Top 5 Most Overlooked Vehicle Maintenance Tasks

We all know the basics: change your oil, rotate your tires, keep gas in the tank. But there are a few crucial maintenance tasks that often fly under the radar—and neglecting them can lead to costly repairs or safety hazards down the road.

Here are the Top 5 Most Commonly Overlooked Maintenance Tasks you should definitely keep on your radar:

Over time, brake fluid absorbs moisture and becomes less effective—reducing braking power and potentially damaging brake components.

Recommended: Replace every 2 years or as specified by your vehicle’s manual.

It’s easy to forget about, but this filter keeps the air inside your vehicle clean. A dirty filter reduces airflow, can strain your A/C and heating systems and tends to hold smells which can become unpleasant.

Recommended: Every 15,000–25,000 miles.

Even if your battery still works, corrosion on the terminals can cause poor electrical contact—and eventually, leave you stuck with a dead car. This is the most common reason your fairly new battery won't hold a charge!

Tip: Clean terminals annually and inspect for buildup.

If your vehicle pulls to one side or the steering wheel feels off-center, it could be misaligned. Poor alignment wears tires unevenly and impacts handling and fuel economy.

Recommended: Check once a year or after hitting a pothole or curb.

Just like oil, transmission fluid breaks down over time. Low or dirty fluid can lead to rough shifting or even transmission failure. You'd be so surprised the amount of people forget this one.

Recommended: Check every 30,000–60,000 miles, depending on vehicle make/model.