Our Services
Monthly Checklist
At Chabill’s Tire and Auto Service, we recommend that you visit us monthly for regular checks and maintenance to ensure your vehicle continues to operate safely and run smoothly. With a wealth of knowledge and expertise, our trusted technicians are able to quickly identify potential problems and efficiently complete any necessary repairs.
If you want to perform your monthly vehicle checks yourself, you can start following a few simple maintenance recommendations. Taking a few minutes each month to inspect your vehicle could make a difference in your safety. It can also prevent you from having to pay for costly repairs down the line.
You don’t have to be a trained vehicle expert to perform the regular maintenance that your car needs. With our simple and handy monthly checklist, you can conduct a brief review of your vehicle and its components and systems. It can alert you to potential problems early and prevent a costly repair job in the future. Our team of experts recommends following the checklist below every month to protect the life of your vehicle and ensure your safety on the road.
Check Engine Oil: Start by using the dipstick to check the condition and level of your oil. You can then add oil if necessary. Consider scheduling an oil change if the oil leaves a smudge on your hand or if you are within the recommended service interval.
Inspect Tire Pressure: Use a tire pressure gauge to check the air pressure in all tires, including your spare (if you have one.) Inflate or deflate the tire as needed to meet the manufacturer’s recommended pressure levels.
Examine Tire Condition And Tread Depth: Check the depth of the treads of each tire through the use of a tread depth gauge, or try the penny test. Replace the tires if the tread depth is less than the recommended minimum or if you see signs of uneven wear. You should also conduct a visual inspection of each tire for indications of damage, including bulges, cuts or punctures. Replacing any tires that are showing signs of damage or excessive wear is vital to your safety and the life of your vehicle.
Monitor All Fluid Levels: Check the levels of essential fluids, including coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid and windshield washer fluid. Refill fluids as necessary, and inspect for clear signs of leaking or damage.
Inspect The Battery: Look over the battery terminals for visible signs of corrosion, and clean them if you think it is necessary. It is also important to ensure that the battery is securely mounted and the connections are tight.
Test Your Lights: Test all interior and exterior lights, including headlights and taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights. By promptly replacing any bulbs that are burned out or not functioning properly, you maintain your vehicle’s visibility and safety (especially when driving at night or in bad weather).
Check Your Wiper Blades: Evaluate the condition of the windshield wiper blades, watching for signs of wear (such as cracking or streaking). Replace the blades if they are worn, leaving streaks or no longer effectively clearing the windshield.
Inspect All Belts And Hoses: Lift the hood of your vehicle to conduct a visual inspection of the engine belts and hoses for anything that signals significant wear, cracking or fraying. Any belts or hoses that appear damaged or deteriorated should be replaced.
Check Your Air Filter: Remove the air filter from the air filter housing to inspect it for dirt, debris or signs of clogging. Replace it if you feel that it is necessary. Your cabin’s air filter does not need to be part of your monthly routine, as those typically only need to be replaced once per year.
Test Your Brakes: You can test your brakes by applying consistent pressure to the brake pedal while driving at a low speed. Be sure to listen and watch for any unusual noises or vibrations. Have the brakes inspected if you notice any changes or issues. When it comes to the performance of your brakes, you don’t want to take any unnecessary risks.
Inspect The Undercarriage: Perform a visual inspection of the undercarriage for the appearance of fluid leaks, loose components or obvious damage. Pay particular attention to the exhaust system, suspension components and steering linkage.
Test The HVAC System: Test the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system to ensure that it is functioning properly. Check for proper airflow and temperature control in all modes of the system.
Performing these monthly checkups and maintenance tasks can go a long way toward helping to keep your vehicle in good condition. It can also minimize the risk of unexpected breakdowns and extend its lifespan. If you notice any issues during your monthly inspections, have them addressed promptly by a qualified professional to prevent further damage and avoid safety concerns.
When In Doubt, Leave It To The Experts At Chabill’s!
If the aforementioned list of monthly maintenance tasks seems overwhelming and time-consuming, it might be worth leaving the monthly checklist up to the team of trusted mechanics at Chabill’s Tire and Auto Service. As experts in all things related to vehicle maintenance, we would be happy to take on your routine checks and evaluations. Our technicians can quickly identify and resolve any problems they may encounter.
If you don’t have the time or if you don’t trust your own knowledge and experience, help for your automotive maintenance needs is nearby. With more than 18 trusted locations across southern Louisiana, ensuring the safety and reliability of your vehicle has never been easier.
Proudly serving the people of Louisiana for more than 50 years, Chabill’s Tire and Auto Service is your one-stop shop for all of your tire, vehicle maintenance and repair needs. Scheduling an appointment for your monthly checklist or other service is quick and easy. Call the location closest to you, drop by or conveniently schedule your appointment through our online portal. We can’t wait to hear from you and help you get to where you’re going safely and on time!
