End of Year Maintenance Checklist

Taking care of your Buick or GMC is about much more than conducting scheduled Buick/GMC maintenance like oil changes. Just as you’d go to your doctor for an annual check-up, it’s equally important to take care of your vehicle.

The end of the year is a good reminder that time is passing, and also a good time to check over your vehicle and perform maintenance. It’s important to make sure your vehicle is in good condition heading into the cold Illinois winters, where snow, ice, and cold temperatures make driving more challenging.

Here’s your end-of-year checklist for Buick and GMC maintenance items.

1. Schedule a Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection

The Zeigler Buick GMC of Lincolnwood is your local certified Buick/GMC service center in the Chicago and Lincolnwood areas. Our expert technicians offer a multi-point vehicle inspection. This inspection can help prevent Buick/GMC repairs by identifying problems before they happen. A multi-point inspection includes inspection of:

• Oil and fluids
• Tires
• Wheels and suspension
• Brake system
• Engine exhaust
• Timing belts and pulleys
• Electrical system components

An annual end-of-year inspection of each of these elements can give you peace of mind for the new year to come. Other things to add to your end-of-year maintenance checklist are highlighted below.

2. Oil and Fluid Changes

Oil changes are regular Buick and GMC maintenance items that follow a set maintenance schedule in your Buick or GMC owner’s manual. At the end of the year, it’s a good habit to check the condition of your engine oil, coolant and transmission fluids, and more.

3. Tire Tread Depth and Wear

At this time of year, it’s important to make sure your tires are in good condition, especially on Chicago-area roads that get slippery and icy in the winter months. Review your tread depth to make sure the tires can disperse water and snow effectively. Also, pay attention to the tire wear—uneven tire wear can indicate problems with your suspension and wheel alignment.

4. Miscellaneous Maintenance Items

Your GMC or Buick maintenance schedule may overlook some of the smaller or less well-known items. Add these to your end-of-year service and repair checklist to make sure your vehicle operates safely and efficiently as the year ends. These include smaller items such as:

• Lighting system and bulbs: To make sure you’re visible in low-light situations and also aid your own vision.
• Cabin air filter: To improve the efficiency of your HVAC system and keep the air in your cabin fresh.
• Windshield wiper blades and fluid: To make sure your windshield stays clear of road salt or debris.

Schedule Your Buick/GMC Repairs or Maintenance Today

Zeigler Buick GMC or Lincolnwood is proud to offer reliable, convenient, and expert service for all Buick and GMC vehicles. We even offer pre-paid maintenance plans to help you take care of your vehicle without impacting cash flow.

Schedule your year-end Buick maintenance or GMC maintenance today at Zeigler Buick GMC of Lincolnwood.