[MENTION=4577]TK-421[/MENTION] I realize that I'm (relatively/somewhat) good at diagnosing a problem and fixing it. I don't always have the right tools, but I can tell when something's off, especially if its a sudden break and the car changes dramatically. However, I don't really have a good system in place for preventative maintenance and regular checkups. Do you have any guidelines on a how-to self-inspection for your car, in terms of what to check, how to check it, and how often. I can see this having several levels, one with the nothing-has-to-come-apart, and the other as requiring removing ICs and needing tools, etc...
I'm looking for something like a breakdown for:
Engine Bay (every 6 months or with oil changes):
Visual inspection around PS reservoir for leaks. Leaks will usually be seen on the underside (i'm making stuff up because I don't know).
Front suspension (every year or before/after any track days)
Check control arm bushings. A visual inspection for cracking. Then try to tug on them with generous force and if there's discernable play, they may need to be replaced. (again, making stuff up).
Check sway bar mounts for cracking, especially if you drive your car hard and have upgraded the swaybars. If they're not cracked or bent, they're fine.
Check for lube on the swaybar bushings. This is a common source of binding and clicking. To check, you'll have to, yada yada yada...
Rear suspension:
Some more stuff, I'm sure you get the point.
Brakes:
Visual pad thickness check and rough rule-of-thumb for caliper thickness (ie, is the width of a dime/nickle/quarter)
Does that make sense? Does it already exist somewhere