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span> broke down 10 essential maintenance tasks that help keep your car safer, more reliable, and on the road longer.<\/span><\/p>\n QUICKLY FILE YOUR SR-22<\/b><\/p>\n Learn how you can get back on the road after a driving offense with a free <\/span>SR22 insurance<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span> quote.<\/span><\/p>\n Jacktamrong \/\/ Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Changing a vehicle\u2019s oil is one of the most common and critical maintenance tasks for gas-powered vehicles. Clean engine oil is crucial to ensuring that mechanical components are properly lubricated for optimal longevity, which in turn also affects fuel mileage.<\/span><\/p>\n While specifics vary by vehicle make, oil blend, and driving conditions, drivers should change most modern oils between 5,000 and 7,500 miles or at least twice a year. Oil changes usually cost between $35 and $125 and are offered at most dealerships and repair shops. Owners looking to change their oil on their own must be aware of local disposal regulations for automotive fluids and filters.<\/span><\/p>\n Lightfield Studios \/\/ Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Cars need to be able to drive\u2014but more importantly, they need to be able to stop. Working brakes are a requirement for the safe operation of any vehicle. Brake pads are one of the most essential components of a vehicle\u2019s braking system and need to be changed somewhat regularly.<\/span><\/p>\n Brake pads often last between 25,000 and 50,000 miles, but if the brakes start squeaking or making other noises, it may require more immediate replacement. Brake pad replacement varies depending on the type of car, but costs around $300 and is commonly available at repair facilities.<\/span><\/p>\n AMNAT DPP \/\/ Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Tires should be the only component of a vehicle that makes contact with the road. Ensuring they are properly aligned and regularly rotated will not only prolong the lifespan of the tires, but also grant increased fuel efficiency and ensure smoother operation.<\/span><\/p>\n While often considered the same, tire rotation and wheel alignment are two separate procedures, with rotation swapping the tires\u2019 positions to evenly distribute wear and alignment adjusting the suspension to ensure they make proper contact with driving surfaces. The need for such repairs varies with regular driving conditions, vehicle type, and function, but is often recommended on an interval similar to oil changes.<\/span><\/p>\n Yury Nikolaev \/\/ Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Most vehicles have two primary air filters. One protects the airflow in and out of the engine from contaminants that hinder combustion, while another filters the air entering the cab, much like the air filter in a home climate system. Filters are exposed to dirt and contaminants, so they need to be changed regularly.<\/span><\/p>\n Experts recommend changing air filters at least once a year or every 12,000 miles; the average cost for an air filter replacement ranges between $59 and $78, depending on parts and labor.<\/span><\/p>\n Setta Sornnoi \/\/ Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The transmission is a critical piece of any vehicle\u2019s drivetrain system. Whether controlled manually or automatically, it ensures that power generated from the engine is transferred to the wheels. Much like the oil in the engine, this vital system depends on transmission fluid to ensure that gears change smoothly and that the engine uses fuel efficiently.<\/span><\/p>\n It is recommended to change transmission fluid between every 30,000 and 100,000 miles depending on the vehicle and transmission type. Not maintaining a system as essential as the transmission can lead<\/span> to failures that will cost significantly more to fix later in a vehicle\u2019s life.<\/span><\/p>\n GREAT ONLINE CAR INSURANCE<\/b><\/p>\n With low rates, low down payments and flexible payment options, this is one of the best ways to get <\/span>car insurance online<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n Deemerwha studio \/\/ Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Almost all systems in modern vehicles rely on some sort of electrical component, with EVs relying on electricity for all systems. This makes the battery an extremely important nerve center for the entire vehicle.<\/span><\/p>\n Experts suggest changing a battery for gas-powered vehicles every three to five years, with regular inspections beginning at the three-year mark. Electric vehicle batteries are much larger and may last<\/span> 12 to 15 years in moderate climates<\/span><\/a>. Batteries may show subtle signs of failure, such as dim headlights, slow cranking when starting, or a sulfuric smell, but once the battery dies, the vehicle will not even start. The price for battery replacement will vary depending on the size and power necessary, along with accessibility within the vehicle.<\/span><\/p>\n Pawel Radomski \/\/ Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Since both combustion engines and electric motors generate heat, regulating the system\u2019s temperature is necessary. Antifreeze, also known as engine coolant, keeps a vehicle\u2019s engine from either getting too cold to function or overheating. It is recommended to check coolant at least twice a year: once in the summer and once in the winter.<\/span><\/p>\n Due to gradual degradation and contamination, the fluid in gas-powered cars should be flushed and replaced approximately every 60,000 miles, with specifics varying on vehicle manufacture and driving conditions. The service for flushing coolant often runs between $200 and $250 and is commonly offered at dealerships and repair shops. For electric vehicles, experts recommend changing the fluid every five years, which may cost between $400 and $650.<\/span><\/p>\n kanemme6 \/\/ Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The serpentine belt and timing belt perform different but critical functions. The serpentine belt transfers energy generated by the engine to accessories such as the alternator and air conditioning compressor. The timing belt regulates smooth engine operation. Failure of either can cause breakdowns and lead to expensive repairs.<\/span><\/p>\n One of the most common symptoms is a squeak or squeal under the hood, which is often accompanied by a smell of burning rubber. Some belts can last up to 100,000 miles, but it is recommended to routinely check them since they are made of rubber and exposed to heat generated by vehicle operation.<\/span><\/p>\n Nor Gal \/\/ Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Spark plugs play an integral part in the function of a combustion engine by igniting the fuel. Therefore, it is important to ensure they are functioning cleanly and efficiently. Dirty spark plugs can lead to loss of fuel efficiency and rough engine operation.<\/span><\/p>\n They should be checked starting at 30,000 miles for standard plugs made of copper, while plugs made from metals such as platinum or iridium offer longer lifespans. Replacement can run between $100 and $500, with spark plug replacement often included in tune-up packages.<\/span><\/p>\n FIND AFFORDABLE CAR INSURANCE<\/b><\/p>\n Get a hassle-free online quote to find the <\/span>cheap car insurance<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span> you need at no cost in just two minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/From-oil-changes-to-brake-checks-2.png\")
Engine Oil Change<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Brake Pad Replacement<\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/From-oil-changes-to-brake-checks-4.png\")
Tire Rotation and Alignment<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Replacing Air Filters (Engine and Cabin)<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Transmission Fluid Replacement<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Battery Inspection or Replacement<\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/From-oil-changes-to-brake-checks-8.png\")
Coolant Flush<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Timing Belt\/Serpentine Belt Replacement<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Spark Plug Replacement<\/b><\/h2>\n
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