Motorsports legend Danica Patrick learned the importance of vehicle maintenance early in her career. “A racer is only as good as their car,” she remarks. It’s a lesson that equally applies to busy everyday drivers and their rides. “When you’re constantly on the move, it’s easy to overlook routine car maintenance,” Patrick explains. “But I know that preventive care isn’t just about protecting your investment — it’s about peace of mind.”

Drawing from her years of racing experience and active lifestyle, Patrick emphasizes that effective vehicle upkeep doesn’t have to be overwhelming. “The key is having a system and sticking to it, just like we do in racing. You don’t have to be a mechanic to keep your car in great shape; you just need to be organized.”

Danica’s journey from racetracks to roadways gives her unique insights into the value of vehicle maintenance, regardless of whether they’re high-performance machines or everyday grocery getters. Keep reading as we share her practical approach to keeping your car running no matter how stretched your schedule is, even if downtime feels like a pipe dream.

About Danica Patrick

Danica Patrick’s extensive racing career is defined by historic milestones and trailblazing achievements. In 2005, she made headlines with a fourth-place finish at the 89th Indianapolis 500 — the highest ever for a female driver — and led the race for 19 laps. Her IndyCar career, driving for top teams like Rahal Letterman Racing and Andretti Autosport, also included a groundbreaking victory at the 2008 Indy Japan 300, where she became the first woman to win an IndyCar Series race.

In 2012, Danica transitioned to NASCAR, continuing to break barriers by securing pole position at the Daytona 500, another first for a female driver. Competing with the #10 GoDaddy Chevrolet for Stewart-Haas Racing, she left her mark on the Sprint Cup Series.

Today, Danica partners with Endurance to share her wealth of driving experience. From tips on better driving habits to the benefits of Endurance auto protection plans, she helps drivers stay confident and protected on the road.

The Importance of Seasonal Maintenance

The arrival of a new season brings challenges to every vehicle, making ongoing maintenance essential to preserve peak performance and promote longevity. Early on, Danica understood the value of proactive car care, getting ahead of problems before they become major issues later on. Drivers living in regions with distinct seasons also face demands from extreme temperatures, but in dissimilar ways, depending on the time of year. A broiling August impacts a car far differently than a frigid January.

Throughout her career, Patrick has seen many drivers underestimate the impact of seasonal changes on their vehicles, affecting drivability and personal well-being. Temperature fluctuations affect everything from tire pressure to battery performance while changing weather conditions can stress different vehicle systems. For example, a properly inflated tire during moderate temperatures may become underinflated in cold weather, leading to poor handling, reduced fuel efficiency, and premature wear.

When Maintenance Matters — Scenarios to Consider

Consider one possibility that can occur by skipping seasonal maintenance during the transition from summer to fall. As winter approaches, a car battery weakened by summer heat is more likely to fail. Such troubles have a knack for occurring at the most inconvenient time. A proper autumn service visit would have included a car battery check to identify a failing unit. Proactively replacing a weakened battery translates into one less chance of getting stranded.

Overall, preventative maintenance saves money in the long run. Avoiding a springtime $300 coolant flush won’t seem like a good idea when you need to spend $3,000 to replace a cracked engine block by summer’s end.

Seasonal maintenance can also help maintain resale value. Come trade-in time, or if you sell your car directly to a buyer, a well-documented service history increases market value and makes it easier to sell the vehicle.

Danica’s Tips for Fitting Maintenance into the Busy Season

Whether you’re dealing with the holiday season, back-to-school time, or workplace burnout, finding time to prioritize car care can be demanding. Still, Danica recommends adding a maintenance schedule to your existing routines. These steps start with essential DIY activities that can be separated into three core categories:

#1: Daily Observations

Time Requirement: 5 minutes or less
Opportunity: During daily driving

• Listen for unusual noises during engine startup
• Watch for dashboard warning lights
• Pay attention to vehicle handling
• Monitor fuel efficiency
• Note any unusual odors or sounds
• Check for fluid leaks under the car
• Observe brake performance
• Monitor steering response
• Test all essential controls
• Notice air conditioning/heating effectiveness

#2: Weekly Quick Checks

Time Requirement: 10-15 minutes
Opportunity: Weekends or during gas station fill-ups

• Inspect tire condition and pressure
• Check fluid levels (oil, coolant, washer fluid)
• Test exterior light functionality
• Examine windshield and wiper condition
• Assess battery performance
• Check engine belt tension and condition
• Take a quick look at the exhaust system
• Check the suspension (perform a bounce test at each corner)
• Inspect door, window, and lock functionality
• Confirm mirror settings

#3: Monthly Detailed Inspections

Time Requirement: 20-30 minutes
Opportunity: Monthly (pick a set day, like the 1st of the month or the first Saturday of the month)

• Check tire tread depth and wear patterns
• Inspect belt and hose condition
• Review brake performance
• Assess suspension components
• Check exhaust system
• Clean battery terminals (as needed)
• Assess transmission fluid condition (if applicable)
• Check power steering fluid
• Inspect engine air filter
• Assess cabin filter (if easily accessible)

You can bundle work whenever possible for maintenance tasks involving a certified mechanic. For example, when you’re getting an oil change, use that opportunity to have other routine services performed. A typical comprehensive oil change appointment can include:

• Tire rotation and pressure check
• Battery performance test
• Fluid level inspections
• Belt and hose examination
• Air filter replacement
• Brake inspection

Pro Tip from Danica Patrick

When it comes to saving time with car maintenance, Danica suggests looking for a certified repair shop or service provider with whom you can establish a relationship rather than relying on quick oil change operations. Further, look for a business with convenience-focused benefits that may include:

• Mobile maintenance services that come to your home or workplace
• Flexible schedules for appointments (early morning/late evening/weekends)
• Pickup and delivery services
• Online scheduling and digital communication
• Streamline service options for routine maintenance
• Virtual inspection reports with photos
• Text message updates during service
• Online payment options
• Digital maintenance records
• Priority scheduling for regular customers during peak times

Essential Seasonal Maintenance Tasks to Remember

A seasonal approach to vehicle care ensures your car receives proper attention at the right time. Here’s Danica’s year-round outline for the different service priorities.

Winter Car Maintenance

Focus: Ensuring maximum protection during harsh conditions

• Monitor tire pressure every other week
• Check antifreeze levels weekly
• Inspect heating system operation
• Test battery under load
• Replace worn wiper blades immediately
• Keep fuel tank at least half full
• Check door and trunk seals
• Inspect exhaust system (at season’s start)
• Regularly test defrosting systems
• Monitor washer fluid levels
• Verify all lights work
• Check brake function
• Test window operation
• Maintain emergency supplies
• Monitor tire tread wear

Spring Car Maintenance

Focus: Recovering from the winter and preparing for upcoming warmer weather

• Check and replace wiper blades after winter wear
• Inspect brake system for winter salt damage
• Test air conditioning before summer heating
• Check alignment after winter pothole season
• Examine belts and hoses for winter damage
• Thoroughly clean undercarriage to remove salt buildup
• Inspect suspension components
• Check and clean battery connections
• Test all exterior lights
• Examine exhaust system for winter damage
• Inspect door and trunk seals
• Check for paint damage from winter
• Test all power accessories
• Verify spare tire condition

Summer Car Maintenance

Focus: Getting ready for extreme heat and related vehicle stress

• Monitor coolant levels weekly
• Check battery performance in high heat
• Inspect tire condition/confirm tire rotation needs
• Test air conditioning efficiency
• Check engine air filter
• Monitor transmission fluid levels (as applicable)
• Inspect power steering system
• Check brake fluid condition
• Examine cabin air filter
• Test window operations
• Verify cooling fan operation
• Check radiator and hoses
• Monitor oil condition
• Inspect drive belts
• Test brake performance

Fall Car Maintenance

Focus: Getting ready for colder weather

• Test heater and defroster functionality
• Check exterior and interior lighting
• Inspect windshield for chips or cracks
• Test battery strength
• Check tire tread depth
• Examine seals for doors, hood, and trunk
• Check condition of antifreeze
• Thoroughly inspect brake system
• Test four-wheel drive system (if applicable)
• Confirm condition of winter tires (if applicable)
• Check emergency kit supplies
• Install winter wiper blades
• Check heater core function
• Test all electronic systems

Quick and Easy Maintenance Hacks for Busy Drivers

In racing, every second counts. While there’s less urgency for everyday driving, there are several time-saving maintenance hacks that any car owner can implement. These four quick checks can be integrated into your daily routine without much extra time.

Monitor Manufacturer Recalls

Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website at least every six months to check for recalls for your car. Manufacturer notices can take months and may not even arrive if you’re not the original owner.

Go Digital

Use a smartphone app to track vehicle maintenance and digitally store service receipts. Keeping these vital records in one conveniently accessible place can prevent duplicate work and save money.

Set a Maintenance Schedule

Review the owner’s manual to confirm what maintenance your car needs in the near future and set reminders in your phone’s calendar. You can estimate timeframes even if service requirements are mileage-based.

Track Fuel Efficiency

Being watchful of your car’s fuel economy can help spot problems before a check engine light ever appears. A drop in MPGs can signal trouble with the engine or other system, catching an issue before repair bills get scary.

Danica Patrick’s Top Tips For Balancing Car Maintenance and a Busy Lifestyle

Vehicle upkeep and work-life balance don’t have to suffer in today’s non-stop world. Here are Danica’s essential takeaways for low-hassle car maintenance:

1. Develop a seasonal maintenance checklist and stick to it.
2. Plan ahead for seasonal changes.
3. Stay proactive with preventive maintenance.
4. Use technology for maintenance tracking.
5. Build a relationship with a trusted service provider.
6. Take advantage of maintenance-friendly hacks.
7. Budget for routine maintenance.

How Endurance Auto Protection Plans Help Cover Unexpected Repairs

While proactive maintenance can help prevent breakdowns and surprise repair bills, every car is vulnerable to mechanical problems. These issues increase with age as systems eventually deteriorate on even the most reliable vehicles. An extended car warranty (also called an auto protection plan or vehicle service contract) can restore peace of mind by protecting against unexpected repairs.

Endurance offers a wide range of extended warranty plans. Choose from essential powertrain coverage for the engine, transmission, and drive axles or a top-of-the-line exclusionary program that’s similar to a new car bumper-to-bumper warranty. Endurance also offers in-between options that balance protection and cost.

All Endurance plans include numerous perks, like 24/7 roadside assistance (with towing), rental car support, trip interruption protection, choice of any licensed facility for covered repairs, and flexible payment options. There’s even a 30-day money-back guarantee to examine coverage before locking in a plan. Customers can also activate a year of our Elite Benefits package. Access up to $2,000 of valuable services, such as tire repair and replacement, key fob replacement, collision repair discounts, and total loss coverage.*

Get Started with Endurance Today

Learn all the advantages of Endurance Warranty. Check out the Endurance online store for instant pricing and plan details, get a FREE quote online, or talk with an auto protection plan advisor at (800) 253-8203.

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