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What Should Be on Your Car Maintenance Checklist?

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A good maintenance schedule for your car requires knowledge and a reinforced habit. A car maintenance checklist will help with both.One of the best ways to learn about your car and the routine maintenance it needs is by starting with your car owner’s manual. Every vehicle owner’s manual has a detailed maintenance section for everything from standard oil changes to major belt replacements. If you don’t have the original owner’s manual, you can usually find one online.As for the checklist, that’s up to you, but we’ve given you a headstart below.

Create a System for Car Maintenance That Suits You

Create a personal car maintenance checklist that will be the most helpful for you. It could be a Google spreadsheet or an index card — whatever works for you. Your checklist should include monthly, quarterly, and annual maintenance items. Keep in mind that maintenance frequency depends on the manufacturer’s recommendations and how you use the vehicle. Off-road driving warrants more frequent tire checks, for example, and the oil needs to be changed more often when you’re putting a lot of miles on the car.Here’s a list of car maintenance checklist basics in the three categories:

Monthly Car Maintenance

  • Check the oil level
  • Check the coolant level
  • Check the brake fluid level
  • Check and clean wiper blades
  • Check the windshield washer fluid
  • Check the headlights on bright and dim
  • Check the tire pressure, tread, and condition

Quarterly Car Maintenance

  • Change the oil
  • Change the oil filter
  • Inspect the fan belt
  • Inspect the hoses for cracks
  • Check the battery and cables
  • Check the power steering fluid
  • Change the automatic transmission fluid
  • Annual Car Maintenance

Annual Car Maintenance

  • Flush the coolant
  • Check the spark plugs
  • Change air cabin filter
  • Change engine air filter
  • Lubricate doors and hinges
  • Check brakes and wheel bearings
  • Inspect steering and suspension

Trust the Experts at Zimbrick at Fish Hatchery Road

It’s likely that you’re not going to do all the inspections and maintenance on your car, so how you choose to schedule service is key. Using your personal checklist, you may choose to set calendar reminders, download an app to help you stay on top of maintenance, or schedule all your service appointments for the year at once. You might also sign up for mailers for auto service coupons.If you’re not completely certain when you should schedule an appointment, ask a technician. Additionally, call a member of our service staff immediately if you have a concern about your car — don’t wait until a scheduled appointment. For specific questions about your car’s maintenance or for auto service in Madison, WI, contact our service center today.
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Why Zimbrick at Fish Hatchery Road is Your Madison Car Dealer

If you’re looking for a reliable, courteous, and helpful car dealership in Madison, Wisconsin, you can count on Zimbrick at Fish Hatchery Road. We’re proud to be the home of Buick, GMC, Honda, and INFINITI. Our friendly and experienced staff is dedicated to finding you a vehicle that suits your needs and budget. Continue reading to learn more about our dealership. Loving Care Service at Zimbrick at Fish Hatchery Road Explore Our Large Inventory Whether you’re looking for the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500, 2019 Buick Encore, 2018 Honda Pilot, or the 2019 INFINITI QX50, we have an extensive inventory of new cars for sale. We offer new car specials and deals so that you can save money getting into the car, truck, or SUV you’ve had your eye on. Maybe you want a new-to-you vehicle at a great value. Check out our used car specials and deals, which include certified pre-owned (CPO) models. They make it easy to get behind the wheel of a vehicle with some miles on it — all at a price that fits your budget. Loan or Lease? You’ve done your research, test drove a few models, and have decided on your vehicle. Now comes the decision: How are you planning on paying for it? Our finance department will walk you through all of your available options and help create a payment plan that suits your needs. We want to work with you to ensure everyone drives away happy with the deal. You can even get pre-approved for a loan online, so when you walk into Zimbrick at Fish Hatchery Road, you know exactly what you can spend. Our payment calculator makes it easy to find out what your monthly payments will be for loan or lease or how much you would be able to finance with a certain monthly payment amount. Need a Service Center in Madison, WI? Our service department is staffed with highly trained, expert technicians who use advanced tools and diagnostic equipment to repair or maintain your vehicle. We’re happy to offer an array of specialized services, including: Basic maintenance Oil changes Tire rotations Battery check-ups Engine repairs Body repair We also offer money-saving service coupons for you to use during your next service appointment. Visit Zimbrick at Fish Hatchery Road Contact us today at (608) 270-7799 for more information about our inventory or to schedule a test drive.

technician performs season auto service on car engine

How To Prepare Your Vehicle for Cooler Weather

Before the temperature dips and the snow starts falling, get your car, truck, or SUV ready for the cold Wisconsin fall and winter months with these auto service tips. 5 Tips to Prepare Your Car for Winter Check the Fluids With a quick check of the fluid levels in your car, you can easily see if you’re running low or need a change. In Wisconsin where the weather can plummet during the winter, you can opt for winter-grade oil at your next oil change. This oil is thinner than usual, allowing it to easily flow through engine components even when the temperatures are low. Speak to your technician or consult your vehicle’s manual for confirmation. Replacing the coolant for an antifreeze and water mixture will help prevent your engine from freezing in sub-zero temperatures, but reference your owner’s manual for more information. Swapping everyday windshield wiper fluid for the freeze-resistant formula in the fall will make it a lot easier to clear your windshield when it’s snowy and icy out or on mornings after a frost. Inspect the Tires By checking the tread of your tires, you’ll know if you should replace them before the snow falls. Fight premature wear by maintaining proper air pressure so your tires have enough traction to tackle snow, slush, and ice. With the amount of snow we receive every winter in Madison, investing in snow tires for the winter months could be well worth it if you do a lot of driving through the snow. Battery Before fall or winter hits, open the hood to your car and look over the battery and connections. Inspect and clean the terminals, check the cables for cracks or breaks, and check the battery fluid level. Don’t Get Locked Out Running late on a freezing cold morning only to find your door locks have been frozen over? Before this happens to you, pick up a tube or 2 of glycerine to de-ice the locks. This is sold at most auto parts or hardware stores, but make sure to stash it where you’ll be able to get it easily. Pack an Emergency Kit Packing an emergency kit can help you stay safe while you wait for help to arrive. Stored in your trunk, your kit can contain the following items: Flashlight Blanket Bag of kitty litter or sand (for traction) High-energy snacks Ice scraper and brush Small shovel Leak-proof container of coolant Get Your Car Ready for Cool Weather at Zimbrick at Fish Hatchery Road If you’re looking for car service in Madison, WI, check out the service department of Zimbrick at Fish Hatchery Road. Contact us to schedule service today.