Auto care doesn’t have to be stressful
I don’t like cars at all – they’re expensive to buy and maintain, they’re dangerous, they breakdown and they take a lot of my time. I’ve been ticketed for expired inspection stickers and missing registrations. I’ve blown a tire only to remember that I have my previous flat tire tucked neatly in my trunk as my spare. I’ve cracked at least 5 windshield on America’s highways.
Almost 10 years ago, I decided to take Steven Covey’s suggestion that I only spend energy on issues that are within my control. So I focused on managing the long term total cost of ownership and optimizing my own time. First, in 1999, I purchased a “durable” car to minimize the number of breakdown and cost of maintenance – really, ask my wife, BMWs are durable. Second, I built the following list of reminders to keep rolling, save time and reduce stress (based on 1200 miles/month average):
- Annual – July: State Inspection, Belts, Air Filters, Wiper Blades, Interior Detailing, Oil/Filter Change, Reload Wiper Fluid, Check Tire Pressure, Clean Break Dust
- Annual – January, April, October: Oil/Filter Change, Reload Wiper Fluid, Check Tire Pressure, Clean Brake Dust
- Every 2 Years – April: Antifreeze, A/C Coolant, Registration Renewal
- Every 3 Years – October: Tires
- Every 4 Years – January: Check/Fix/Replace Breaks, Pads, Rotors, Battery
- Every 5 Years – April: License Renewal
Has implementing a car maintenance plan simplified my life? Yes.
Some years are busier than others, but at least I am organized enough to know that I will only have 4 planned car care events a year.
Tags: automobile maintenance, bmw, car maintenance, maintenance checklist, reminders, steven covey
Nice! Although I feel a bit stressed knowing that I don’t even think or do half of what you listed!
Thanks for the helpful timeline. With modern auto manufacturing all but eliminating the DIY aspect of auto ownership and maintenance (does anyone even consider doing their own oil change anymore??), it’s nice to have a reminder of when and what the essentials are. Thanks!
This is a great checklist – even with a new car that has all “regular” maintenance scheduled and covered by warranty for three years – they don’t have you come in but once a year and things like wiper fluid, wiper blade replacement, tire pressure, a/c coolant need more regular attention.