No matter the make, model or age of your vehicle, one thing is always for sure – your car will require regular maintenance. Two main questions often arise when it comes to maintenance. The first being how often you should perform maintenance and, the second, what parts require attention? Here are the facts you need to keep your car in top condition.
Check the manual
The owner’s manual of each vehicle includes a wealth of information. Included in this information should also be a maintenance schedule. If it has a chart, you can keep track of past maintenance and schedule future appointments with ease. If it does not include a charge, you can always make your own. Your driving habits and road conditions will also influence maintenance frequency.
Check the computer
Onboard computers trigger easy-to-understand alerts. A light on your dashboard will appear when a specific problem arises. You can consult your owner’s manual if you are not sure what the light means.
Essential car maintenance
While some parts on your car can go for years without any special care, others need to be tended to at least once a year – depending on driving conditions and mileage. Here are some of the most important maintenance tasks that you should have performed according to schedule and without delays. Putting these tasks on hold can severely affect how your car functions and your safety.
Oil
The oil in your engine is responsible for keeping everything running smoothly. Apart from choosing the right type of all for your car, you also need to check the quality, viscosity, and oil level. Depending on the vehicle make and model, you might want to check the oil level once the motor is warm or, in other cases, when it is cold. Once warm, the oil level will drop as the oil is pumped out of the reservoir and into the engine. Dirty oil needs to be changed and, if the oil becomes too thin it will not provide effective lubrication. Keep your eye out for leaks by keeping your engine clean too. When checking your oil, make sure your car is parked on level ground. Remove the dipstick, wipe it off and place it back before removing and reading the level.
Tires
Apart from changing your tires based on the weather requirements, you should also pay close attention to wear and tear. To get the most out of your tires, you should always store them properly when not in use. Check the tire pressure and inflate or deflate according to the owner’s manual. Check for visible damage and inspect the tire wall for any cracks. Check the tire tread and make sure that excess or uneven wear has not occurred. Replace your tires if they are excessively worn or damaged. Inspect all tires – including the spare.
Air filters
Filters are essential for keeping dirt and dust out of your engine. Make sure that you stick to your replacement schedule for best results. This applies to all air filters including your engine air filter and cabin air filter.
Breaks
Different parts of the braking system will require replacement at different stages. While your brake pads might need to be replaced more often, other parts can last a lot longer. These parts can be measured by a professional and they can usually tell you how many more miles you can safely drive. If you have any part of your braking system replaced, make sure that you note the mileage and take it easy for the first few trips. Ask your mechanic about wearing them in safely. Noisy brakes could be due to dirt or a greater problem. Never hesitate to have them checked.
Battery
Batteries usually last several years but the weather can take its toll – especially the winter. In the winter, make sure that you start your car every day to prevent the battery from losing its charge. Older batteries should be replaced before the winter or they can let you down.
Keep your vehicle on the road and your loved ones safe by performing regular vehicle checks and maintenance. To prevent any nasty surprises, make sure that your car is covered by a comprehensive warranty. Call A-Protect Warranty today at 1-866-6606444 for a warranty designed to suit your needs.