When undertaking preventive maintenance for a client’s car, the sheer number of tasks you have to complete and track can easily overwhelm you. A checklist solves this avoidable problem by creating a very deliberate and exhaustive preventive maintenance plan that makes sure you do not neglect any significant component of the car and standard maintenance check. It outlines every single task you have already done, what you need to plan for, and what you should be doing at the specific service interval. We have provided a simple but thought-out checklist that outlines which car aspect you need to inspect and the different tasks you should complete to perform routine maintenance that preserves and improves the car’s performance.
We have designed this checklist with three main uses in mind – identifying or documenting, scheduling, and tracking preventive maintenance tasks. This is to empower you as an auto service technician to remain organized as you undertake car services, have a consistent service framework, and help the client avoid unexpected car issues.
How to use this checklist
This checklist has various components that serve unique purposes in conducting comprehensive preventive maintenance. Here is a breakdown of how to use this checklist effectively.
Documentation basics
For the checklist to be useful, you must log it properly to make sure you have an accurate history of the specific service inspection. Fill out this top-most section with the prompted details before you start using this checklist. Use this section to record the car’s make and model, inspection date, inspector’s name, accurate odometer reading, and service interval. The service interval varies per car needs or maintenance schedule. However, most automakers advise technicians to recommend car service at least every 6 months (interim service) and 12 months (full service) or after 6,000 miles for others. The inspection date and odometer reading help you schedule the next service appointment.
Maintenance item and description
You should organize the different maintenance tasks in sensible categories to make it easy to identify and track them. This checklist has broken down tasks into the following components – engine and oil, tires and brakes, electrical and lighting, safety and comfort, and exterior and interior inspection. Under each category, you will find the different car components that you will check and service – for example, under ‘electrical and lighting’ you find components like battery, lights, and wiper blades and fluid.
Task description
Next to each car component, you will find the descriptions of the type of check and service that you need to undertake. This is necessary to make sure you prioritize the key services. You can also write down brief notes in this section
Checkboxes
We have added a checkbox feature to assist you with tracking progress as you complete tasks. Once you complete a check or inspection, mark the respective checkbox. Checkboxes are effective visual tools for tracking progress that you can see
Remarks
Use this space to note any additional observations that you must report to the client, such as unusual wear or issues not covered by the checklist. Use bullet points to make this section brief.
Next scheduled service
Your client should leave your workshop with a predetermined date of when they should service their car next. Use this section to record this specific scheduled date. This can be the next service interval or any prior date based on any issues you have identified.
What you need to remember
This checklist has incorporated the general routine maintenance checks and inspections comprehensively. However, it does not imply that it is exhaustive. As cars and maintenance needs vary from case to case, make sure to modify the checklist to fit your situation. We offer this checklist in DOCX, ODT, and DOTX file formats, which are highly editable and allow customization. Also, be attentive, meaning do not skip items, rush assessment, or make vague observations else the objective of preventive maintenance, to protect the car from avoidable problems, will not be achieved.
