Whether you drive a pickup truck or a sedan, every vehicle owner needs to follow a few basic car maintenance tips.
Your vehicle is a big investment, so it’s crucial that you know how to take care of your car so it lasts for years to come.
Read on for a list of nine basic car maintenance tips everyone should know.
- Get Regular Oil Changes
One of the most important things you can do for good vehicle maintenance is to get regularly scheduled oil changes. Read your owner’s manual to find out how many miles between oil changes are recommended by your manufacturer.
The oil in your car keeps the engine running smoothly and also helps to prevent it from overheating. Regular oil changes will ensure that your car’s engine is properly lubricated and running smoothly. It also prevents pieces and parts from rubbing against each other, which can result in engine failure.
- Check Tire Pressure
A key part of how to take care of your car the right way is to check the tire pressure periodically. If your tires are over or underinflated, it could result in excessive tread wear or even a dangerous blowout.
You can find your car tire’s recommended PSI (or pounds of air pressure per square inch) located on a sticker inside the driver’s side door panel. Make sure every tire is inflated according to this level so that you’re safe on the road, and your tires remain in good condition for longer.
- How to Take Care of Your Car: Brake Inspections
The braking system in your car is responsible for keeping you and others on the road safe. If your brakes are on the fritz, it can be a very serious safety issue.
Have your brakes inspected every time you get an oil change, just so you can make sure everything is in good working condition. Replace or repair anything that needs attention such as the rotors, drums, or pads immediately. This simple tip can mean the difference between a safe drive and a very dangerous one.
- Don’t Accelerate Too Quickly
You might be tempted to hit the gas pedal hard when that annoying red light turns green. However, accelerating too quickly can be bad for your vehicle, particularly when temperatures are extremely hot or cold.
When you accelerate too rapidly, it can cause excess wear and tear on your engine. The extreme temperatures will only make matter worse, so do your best to accelerate at a reasonable pace rather than stomping on the gas.
- Keep Your Keychain Light
This car care tip might surprise you, but a heavy or bulky keychain can actually cause your vehicle some harm. The weight of your keychain will bounce around while you drive and can possibly wear out the tumblers inside your car’s ignition.
If the tumblers wear out, you could end up dealing with ignition switch failure. Swap out that bulky keychain for a single small one, or try to reduce the number of keys you carry with you if possible. Pay attention when you start your car and if the ignition seems to stick, it’s a red flag that the switch is going to fail soon.
- Track Your Auto Maintenance
From transmission fluid flushes to oil changes, it’s important to know when your vehicle needs these crucial services. Create a schedule based on your mileage and the last time you had any maintenance done.
When you stick to a vehicle maintenance schedule, you can save thousands of dollars in potential repairs over the lifetime of your car. Talk to your mechanic and find out if they can help you create a schedule and send reminders whenever you need service.
- Protect Your Paint
If you want your car to look its best, you’ll need to take proactive steps to protect the paint job. Whenever possible, try to park your vehicle in the shade to avoid direct sunlight, which can cause your paint job to fade.
Store your vehicle in a garage if you have one, and use a cover whenever you’re not driving it for long periods of time. Apply a high-quality auto wax to your car every few months to keep it coated and looking beautiful for years to come.
- Check Fluid Levels Frequently
One of the most common issues with vehicles is a fluid leak or low fluid levels. Check your oil, transmission fluid, and coolant levels as often as possible to prevent problems from occurring. You should also check your windshield wiper fluid on a regular basis.
If you suspect that you might have a leak, place a large piece of cardboard directly under your car and look for any liquid dripping onto the surface. When in doubt, bring your car to a certified mechanic who can perform a quick check and get the problem corrected. In most cases, it may be a matter of a damaged hose or a loose gasket/fitting which only takes a few minutes to fix.
- Monitor Your Battery
A dead battery can leave you stranded, resulting in a whole lot of frustration. Have your battery’s charge checked and get a recharge if levels are low.
Take a close look at your car battery terminals. If you see any corrosion, use a mixture of baking soda and water, and gently scrub the contacts clean with a hard-bristled brush.
Healthy Car, Happy Driver
Once you know how to take care of your car using a few simple tips, your vehicle should serve you well for many years to come. Always get regular oil changes and check for issues with tire pressure, the brake system, and fluid levels to keep your car healthy.
If you’re looking for a new vehicle or your current car is in need of service, visit our website or contact us today to learn more.
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