Start the New Year Right with a Reliable Car Maintenance Schedule

We will soon flip the calendar to 2025 and many of us in Merrimack, NH, are setting resolutions to improve our lives. While health and fitness often top the list, have you considered making a New Year’s resolution for your car? At HM Motor Works, we believe January is the perfect time to establish a car maintenance schedule and ensure your vehicle is ready for whatever happy, bumpy, adventurous, or memorable roads are ahead in 2025.

Whether you’re commuting through snowy New Hampshire roads or planning summer road trips, staying on top of essential automotive services is key to keeping your vehicle reliable and safe. Let’s dive into how you can kick off the New Year by prioritizing your car's health.

The Importance of a Car Maintenance Schedule

A well-maintained car not only saves you money on costly repairs down the road but also ensures safety and efficiency. Start the year by scheduling routine services offered here at HM Motor Works, where our expert technicians can help keep your car running smoothly.

Here’s a quick checklist to consider for January:

1. Oil Change and Filter Replacement – Protect your engine during cold winter months.
2. Battery Testing – Don’t get stranded in the Merrimack cold.
3. Brake Inspection – Ensure safe stops on icy roads.
4. Tire Check – Winter tires and proper inflation make all the difference in snowy weather.
5. Fluids Check – Top off or replace coolant, windshield washer fluid, and more.

Having a car maintenance schedule ensures these services are handled proactively.

How Often Should You Perform These Automotive Services?

Staying on top of your car maintenance schedule is essential for keeping your vehicle running smoothly. Here’s a guide to how often each service should be performed:

Regular Maintenance Services

• Oil Changes and Filter Replacements: For conventional oil, every 3,000–5,000 miles or 5,000–7,500 miles for synthetic oil.
• Factory-Recommended Maintenance: Follow the intervals specified in your vehicle’s owner’s manual, typically every 30,000, 60,000, or 90,000 miles.
• Tires (Installation and Rotations): Rotate tires every 5,000–7,500 miles and replace them when tread depth falls below 2/32 of an inch.

Essential Inspections and Repairs

• Brakes (Pads, Rotors, and Calipers): Inspect brakes at least once a year or every 12,000 miles, and replace pads when they wear down to 3mm.
• Suspension and Steering Repairs: Inspect components annually or when you notice unusual handling or noises.
• Four-Wheel Alignments: Check alignment every 12 months or 12,000 miles, or after hitting a pothole or curb.
• Electrical System Diagnostics and Repairs: Test the battery every 6–12 months and inspect other electrical components if warning lights appear.
• Exhaust System Services: Inspect the system annually for leaks or rust.

Seasonal or Mileage-Based Services

• Heating and Air Conditioning Repairs: Test and service before summer or winter to ensure peak performance.
• Timing Belts and Water Pumps: Replace every 60,000–100,000 miles, depending on the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Transmission Services and Repairs: Flush transmission fluid every 30,000–60,000 miles or as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
• Fluids Check (Coolant, Brake Fluid, etc.): Inspect and top off at every oil change; flush brake and coolant systems every 2–3 years.

Diagnostics and Specialized Services

• Engine Diagnostics and Repair: Perform diagnostics whenever a check engine light appears or if performance issues arise.
• Check Engine Light Diagnostics: Address the issue immediately when the light appears to avoid costly repairs.
• Performance Upgrades: As needed, depending on your goals for improved power or efficiency.

Additional Services

• Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspections: Before buying any used vehicle.
• Preventative Maintenance Packages: Based on the recommended intervals for your vehicle model.

Why January Is the Perfect Time for Vehicle Maintenance in Merrimack, NH

New Year’s resolutions are all about creating good habits, and car care is no exception. January is an ideal time to check in with your vehicle because it aligns with the seasonal demands of winter driving. Plus, starting the year with a fresh car maintenance schedule means you’ll stay ahead of potential problems all year.

At HM Motor Works, we make it easy to accomplish your goals. Visit us online at hmmotorworksnh.com or stop by our shop at 26 Columbia Circle in Merrimack, NH to schedule your January tune-up. To learn more about our full list of automotive services for your vehicle repair or maintenance check it out here.

Ring in the New Year with Confidence

Make 2025 the year you take control of your car’s health. Schedule your first maintenance visit at HM Motor Works today and enjoy peace of mind knowing your car is in expert hands.



Let’s hit the road this New Year with confidence —safe, reliable, and ready for every journey ahead!