10 Things You Should Regularly Be Checking on Your INFINITI

August 5, 2021

Maybe you're wondering what kind of things to check on your car before a road trip - or maybe you just want to make sure you're doing enough to take care of your car. Either way, routine maintenance is one of the best ways to keep your INFINITI running smoothly while saving money on future repairs. Learn what to regularly check on your car with our vehicle maintenance checklist below.

1. Tires

When inspecting your tires, there are always three things to check: tread depth, tire pressure, and wear. Sufficient tread depth is critical to making sure your tires have enough traction on the road. If the depth of your tread is 2/32" or less (or 4/32" if you frequently drive in wet conditions), it is typically no longer recommended to drive with that tire.

An easy way to test tread depth is with a penny: place a penny upside down in the tread; if Lincoln's head is covered then you still have enough tread depth.

Underinflated tires cause premature wear on your tread and lower fuel efficiency, while overinflated tires lead to a rougher ride. You can find the correct tire pressure for your vehicle in the driver-side door jamb or in your owner's manual.

Finally, inspect your tires for uneven wear on the tread and sidewalls. Uneven wear may indicate that your tires are not properly inflated or that you have a problem with your wheel alignment. It's best to check tire pressure monthly and generally inspect the condition of your tires at least every three months.

2. Brakes

It's important to check your brake system at least once a year or before any long drives. At a minimum, proper brake maintenance includes checking the brake fluid, brake lines, rotors, and pads. Brake pads should be replaced when the pad is worn down to ¼" or 3mm thickness. Most brake pads have a metal indicator that will make a squealing sound to let you know they need replacing. Additionally, check the rotors for grooves or pits, indicating that they should either be resurfaced or replaced.

3. Fluids

Keeping fluid levels at the appropriate levels is an essential part of vehicle maintenance. You can find the reservoirs for most fluids under the hood of your car marked with the minimum and maximum fluid level lines. Transmission fluid can be checked using a dipstick, which is usually red on the handle. While each fluid has its own recommended replacement interval, be sure to check the levels at every oil change. If you find any fluid is suspiciously low or frequently needs topping off, have the system checked for leaks.

Power Steering Fluid

For cars with hydraulic power steering, power steering fluid should be topped up approximately every three months or 3,000 miles. Check the fluid level once the car has warmed up to get a more accurate reading. This does not apply to vehicles with electric power steering.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Use the corresponding dipstick to check your transmission fluid levels every three months or 3,000 miles. To check the fluid, allow the engine to heat up to an operating temperature, and leave the car in park with the engine running, then top up as needed. Automatic transmission fluid should be flushed and replaced every two years. Consult your owner's manual for the recommended type of transmission fluid.

Brake Fluid

As your brake fluid gets dirtier, it becomes less effective at stopping your vehicle. Leaking fluid or air bubbles in the brake lines will also decrease your brakes' effectiveness and put you at risk. Check brake fluid levels regularly and top up as needed. Exchange brake fluid every two years or as needed if the fluid becomes too contaminated.

Coolant/Antifreeze

Check coolant levels monthly to make sure your car's cooling system has sufficient fluid. Warning: never open a radiator cap while the engine is warm! Instead, check coolant levels by looking at the fill lines on the transparent reservoir next to the radiator. To avoid being scalded, wait at least three hours after driving to let the engine cool down before topping off coolant.

Be sure to check whether the coolant you are using is pre-mixed or needs to be diluted with water before use. Flush and replace coolant once annually or every 12,000 miles.

Windshield Wiper Fluid

Windshield wiper fluid should be checked monthly and topped up as needed. Similar to coolant, your wiper fluid may need to be diluted with distilled water before filling up your reservoir.

4. Engine Oil & Filter

Motor oil is the lifeblood of your engine and should be checked regularly, about once a month. You can easily check the quality of your engine oil using the dipstick attached to your engine. First, remove the dipstick and wipe it clean before reinserting it to get an accurate reading. When you remove it again, the oil should fall somewhere between the two fill lines on the stick. If the oil measures close to the bottom line, it's likely time to get your oil changed.

If the oil appears somewhat milky, it likely means there is coolant leaking into the engine oil, and you should get your vehicle serviced as soon as possible. Engine oil should be mostly clear or only starting to get dark from use.

Generally it's recommended that you change your vehicle's oil approximately every 5,000 miles, but the timing will ultimately depend on your driving habits and the type of oil in your engine. Check your owner's manual for the recommended type of oil and change interval. It's best to change your oil filter with each oil change as well to keep contaminants from building up.

5. Engine Air Filter

Check your engine air filter with every oil change to make sure there isn't too much debris buildup preventing air from reaching the engine. A good INFINITI filter should be light red or pink in color and should be replaced about twice a year. At a minimum, replace the engine air filter once a year even if the filter does not appear overly dirty or full of debris.

6. Cabin Air Filter

Unlike an engine air filter, which filters air moving toward the engine, a cabin air filter cleans the air entering the inside of your vehicle. Cabin air filters are commonly found behind the glove compartment in your car's dashboard. Replace the cabin air filter once a year to keep pollen, pollution, and other contaminants from getting inside the car.

7. Battery

While your INFINITI's battery typically lasts at least three to four years, they should be inspected and cleaned approximately every three months to keep them usable longer. After three years of use, regularly use a multimeter or have your battery tested at any auto shop to ensure it holds sufficient charge.

Check your battery for corrosion buildup on the terminals, which can reduce electrical efficiency. Corrosion is easily removed with a wire brush and a solution of water and baking soda. Lastly, ensure that the battery is mounted securely and that none of its cables are loose.

8. Belts & Hoses

Depending on the age of your vehicle, you may have either a serpentine belt or a variety of v-belts driving accessories under the hood of your car. Every three months or 3,000 miles, check your INFINITI's belts to ensure they are still tight and free of wear. If any belt has lost tension or shows fraying or missing teeth, it's probably time to replace the belt.

Similarly, check hoses and their connections under your hood every three months as well. Any hoses that are cracked, brittle, or show signs of leaking should be replaced.

9. Windshield Wipers

Using old windshield wipers in a heavy downpour or any kind of inclement weather reduces your visibility and puts you at risk. Wiper blades should be smooth and flexible without showing any cracks or fraying. It's recommended that you replace wiper blades every six months, even if your current ones don't show much sign of wear.

10. Lights

Always keep an eye out for any burnt out bulbs in your headlights, tail lights, and indicator lights. Not only can driving with missing lights be dangerous, it can also be illegal and might get you a ticket. If you notice any of your lights not working, check first for a blown fuse. Otherwise, buy a replacement bulb, and exchange any burnt out lights as soon as possible.

Check Routine Maintenance Off Your List

Did a routine inspection turn up some unwanted issues? Repair and maintain your INFINITI with genuine replacement parts from INFINITI Parts. Order parts that fit your specific model, year, and trim, and visit your local authorized INFINITI service center for professional installation.