Mitsubishi Maintenance: Everything You Need to Know

Your Mitsubishi isn't just a vehicle. It's an investment. So, whether it's a sedan like Lancer, a sports car like Eclipse, or a crossover like Outlander, it's worth keeping in top condition.

After all, the Three Diamonds means nothing if not dependable. Just ask the experts at RepairPal, who give the brand a Reliability Rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 for its low cost of both ownership and repairs. That's a solid 6th place among 32 car brands, with a whopping 345 models evaluated.

The best way to keep the car or SUV you love up to speed, then? Stay ahead of regular maintenance. Not only will that help it hold onto its value (and its resale value, should you decide to trade up). It'll also help cut down on wear and tear long-term. That means less of a likelihood of ending up at a Mitsubishi dealer for the kind of repairs that'll empty your wallet.

So, what do you do? When should you do it? How often? There's a schedule in your owner's manual with all the details, sure. However, here's a quick reference you can follow, too; it's good for most Mitsubishi models.

The Monthly DIY

• Wash your car and vacuum and wipe out the interior
• Inspect the lighting -- the headlights, turn signals, brake lights, and so on -- to make sure they're working and bright enough
• Check your tires' pressure and tread depth; inflate them to the right psi if needed, and replace any worn tires
• Top off fluids -- e.g., for the windshield washer system

Service for Every 3 Months or 3,750 Miles

• Rotate your tires
• Do an oil change and replace the oil filter
• Inspect the cabin air filter and replace it if it's discolored, clogged, or worn out

6-Month, 7,500-Mile Maintenance

Do 3-month, 3,750-mile fixes, plus:

• Inspect your brakes, including the brake pads and brake rotors, and replace them as needed
• Inspect the suspension -- everything from the chassis and shocks and struts to the coil springs, ball joints, and control arms -- and fix what's necessary

Repairs to Take Care of at Every 12-Month, 15,000-Mile Mark

Do maintenance required at 3 months and 3,750 miles, plus inspect and replace brake pads and rotors and:

• Replace the engine air filter
• Swap out the old spark plugs for new ones
• Inspect your automatic transaxle and transmission and do any necessary repairs
• Inspect and, if needed, replace the linings on your rear drum brakes (if you have them), plus the wheel cylinders
• Check your brake hoses' conditions and change them if needed
• Inspect and replace any driveshaft boots that need it
• Make sure your tire repair kit is in working order

How Else Can I Maintain My Ride? Add Value for the Long Haul

Your vehicle's value depends on its model and trim, for sure. However, mileage and condition also factor in. So do mods -- especially those that appeal to most people (and dealerships, too). We're talking things like performance-enhancers, comfort improvements, and what adds to what are already good looks. In short, if you not only want your Mitsubishi to hang onto what it's worth, but also end up worth more in the long run, you'll also want to consider customizing it -- upgrading a few key parts, and putting in some crucial accessories. Here's a shortlist of what to do.

Add a Little Extra Bang for a Higher Buck

• Modernize electronics like the infotainment and audio systems; a GPS for the former can be loads of help
• Do any fabric seats you've got one better: replace them with more luxurious leather
• Put on new wheels and tires; they'll give your vehicle a better road feel, plus the cool aesthetics that comes with, say, aluminum-alloy wheels and all-terrain or mud-terrain tires
• Install or upgrade to a turbocharger or supercharger, if you drive a sports car or performance SUV; with finishing touches like a dual exhaust, its engine will get improved air and exhaust gas flow, providing a bump in horsepower and torque
• Update lighting: add LED headlights, for instance, along with ambient interior lights

Keep Things in Great Shape for Sale or Trade-In

• Swap out for all-weather floor mats to help the pans in the footwells stave off dirt and muck
• Put in custom seat covers for both upholstery protection and added comfort
• Install sunshades to shield the steering wheel, arm rests, and electronics from damaging UV light and heat
• Store your vehicle under a car cover when you aren't driving it -- that way, the elements are less likely to damage things like your door panels, windshield, and paint job

Not sure how to handle a repair? Looking to get a custom job done by the pros? You're welcome to get in touch with a Mitsubishi service center. Be sure to use OEM parts and accessories, too, whatever the repair or update. They'll be top-quality, as only Mitsubishi can deliver; they'll come with a fitment guarantee and work right the first time; and they'll include manufacturer warranties in most cases. Most importantly, they won't put you on the hook for fixes otherwise covered by your factory warranty by voiding it, like some aftermarket parts and accessories can.

Keep up with all this, and you and your Mitsubishi can look forward to many more years on the road -- and many more miles of adventure to come.