If you want to keep your car until the wheels fall off, then the best way to keep your car up and running is to do regular maintenance. When it comes to taking care of your car, it’s not rocket science. Although for the most part, you need professional help, there are things you can do on your own.
Check Your Owner’s Manual
The first thing that you need to do is check the maintenance schedule section on your owner’s manual. Here you’ll have an idea of how often you need to check and maintain the vehicle’s fluids, oil filter, tires, belts, and hoses. Following the recommended routine check-up and maintenance will ensure a long term good driving condition for your car.
Wash Your Car Regularly
Washing your car regularly is a no-brainer in keeping your car in tip-top shape. Remember that accumulation of dirt, snow, mud, grease, and grime, and sometimes sea salt in the air (depending on which state you’re in) will corrode you’re your car overtime if not washes properly.
Check The Tires
Not only do you have to check the tire pressure but you also need to rotate your car tires. A good way for you to check the tire pressure is through a tire pressure gauge, this tool will tell you how much air is inside each tire. You can find the ideal tire pressure on the owner’s manual.
Change The Oil Regularly
Oil is an essential part of your engine that lubricates all of its parts. Think of oil as the engine’s lifeblood, if the oil is too thick, it won’t be able to properly lubricate the engine thus damaging it over time. To manually check your oil levels, use a dipstick. If the oil looks dark and has a muddy texture, it’s high time for you to change your oil. Some newer vehicles have electronic gauges.
Check the Other Car Fluids
Engine coolant, washer fluid, brake fluid, and transmission fluid are the other car fluids that you need to check regularly.
Check the Lights
Not only should you check your headlights if they’re working properly, but you should also check which light on your dashboard is activated. The dashboard light symbol will warn you which part of your car needs attention.
Replace the Air Filters
When you don’t change the filters regularly, your engine will need to work twice as hard to push air through it. This denotes your car not performing efficiently. Changing your filter regularly will increase fuel efficiency, prolong your engine’s life, and reduce bad emissions.
Replace Windshield Wipers
If you notice your windshield wiper screeches when you use it, it’s high time for you to replace it. Windshield wipers are as important as any part of your car. If you find yourself driving under heavy rain, windshield wipers are what give you the ability to see the road ahead clearly.
Check the Hoses and Belts
It’s good practice to have your hoses and belts checked every time you change your oil or routine maintenance. Consider replacing them when you see visible signs of wear and tear. To help keep your car in optimal driving condition and avoid a breakdown, keep your belts and hoses in tip-top shape.
Check the Brakes
Brakes are an essential part of the vehicle. If you hear and feel your brakes squealing, grinding, or ratting, then it’s high time for you to visit your mechanic and have your car inspected. When your brakes squeal, this means that you need to change your brake pads. You don’t have to worry so much when you feel your brakes grinding especially when it’s the first time you’ve used your car for a long time. Rust in rotors form in a matter of day, so when you finally use your car, you’ll hear grinding indicating rust being removed. Rattling on the other hand indicates brake rotors being worn out and needs replacement.
Key Take-Away
The bottom line here is that if you want to keep your car for a long time, you need to follow the recommended regular maintenance. From following the owner’s manual to checking the brakes and everything in between, you need to keep track of the car service.