If taking care of your car seems overwhelming, don’t panic. Just break things down into a smaller checklist and start one at a time. An experienced driver has shared crucial dad advice for the most important things to keep your eyes on. 

Dad’s advice: Basic car maintenance checklist 

TikTok user and proud Dad, @dadadvicefrombo is here to help you keep your car well-maintained. It’s not as overwhelming as you think because the video even includes examples, so you can see which parts he’s talking about! 

1. Change your oil every 3,000 – 5,000 miles and set the trip meter on your dash to keep track of the distance in between. 
2. Check your oil level before long trips and add oil if you need it. 
3. Take a look at your battery. Make sure there’s no corrosion around the terminals. 
4. Check your coolant levels as it prevents your car from overheating. Go to AutoZone or NAPA to see which type of coolant you need. You don’t want to add the wrong stuff. 
5. Keep your windshield fluid filled, especially if you’re going on a long trip. 
6. Change your air filter a few times a year. Bo says it’s really easy. 
7. Put a piece of cardboard under your car while the engine is running to see if anything is leaking. 
8. Keep your tire pressure before long road trips, rotate your tires every 5,000 miles, and check the depth of your tread. 
9. If you’re still confused, find an expert at an auto parts store for help. They can look up the exact items your vehicle needs and help you out. 

I’ve reached out to dadadvicefrombo to see if he has any other tips to share. 

Follow-up car maintenance questions: 

What happens if you put the wrong type of coolant in your car? 

According to hi-techcare, some types of coolant have an incompatible chemistry or additives that cause this type of damage. 

Using the wrong type of coolant in your vehicle could cause overheating, corrosion, and system blockages. It may damage the water pump, radiator, or head gaskets. 

Do you need an oil change at 3,000 or 5,000 miles? 

Fun fact: The 3,000-mile oil change rule is old and outdated. Modern SUVs and oils last for much longer intervals. But refer to your owner’s manual to see what type of oil for car needs and how often it should be replaced. 

How do you clean corrosion from the battery terminal? 

First of all, get some protective gear like gloves and glasses. Then find a firm brush and make a mixture of a few tea spoons of baking soda and water. 

Next, disconnect the positive battery terminal and the negative one. Apply the mixture and watch it bubble. Scrub away debris, rinse, and reconnect the terminals. 

Don’t put water in the washer fluid tank 

If you put water in the windshield fluid tank, it could freeze. I figured this out the hard way on the way to work one morning. I wanted to wash some dirt away, then my windshield was suddenly covered with ice, and I couldn’t see. 

What do the comments say? 

Folks in the comments section shared some helpful advice. For example, don’t check your coolant after you turn the engine off, and don’t forget about the transmission fluid. 

Some people shared that you can go 7,000 to 10,000 miles between oil changes. However, you should stick to what’s best for your car. Also, some places will give you an oil change sticker so you don’t have to refer to the odometer. 

Other comments shared things like their car usually rotates its tires on its own. Don’t listen to them!