Monthly Inspection, Maintenance, and Task Schedules

[Ken]

Vehicles – First Week of September

[ ] Supplies and Equipment: Inspect All Emergency Supplies and Equipment per Checklists
[ ] Oil Levels: Inspect for leaks and add more if needed.
[ ] Oil and Oil Filter: change every 5,000 kilometers/3,000 miles.
[ ] Hoses and Belts: Replace if signs of excessive wear and tear.
[ ] Air Filer: Replace if Dirty or Clogged.
[ ] Tires: Add Air if Pressure is low. Inspect for Leaks, Damage, Bulges, or Uneven Wear.
[ ] Coolant or Antifreeze: Inspect Levels - add Fluid if low
[ ] Windshield Washer Fluid: Inspect for Leaks and Add Fluid if low.

Vehicles – Third Week of September

[ ] Oil Levels: Inspect for leaks and add more if needed.
[ ] Oil and Oil Filter: change every 5,000 kilometers/3,000 miles.
[ ] Hoses and Belts: Replace if signs of excessive wear and tear.
[ ] Air Filer: Replace if Dirty or Clogged.
[ ] Tires: Add Air if Pressure is low. Inspect for Leaks, damage, bulges, or uneven wear.
[ ] Coolant or Antifreeze: Inspect Levels - add Fluid if low
[ ] Windshield Washer Fluid: Inspect for Leaks and Add Fluid if low.
[ ] Brake and Transmission Fluids: Inspect for Leaks and Add Fluid if low.
[ ] Battery and Power Steering Fluid: Inspect for Leaks and Add Fluid if low.
[ ] Battery Terminals and Cables: Clean if Dirty or Corroded.
[ ] Coolant or Antifreeze: Inspect for Leaks and Check Strength and Levels - Add Fluid if low
[ ] Wiper Blades: Replace if Worn or Broken
[ ] Brake Lights and Turn Signals: Inspect and Replace Bulbs if Needed.
[ ] Horn: Test
[ ] Brakes: Inspect for Wear and Tear or "Slippage."
[ ] Tires: Rotate Tires and Balance Wheels every 7,500 miles
[ ] Spare Tire: Inspect for Proper Inflation
[ ] Exhaust System: Inspect for Rust, Damage, or Loose Parts.
[ ] Shock Absorbers: Inspect for Oil Seepage or Wear.

Miscellaneous Tasks

[ ] Pantry: Inspect Pantry Food and Water Stores per Checklists – Replace/Donate/Discard as Necessary
[ ] Water: Empty and Clean Containers and Replace All Emergency Water Stores
[ ] First Aid Supplies: Review with Relevant Checklists
[ ] Bobs and Packs: Review with Relevant Checklists – Re-supply as Necessary
[ ] Batteries: Check Battery Supply- Replace as Necessary and Re-Charge Lamps and Equipment per Checklist
[ ] Emergency Supplies and Equipment: Review with Relevant Checklists – Discard and/or Replace as Necessary
[ ] Fuel and Lubricant Supplies: Review Supplies with Relevant Checklists/Rotate Fuels and Add Stabilizer
[ ] Firearms: Inspect ALL and Clean Firearms Not Used Since Last Inspection - Check Ammo. Inventory

[Ken]

INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND TASK SCHEDULE
OCTOBER

General Exterior
[ ] General: Visual Walk-Around Inspection

Doors and Windows
[ ] Doors, Windows, and Trim: Inspect for Finish Failure.
[ ] Window and Door Hardware: Inspect and Lubricate all
[ ] Caulking: Inspect around Doors and Windows and Re-Caulk as Needed.
[ ] Weather Stripping and Flashing: Inspect for Damage and Tightness of Fit.
[ ] Glass and Screens: Inspect for Broken Glass and Damaged or Missing Screens.
[ ] Screens:Take Down Screens (if removable) - Clean and Store
[ ] Double Paned Units: Inspect for Signs of Seal Failure (Fogging Between the Glass).
[ ] Windows: Inspect for Smooth Operation.
[ ] Sliding Doors: Inspect, Clean and Lubricate Tracks.
[ ] Garage Door Operators: Inspect Safety Reverse Mechanism, Springs and Safety Cables.

Attic
[ ] General: Inspect for Intrusion by Wasps, Bees, Birds, Rodents, etc.
[ ] General: Inspect for Evidence of Water Penetration in Attic and Ceilings after Wet Weather
[ ] Vents, Louvers and Screens: Inspect for Damage, Nests, etc.
[ ] Ridge and Eave Ventilation Vents in Eaves: Inspect and Clear to Prevent Winter Ice Dams on Roof.
[ ] Electrical Cables, Lights, and Equipment: Inspect All
[ ] Roof Nails: Inspect Exposed Nails for Rust (Moisture and Condensation)

Interior – Main Level
[ ] Ceilings and Surfaces around Windows: Inspect for Evidence of Moisture during Wet Weather.
[ ] Caulking and Grout: Inspect around Showers, Bathtubs, Sinks and Toilet Base. Repair as Necessary.
[ ] Tile Joints: Inspect all Joints in Ceramic Tile and Similar Surfaces for Adequate Grout and Seal all Grout Lines.
[ ] Stairs and Railings: Inspect all for any Loose Members, etc.
[ ] Finished Surfaces: Inspect for Finish Failure and Required Repairs
[ ] Floors: Inspect for Wear and Damage, particularly where one material meets another
[ ] Interior and Cabinet Doors: InspectHardware and Tighten Screws as Necessary. Lubricate Hinges

Electrical and Wired Systems – Interior – All Levels
[ ] Generator System: Inspect and Test
Plumbing – Interior
[ ] Garbage Disposal: Flush with Hot Water and Baking Soda.

Heating and Cooling
[ ] Oil Tank and Supply And Feed Lines: Inspect - All Levels.
[ ] Oil Furnace and VAC: Clean Dirt and Dust from Equipment.
[ ] Oil Furnace: Inspect for Leaks; Inspect Eye Glass, Inspect Air intake and Exhaust
[ ] Supply and Return Pipes and Baseboards: Inspect for Leaks – All Levels.
[ ] VAC: Vacuum Air Vents to Remove Dust.
[ ] VAC: Clean Vents with a Household Cleanser to Prevent Mold.
[ ] Thermostats: Clean sensor and contact points. Check Batteries and Accuracy and Replace as Necessary.

Chimney and Fireplace (Clean Fireplace When Cold After Each Use)

[Ken]

Grounds, Landscaping and Out Buildings
[ ] Driveways and Sidewalks: Inspect for Cracks, Trip Hazards, Settlement, and Soil Erosion.
[ ] Outside Faucets: Inspect for Leaks and Damage and Repair as Necessary.
[ ] Exterior GFI Outlets: Inspect, Trip, and Repair as Necessary.
[ ] Exterior Lighting and Flood Lamps: Inspect and Repair as Necessary.
[ ] Decks, Stairs, and Railings: Inspect for Loose Members and Deterioration. Stain if Required.
[ ] Out Buildings: Inspect and Repair as Needed.
[ ] Prune Shrubs and Trees:
[ ] Landscape: Cut Back and Trim all Vegetation and Overgrown Bushes from Structures.
[ ] Window Wells and Storm Drains: Clean and Remove Debris
[ ] Clean Up: Clear Away Dead Foliage and Weeds from Beds and Lawns.
[ ] Outside Hoses: Drain and Store Indoors
[ ] Sprinkler System: Winterize Lawn Irrigation System
[ ] Outside Furniture, Grills, etc.: Clean, Repair as Needed, Store Indoors
[ ] Outside Hoses: Drain water from and store in garage
[ ] Fertilize Lawn: Fertilize/Lime - Per Seasonal Requirements
[ ] Shrubbery: Wrap Delicate Shrubbery with Burlap to Protect from Frost.
[ ] Shrubbery: Spread Mulch Around Base of Shrubbery to Provide Insulation

[Ken]

Gardens – October Activities
[ ] Plant Garlic (Cloves) (Harvest in 5 – 7 months)
[ ] Harvest Vegetables When Ready

Fire and Safety Systems

[ ] Fire Extinguishers: Inspect Charge; Recharge or Replace if Needed.

Major Appliances
[ ] Refrigerators:Clean Behind and Underneath - Vacuum Coils
[ ] Refrigerators: Check Door Seals (Dollar Bill Test)
[ ] Refrigerators: Check Temperature and Settings (Including Freezer Section).
[ ] Refrigerators: Replace Ice Maker Filters.
[ ] Freezers:Clean Behind and Underneath - Vacuum Coils
[ ] Freezers: Check Door Seals (Dollar Bill Test)
[ ] Freezers: Check Temperature and Settings.
[ ] Oven/Range: Check Temperature Accuracy, Seals, and Power Cord
[ ] Range Hood: Clean Grease Filter.
[ ] Range Hood: Wash Fan Blades and Housing.
[ ] Garbage Disposal: Tighten Drain Connections and Fasteners as Needed.
[ ] Clothes Dryer: Vacuum Lint from Ducts, Vents, and Surrounding Areas.
[ ] Clothes Washer: Clean Water Inlet Filters; Inspect Hoses and Replace if Leaking.
[ ] Dehumidifiers: Inspect and Clean.

Computers

[ ] System Check:
[ ]Inspect all Cords and Connections
[ ]Vacuum and Clean System as Necessary
[ ]Check All Drive Information
[ ] Software Check: Verify all Automatic Software Update, Maintenance Options, Scan, and Task Schedules
[ ] Symantec
[ ] Window Washer
[ ] Ad-Aware
[ ] Spybot
[ ] Microsoft Automatic Updates
[ ] Maxtor Back-up
[ ] System Maintenace:
[ ] Manually Run Window Washer
[ ] Manually Run Ad-Aware
[ ] Manually Run Spybot
[ ] Manually Run Registry Cleaner
[ ] Manually Run Updates from Microsoft Security Center
[ ] Manually Run Full Symantec System Scan
[ ] Manually Run ScanDisk
[ ] Manually Run System Defragment
[ ] Manually Run Maxtor Back-up Drive 1
[ ] Manually Run Maxtor Back-up Drive 2 and Return Off-Site
[ ] Synchronize all Thumb Drives

Vehicles – First Week of October

[ ] Supplies and Equipment: Inspect All Emergency Supplies and Equipment per Checklists
[ ] Oil Levels: Inspect for leaks and add more if needed.
[ ] Oil and Oil Filter: change every 5,000 kilometers/3,000 miles.
[ ] Hoses and Belts: Replace if Signs of Excessive Wear and Tear.
[ ] Air Filer: Replace if Dirty or Clogged.
[ ] Tires: Add Air if Pressure is low. Inspect for Leaks, Damage, Bulges, or Uneven Wear.
[ ] Coolant or Antifreeze: Inspect Levels - add Fluid if low
[ ] Windshield Washer Fluid: Inspect for Leaks and Add Fluid if low.

Vehicles – Third Week of October

[ ] Oil Levels: Inspect for leaks and add more if needed.
[ ] Oil and Oil Filter: change every 5,000 kilometers/3,000 miles.
[ ] Hoses and Belts: Replace if signs of excessive wear and tear.
[ ] Air Filer: Replace if Dirty or Clogged.
[ ] Tires: Add Air if Pressure is low. Inspect for Leaks, damage, bulges, or uneven wear.
[ ] Coolant or Antifreeze: Inspect Levels - add Fluid if low
[ ] Windshield Washer Fluid: Inspect for Leaks and Add Fluid if low.
[ ] Brake and Transmission Fluids: Inspect for Leaks and Add Fluid if low.
[ ] Battery and Power Steering Fluid: Inspect for Leaks and Add Fluid if low.
[ ] Battery Terminals and Cables: Clean if Dirty or Corroded.
[ ] Coolant or Antifreeze: Inspect for Leaks and Check Strength and Levels - Add Fluid if low

Miscellaneous Tasks

[ ] Batteries: Check Battery Supply- Replace as Necessary and Re-Charge Lamps and Equipment per Checklist

[Ken]

INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND TASK SCHEDULE
NOVEMBER

General Exterior
[ ] General: Visual Walk-Around Inspection
[ ] General: Inspect for Ice on Steps and Walkways

Roof and Gutters
[ ] Gutters and Downspouts: Inspect for Ice Build-Up

Electrical and Wired Systems – Interior – All Levels
[ ] Breaker Panels: Inspect and Test Breakers
[ ] Electric Service Panels: Inspect all Circuits and Circuit Labels.
[ ] Generator System: Inspect and Test
[ ] Exposed and Overhead Wiring: Inspect for Damage and Missing Insulation.
[ ] Interior Ground Fault Interrupter Circuits (GFI’s): Inspect and Trip all Circuits.
[ ] Switches and Outlets: Inspect All.
[ ] Lamp Cords, Extension Cords and Plugs: Inspect all Cords and Plugs for Wear and Damage.
[ ] Television/Internet: Inspect all Cables, Splitters, Connections, and Point of Entry.
[ ] Telephone Systems: Inspect all Visible Wires, Connections, Jacks, and Point of Entry.

Water Supply
[ ] Well Pump Pressure and Flow: Inspect and Test.
[ ] Pressure Tank: Check Tank, Fittings, and Bladder (Leaks and Pressure).
[ ] Water Softener: Inspect System and Replenish Salt if Necessary.

Plumbing – Interior
[ ] Faucets, Flush Valves, Hose Bibs, And Supply and Drain Piping: Inspect all Levels.
[ ] Sinks, Showers, Toilets and Tubs: Inspect for Leaks Around and under all Fixtures.
[ ] Tankless Water Heater: Inspect for Leaks and Corrosion.
[ ] Toilet Flappers: Replace Regardless of Appearance.
[ ] Sink and Tub Stoppers: Clean Drain Holes and Inspect Seals
[ ] Garbage Disposal:Flush with Hot Water and Baking Soda.
[ ] Faucets and Shower Heads: Clean Heads, Aerators, etc.

Heating and Cooling
[ ] Oil Furnace: Inspect for Leaks, Inspect Eye Glass, Inspect Air Intakes and Exhaust
[ ] VAC: Clean or Change Air Filters

Chimney and Fireplace (Clean Fireplace When Cold After Each Use)

Grounds, Landscaping and Out Buildings
[ ] Driveways and Sidewalks: Inspect for Cracks, Trip Hazards, Settlement, and Soil Erosion.
[ ] Outside Faucets: Inspect for Leaks and Damage and Repair as Necessary.
[ ] Exterior Lighting and Flood Lamps: Inspect and Repair as Necessary.
[ ] Tree Branches: Trim Clear of Wires. DANGER! Use Extreme Caution or Hire a Professional!
[ ] Window Wells and Storm Drains: Clean and Remove Debris

Gardens – November Activities
[ ] Harvest Vegetables When Ready

Fire and Safety Systems

[ ] Fire Extinguishers: Inspect Charge; Recharge or Replace if Needed.
[ ] Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Clean dust from all covers.
[ ] Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: All Levels - Inspect and Change Battery or Replace if Needed

Major Appliances
[ ] Range Hood: Clean Grease Filter.

[Ken]

Computers

[ ] System Check:
[ ]Inspect all Cords and Connections
[ ]Vacuum and Clean System as Necessary
[ ]Check All Drive Information
[ ] Software Check: Verify all Automatic Software Update, Maintenance Options, Scan, and Task Schedules
[ ] Symantec
[ ] Window Washer
[ ] Ad-Aware
[ ] Spybot
[ ] Microsoft Automatic Updates
[ ] Maxtor Back-up
[ ] System Maintenace:
[ ] Manually Run Window Washer
[ ] Manually Run Ad-Aware
[ ] Manually Run Spybot
[ ] Manually Run Registry Cleaner
[ ] Manually Run Updates from Microsoft Security Center
[ ] Manually Run Full Symantec System Scan
[ ] Manually Run ScanDisk
[ ] Manually Run System Defragment
[ ] Manually Run Maxtor Back-up Drive 1
[ ] Manually Run Maxtor Back-up Drive 2 and Return Off-Site
[ ] Synchronize all Thumb Drives

Vehicles – First Week of November
[ ] Supplies and Equipment: Inspect All Emergency Supplies and Equipment per Checklists
[ ] Oil Levels: Inspect for Leaks and add more if needed.
[ ] Oil and Oil Filter: Change every 5,000 kilometers/3,000 miles.
[ ] Hoses and Belts: Replace if signs of Excessive Wear and Tear.
[ ] Air Filer: Replace if Dirty or Clogged.
[ ] Tires: Add Air if Pressure is low. Inspect for Leaks, Damage, Bulges, or Uneven Wear.
[ ] Coolant or Antifreeze: Inspect Levels - add Fluid if Low
[ ] Windshield Washer Fluid: Inspect for Leaks and Add Fluid if low.

Vehicles – Third Week of November

[ ] Oil Levels: Inspect for leaks and add more if needed.
[ ] Oil and Oil Filter: change every 5,000 kilometers/3,000 miles.
[ ] Hoses and Belts: Replace if signs of excessive wear and tear.
[ ] Air Filer: Replace if Dirty or Clogged.
[ ] Tires: Add Air if Pressure is low. Inspect for Leaks, damage, bulges, or uneven wear.
[ ] Coolant or Antifreeze: Inspect Levels - add Fluid if low
[ ] Windshield Washer Fluid: Inspect for Leaks and Add Fluid if low.
[ ] Brake and Transmission Fluids: Inspect for Leaks and Add Fluid if low.
[ ] Battery and Power Steering Fluid: Inspect for Leaks and Add Fluid if low.
[ ] Battery Terminals and Cables: Clean if Dirty or Corroded.
[ ] Coolant or Antifreeze: Inspect for Leaks and Check Strength and Levels - Add Fluid if low

Miscellaneous Tasks

[ ] Batteries: Check Battery Supply- Replace as Necessary and Re-Charge Lamps and Equipment per Checklist

[Ken]

INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND TASK SCHEDULE
DECEMBER

General Exterior
[ ] General: Visual Walk-Around Inspection
[ ] General: Inspect for Ice on Steps and Walkways

Roof and Gutters
[ ] Gutters and Downspouts: Inspect for Ice Build-Up

Electrical and Wired Systems – Interior – All Levels
[ ] Generator System: Inspect and Test

Plumbing – Interior
[ ] Garbage Disposal: Flush with Hot Water and Baking Soda.

Heating and Cooling
[ ] Oil Furnace: Inspect for leaks; Inspect Eye Glass, Inspect air intake and exhaust

Chimney and Fireplace (Clean Fireplace When Cold After Each Use)

Grounds, Landscaping and Out Buildings
[ ] Driveways and Sidewalks: Inspect for Cracks, Trip Hazards, Settlement, and Soil Erosion.

Gardens – December Activities
[ ] Review Plant and Seed Catalogues for Next Season

Septic System

[ ] Lawn surface: Inspect for Signs of System Failure or Need for Pumping.
[ ] System: Inspect and Pump System - Even Numbered Years.

Fire and Safety Systems

[ ] Fire Extinguishers: Inspect Charge; Recharge or Replace if Needed.

[Ken]

Computers

[ ] System Check:
[ ]Inspect all Cords and Connections
[ ]Vacuum and Clean System as Necessary
[ ]Check All Drive Information
[ ] Software Check: Verify all Automatic Software Update, Maintenance Options, Scan, and Task Schedules
[ ] Symantec
[ ] Window Washer
[ ] Ad-Aware
[ ] Spybot
[ ] Microsoft Automatic Updates
[ ] Maxtor Back-up
[ ] System Maintenace:
[ ] Manually Run Window Washer
[ ] Manually Run Ad-Aware
[ ] Manually Run Spybot
[ ] Manually Run Registry Cleaner
[ ] Manually Run Updates from Microsoft Security Center
[ ] Manually Run Full Symantec System Scan
[ ] Manually Run ScanDisk
[ ] Manually Run System Defragment
[ ] Manually Run Maxtor Back-up Drive 1
[ ] Manually Run Maxtor Back-up Drive 2 and Return Off-Site
[ ] Synchronize all Thumb Drives

Vehicles – First Week of December

[ ] Supplies and Equipment: Inspect All Emergency Supplies and Equipment per Checklists
[ ] Oil Levels: Inspect for leaks and add more if needed.
[ ] Oil and Oil Filter: change every 5,000 kilometers/3,000 miles.
[ ] Hoses and Belts: Replace if signs of excessive wear and tear.
[ ] Air Filer: Replace if Dirty or Clogged.
[ ] Tires: Add Air if Pressure is low. Inspect for leaks, damage, bulges, or uneven wear.
[ ] Coolant or Antifreeze: Inspect Levels - add Fluid if low
[ ] Windshield Washer Fluid: Inspect for Leaks and Add Fluid if low.

Vehicles – Third Week of December

[ ] Oil Levels: Inspect for leaks and add more if needed.
[ ] Oil and Oil Filter: change every 5,000 kilometers/3,000 miles.
[ ] Hoses and Belts: Replace if signs of excessive wear and tear.
[ ] Air Filer: Replace if Dirty or Clogged.
[ ] Tires: Add Air if Pressure is low. Inspect for Leaks, damage, bulges, or uneven wear.
[ ] Coolant or Antifreeze: Inspect Levels - add Fluid if low
[ ] Windshield Washer Fluid: Inspect for Leaks and Add Fluid if low.
[ ] Brake and Transmission Fluids: Inspect for Leaks and Add Fluid if low.
[ ] Battery and Power Steering Fluid: Inspect for Leaks and Add Fluid if low.
[ ] Battery Terminals and Cables: Clean if Dirty or Corroded.
[ ] Coolant or Antifreeze: Inspect for Leaks and Check Strength and Levels - Add Fluid if low
[ ] Wiper Blades: Replace if Worn or Broken
[ ] Brake Lights and Turn Signals: Inspect and Replace Bulbs if Needed.
[ ] Horn: Test
[ ] Brakes: Inspect for Wear and Tear or "Slippage."
[ ] Tires: Rotate Tires and Balance Wheels every 7,500 miles
[ ] Spare Tire: Inspect for Proper Inflation
[ ] Exhaust System: Inspect for Rust, Damage, or Loose Parts.
[ ] Shock Absorbers: Inspect for Oil Seepage or Wear.

Miscellaneous Tasks

[ ] Batteries: Check Battery Supply- Replace as Necessary and Re-Charge Lamps and Equipment per Checklist

[Ken]

DONE! (I think.) Now, let me look over everything to make sure it copied okay here.........

EDIT: This may take longer than I expected. Some block text copied over as italics, some text changed color, some spaces in text were lost in the transfer, etc., etc, etc. - give me a while - I'll clean it up.

[rwc1969]

Yaaaaaah, I was always forgetting stuff and decided I'd start a checklist to remind myself what to do and when. I forgot where I put the list and finally said screw it.

[Rick]

Great list, Ken. Now all I need to do is hire someone to do it so I don't have to get off the couch.

[crashdive123]

Ken - Nice list. Very thorough, but you forgot a big one on your list.

[gryffynklm]

Thanks Ken, thats a comprehensive list. I think I will copy and link to my calendar as well as hard copy to my task list.

[Ken]

Ken - Nice list. Very thorough, but you forgot a big one on your list.

[Bladen]

id need a 13th month just to make that list!

[2dumb2kwit]

Ken - Nice list. Very thorough, but you forgot a big one on your list.

Make sure that 2dumb is OK???

OK, OK, crash....I saw no mention of any QC testing, or reporting.

[Boker]

Type A - Check
Anal Retentive - Check
Lawyer - Check

We need to be running this man for president in 2012.

[BENESSE]

If the list o' chores doesn't get me to move out into the wilderness, nothing will.
Simply amazing Ken!
Do you really do ALL that or you were just joshing?

[2dumb2kwit]

Type A - Check
Anal Retentive - Check
Lawyer - Check

We need to be running this man for president in 2012.

If the list o' chores doesn't get me to move out into the wilderness, nothing will.
Simply amazing Ken!
Do you really do ALL that or you were just joshing?

See....that's what I was saying, in my first post about these list.
(My first post got booted.)

[Ken]

If the list o' chores doesn't get me to move out into the wilderness, nothing will.
Simply amazing Ken!
Do you really do ALL that or you were just joshing?

Actually, yeah, I do this stuff. Amazingly, it really doesn't take that long to do once you have a system. The house inspections always take less than two hours, usually even less than an hour, each month.

If you think about it, many of these tasks are simply routine maintenance anyway. How much time do YOU spend every month fixing and cleaning things around the house and yard? If your shower drain starts running slow, you're gonna' clean it, right? Having a checklist just makes it easier to remember them all.

My Sweetie and I split many of these tasks. She's much more into the gardens than I am. The cars, water, plumbing, and electrical systems, etc., are pretty much my responsibility.

Little things, like checking refrigerator, and freezer settings, simply mean checking the thermometers that I ALWAYS keep in them anyway. I check the oven temps simply by putting a thermometer in when we're baking something in the oven. We keep a box of baking soda in the refrigerators to keep them smelling fresh. We change them once a month, and simply dump the old one down the garbage disposal to freshen that up, too.

Taking care of the cars is probably the most time consuming task of all. But keeping them maintained beats the hell out of breaking down on the highway during rush hour when you're 50 miles from home.