{"id":8850,"date":"2020-04-13T04:44:18","date_gmt":"2020-04-13T11:44:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=8850"},"modified":"2023-10-19T06:25:39","modified_gmt":"2023-10-19T13:25:39","slug":"essential-underhood-maintenance-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/essential-underhood-maintenance-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Essential Underhood Maintenance Tips from Our Automotive Subject Matter Expert"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 4<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><style>.kadence-column_5fc5b4-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column_5fc5b4-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_5fc5b4-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_5fc5b4-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_5fc5b4-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column_5fc5b4-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column_5fc5b4-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_5fc5b4-aa{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_5fc5b4-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_5fc5b4-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column inner-column-1 kadence-column_5fc5b4-aa qk-look-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-row ultp-block-d98ddf  qk-main-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-row-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-row-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-column ultp-block-172358\"><div class=\"ultp-column-wrapper\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_957b4e-a1, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_957b4e-a1[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_957b4e-a1\"]{text-align:center;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_957b4e-a1 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_957b4e-a1[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_957b4e-a1\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-family:Inter;font-weight:500;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_957b4e-a1 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_957b4e-a1[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_957b4e-a1\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading_957b4e-a1 summary-title wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_957b4e-a1\"><span>Summary<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Consulting the owner&rsquo;s manual and checking underhood fluids often are some underhood maintenance tips to help keep your car running right.<\/li><li>Remember to check for any under-vehicle fluids and keep an eye out for leaks and worn-out parts.<\/li><li>Some underhood maintenance tips include checking your timing belt if your car has one and looking for warning signs.<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>In the past, cars required constant adjustments to mechanical bits, such as carburetors and ignition points. Thankfully, today&rsquo;s vehicles are governed by computers and other electronics&mdash;and that means far less tuning is required. Also, because modern automotive parts and supplies generally last longer, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/want-to-save-on-car-maintenance-some-tips-and-things-to-consider\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"maintenance\">maintenance<\/a> is kept to a minimum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But that doesn&rsquo;t mean you can just close the hood and forget about car care. After spending over 15 years in the auto industry, I can confidently say that a large portion of car problems stem from a lack of upkeep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That&rsquo;s why, in honor of National Car Care Month, the team from CarParts.com and I want to remind you to check what&rsquo;s under the hood&mdash;and provide you with a few tips to help out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/woman-mechanic-fixing-car-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"professional car mechanic looking under the hood of a vehicle in an auto repair shop\" class=\"wp-image-8859\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/woman-mechanic-fixing-car-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/woman-mechanic-fixing-car-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/woman-mechanic-fixing-car-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/woman-mechanic-fixing-car-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/woman-mechanic-fixing-car.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption> A large portion of car problems stem from a lack of upkeep.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6 Underhood Maintenance Tips to Help Keep Your Car Running Right<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even late-model cars require more than just topping off the gas tank. Regular care is mandatory if you want to keep your vehicle running well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few tips to keep you on the right track:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Consult the Owner&rsquo;s Manual<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Far too many drivers never open their owner&rsquo;s manual. And that&rsquo;s a big mistake. The manufacturer&rsquo;s service schedule, which is located in the owner&rsquo;s manual or supplemental maintenance guide, tells you what services your vehicle needs and when. Consulting the schedule is the first step when it comes to taking care of your car.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Best of all, if you somehow misplace your owner&rsquo;s manual, digital versions are now available online for many vehicles. You can download the documents free of charge on the vehicle manufacturer&rsquo;s official website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if you own a 2016 Toyota RAV4, you can access the owner&rsquo;s manual by visiting the owner&rsquo;s resource section of the Toyota website.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/car-owners-manual-with-service-schedule-1024x614.png\" alt=\"car owner's manual with supplemental service schedule\" class=\"wp-image-8348\" width=\"1024\" height=\"614\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/car-owners-manual-with-service-schedule-1024x614.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/car-owners-manual-with-service-schedule-300x180.png 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/car-owners-manual-with-service-schedule-768x461.png 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/car-owners-manual-with-service-schedule.png 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption>The manufacturer&rsquo;s service schedule tells you what services your vehicle needs and when.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Check the Underhood Fluids Often<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Okay&mdash;here&rsquo;s where I&rsquo;m going to recommend you deviate from the owner&rsquo;s manual. Although the document usually recommends inspecting the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/car-fluids-to-check-infographic\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"engine oil and other fluids\">engine oil and other fluids<\/a> every few months, you should perform such checks far more often&mdash;especially if you have an older car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On vehicles that are more than a few years old, it&rsquo;s smart to check the engine oil and coolant levels every week or two. If your car has an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/automatic-transmission-dipstick\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"automatic transmission dipstick\">automatic transmission dipstick<\/a> (many new cars do not), the transmission fluid level should be checked at the same time. While you&rsquo;re at it, take a peek at the power steering fluid (if your vehicle is equipped) and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/low-brake-fluid-symptoms-plus-when-to-change-and-faq\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"brake fluid\">brake fluid<\/a> as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"article-search-widget\">\n<div class=\"cp-search\">\n<div align=\"center\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/w_auto,dpr_auto\/carparts\/logos\/badge_wordmark\/full_color\/CP_LOGO_COLOUR_RGB\" alt=\"CarParts.com\" width=\"300\" height=\"56\">\n<\/div>\n<form id=\"cpsearchform\" name=\"cpsearchform\" action=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/search\" method=\"get\" target=\"_blank\" accept-charset=\"character_set\" aria-label=\"search CarParts.com\">\n    <input type=\"text\" class=\"keyword\" name=\"q\" placeholder=\"Search for parts on CarParts.com\" value=\"\" aria-label=\"Search CarParts.com\"><input type=\"submit\" class=\"btn-search\" value=\"Search\" aria-label=\"Search\">\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Remember to Check Any Under-Vehicle Fluids   <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It&rsquo;s easy to forget fluids that are underneath the car and out of sight. As was mentioned, many modern vehicles no longer have an automatic transmission dipstick; the fluid must be checked from underneath the car. Some applications also have differential and transfer case fluids to check periodically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Obviously, checking these under-vehicle fluids is an inconvenience, since you have to access the undercarriage somehow. But if you own a jack and a set of jack stands, this inspection is something you should do every few months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you do not have the necessary equipment, whenever you get your oil changed, remind your mechanic that you&rsquo;d like them to check all of the under-vehicle fluids.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/car-mechanic-checking-under-car-1024x636.jpg\" alt=\"car mechanic checking underneath a car\" class=\"wp-image-8855\" width=\"1024\" height=\"636\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/car-mechanic-checking-under-car-1024x636.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/car-mechanic-checking-under-car-300x186.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/car-mechanic-checking-under-car-768x477.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/car-mechanic-checking-under-car.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption>Many modern vehicles no longer have an automatic transmission dipstick. The fluid must be checked from underneath the car. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Keep an Eye Out for Leaks and Worn-Out Parts  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you&rsquo;re under the hood, be sure to keep an eye out for visible problems, such as cracked belts, worn hoses, and fluid leaks. Minor issues such as these can snowball and turn into big-time, costly repairs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, although a damaged hose may seem insignificant, the issue can lead to coolant loss, overheating, and potential engine damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Don&rsquo;t Forget the Timing Belt (If Your Car Has One)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many vehicle owners&mdash;and even some repair professionals&mdash;forget to service the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/timing-belt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"timing belt\">timing belt<\/a>. The belt is easy to forget since it&rsquo;s hidden out of sight inside the engine. But if the belt breaks, it can cause the engine valves to collide with the pistons, causing catastrophic (and expensive) damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fortunately, not all vehicles have timing belts. Most newer cars have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/when-to-replace-timing-chain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"timing chains\">timing chains<\/a> that do not require routine replacement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check your owner&rsquo;s manual to determine whether your vehicle has a belt or a chain. And if it has a belt, make sure to replace it per the manufacturer&rsquo;s recommended schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/timing-belt-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"timing belt of a car\" class=\"wp-image-8856\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/timing-belt-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/timing-belt-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/timing-belt-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/timing-belt-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/timing-belt-1.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption>If the timing belt breaks, it can cause the engine valves to collide with the pistons, causing catastrophic (and expensive) damage.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Observe Warning Signs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Far too many vehicle owners choose to ignore warning signs&mdash;and that bad habit costs them in the end. Say, for example, you&rsquo;ve been ignoring the check engine light or abnormal engine noises. Warning signs such as these can indicate significant problems that, if ignored, can lead to further damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">To Summarize: Just Pay Attention to Your Vehicle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Life is hectic and it&rsquo;s easy to put <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/2023-national-car-care-month-your-diy-maintenance-and-road-safety-checklist\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"automotive maintenance\">automotive maintenance<\/a> on the backburner. That&rsquo;s why there&rsquo;s National Car Care Month to provide a gentle reminder to pay attention to your vehicle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Taking simple steps, such as consulting the owner&rsquo;s manual and checking fluids often, will help keep your car running better longer.   <\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 4<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>In the past, cars required constant adjustments to mechanical bits, such as carburetors and ignition points. Thankfully, today&rsquo;s vehicles are&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/essential-underhood-maintenance-tips\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29,"featured_media":8854,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[52,3950,3743],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[2622],"class_list":{"0":"post-8850","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-diy","8":"category-for-the-car-owner","9":"category-maintenance","10":"entry"},"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Essential Underhood Maintenance Tips from Our Automotive Subject Matter Expert - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"April is finally here \u2013 and that means it\u2019s time to celebrate National Car Care Month. To help you get in on the action, we\u2019re providing a list of essential car care tips.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/essential-underhood-maintenance-tips\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Essential Underhood Maintenance Tips from Our Automotive Subject Matter Expert - In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"April is finally here \u2013 and that means it\u2019s time to celebrate National Car Care Month. To help you get in on the action, we\u2019re providing a list of essential car care tips.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/essential-underhood-maintenance-tips\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-04-13T11:44:18+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-10-19T13:25:39+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/female-car-mechanic-checking-under-the-hood.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1001\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/essential-underhood-maintenance-tips\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/essential-underhood-maintenance-tips\\\/\"},\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"$id\":\"29\",\"name\":\"Mia Bevacqua\",\"jobTitle\":\"ASE Master Automobile Technician\",\"description\":\"Mia Bevacqua has over 14 years of experience in the auto industry and holds a bachelor\u2019s degree in Advanced Automotive Systems. 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