A Checklist of Annual Car Maintenance Services

An estimated 18% of American households will use auto repair services at least once a year by 2022. It indicates a bright, rising future for the automobile repair industry. It proves that automobile owners are being more mindful of maintaining their vehicles, even if it's at least once a year.

JMC Equipment has seen the auto repair industry respond by upgrading tools and equipment to provide better services to the increasing tide of customers. Quality performance requires numerous tools, from car wheel balancing machines to state-of-the-art shop tools such as sanders and buffers.

We've put together this checklist to aid shops in becoming more well-prepared for the influx of customers and address any annual maintenance services your customers may need.

Annual Car Maintenance Repairs and Services

Coolant flush

The fluid ensures that the radiator remains cool, so this service is popular during summer when the temperatures rise.

Technicians need to inspect the radiator coolant to determine if contaminants, substrates, and debris has accumulated. Neglecting this part of maintenance could lead to corrosion, rust, and scaling. Shops need radiator hose tools, drain plugs, bleed tools, and sealing materials.

Spark plug check

In previous decades this type of maintenance was so easy that customers could do it at home. However, now that engines have become so sophisticated and intertwined with onboard computer systems, it's more than likely that customers would prefer to have it done in the shop.

Specialists will need socket wrenches, sockets, and extenders. A careful inspection of the spark plugs can reveal various issues. For example, fuel-fouled plugs indicate that fuel may be too rich in the car. Detonation damage may show that the engine timing is off. And carbon fouling can mean that the engine has been running with way too much fuel.

Change air cabin filter

Vehicle owners should do this around every 30,000 miles. Most customers will come into the shop claiming heating and air conditioning issues, and a cabin air filter replacement may be a more straightforward solution. Technicians should inspect this area first before going straight to the heating and air conditioning.

Change engine air filter

This filter is crucial to the smooth operation, as it catches foreign debris and dust that could damage or hinder engine performance. It can be accessed from behind the glove box like the cabin air filter. And like the air cabin filter, all it requires are screwdrivers and the replacement filter.

Lubricating doors and hinges

Annual lubrication of car doors and hinges ensures easy opening and closing and helps avoid the dreaded old-car squeak. Technicians should be well-versed in each of the specialized lubricants used in different parts of the car that protect and maintain hinges.

Car door locks and trunk and hood locks are far more exposed to outside temperatures than others. They need high-adhesion grease to lubricate. Choose one that has high frost resistance if possible. For rubber seals in the car body, techs must use a frost-and-heat-resistant lubricant. Silicone-based is the most ideal. Electrical contacts risk temperature changes, leading to condensation and corrosion. Use conductive pastes and silicone compound or grease.

Choose High-Performance Tools and Equipment

To ensure your technicians can provide quality annual maintenance services and ensure ease of work, upgrade your systems to high-performance tools and equipment. These tools can improve efficiency, reach, and make the maintenance work go bymore quickly.

JMC Automotive Equipment provides auto shops with various options for shop tools and equipment and vehicle performance additives . Shops can get equipped with everything you need to upgrade your tools and equipment for virtually any car maintenance service they provide. Browse our selections or see our buyer's guide to find out what your shop needs.