You may also want to consider your safety when driving your vehicle. Driving a faulty car can cause serious accidents. Poor car maintenance can result in vehicle malfunction. A regular car maintenance schedule can also reduce the chances of unexpected car breakdowns.
Car Maintenance Basics That You Should Consider
Here are some car maintenance tips you should consider on your vehicle maintenance checklist.
Make regular oil changes
You should check your car's oil regularly and change it as indicated in the owner's manual. Did you know that regular oil change increases engine performance? Changing your oil means fitting a new engine oil filter and doing away with the old oil. You can either change the oil yourself or take your car to a service station. Clean and fresh oil keeps the engine clean and increases its life span. You should also know which oil best suits your car. This suggests that you should consider three main things when selecting your oil. These are your car's mileage, oil viscosity, and whether to use synthetic or conventional motor oil.
Check your tires
Checking your tires for wear and tear is essential. How do you identify worn-out tires? Well, this entirely depends on the tread depth. When your tires have a remaining tread depth of 1.6mm, you need new tires. Also, worn-out tires are prone to punctures. It may be a good idea to keep a spare tire.
You should also check tire pressure regularly using a tire gauge. Maintaining a recommended level of air pressure is vital. The owner's manual for your vehicle's maintenance schedule directs the amount of air pressure your tires should have. Additionally, rotating your tires will increase their durability. Tire rotation should be as directed by your vehicle's owner's manual. To increase the efficiency of your tires, you should inspect shocks.
Have your engine air filter changed
Your car's air filter should be replaced yearly or every 15000 to 30000 miles. However, this depends on the specific vehicle and the driving environment. You may require more changes if you drive through rough and bumpy roads. You can replace the engine air filter yourself. You do not need to go to a service center. Most of these centers charge about $25 to replace an air filter. You can prefer to save your money.
Check your brakes
Are you hearing grinding sounds when you press on the brake pedal? This could mean that either your brakes are failing or have worn out. Driving your vehicle in this state is a safety hazard. Your safety majorly depends on your braking system. You should have your brake pads professionally checked or inspected frequently. This should be every 10,000 to 20,000 miles or every six months.
Have the fluids checked
Your vehicle's fluid levels should be maintained at proper levels. This keeps your car running smoothly. Here are the fluids that affect the running and performance of your vehicle:
Brake fluid.
Coolant fluid.
Radiator coolant.
Engine oil.
Power steering fluid.
Transmission fluid.
An automatic transmission vehicle will require a change in transmission fluid between 30,000 and 100,000miles. In a manual transmission vehicle, change the fluid between 30,000 and 60,000miles. Also, ensure your oil and coolant levels are in check. You should be keen to notice any leaking fluid. You should be able to identify each fluid since they have different colors.
Maintain your car lights
Headlights and taillights are essential, mostly during night car drives. You should check their beam strength from time to time. If you notice any dimness, you should replace them. These lights should also be cleaned more often.
Check your belts and hoses
Maintaining your car's belts and hoses will increase your engine's performance. Your car has the timing belt and the serpentine belt. Car belts shift power from your engine to the rest of the vehicle. They also keep the engine cool and help your car run efficiently. The hoses help in the transmission of fluids. Ensure your belts and hoses are checked every three months at least or every 3,000 miles.
Change the windshield wipers
Wiper blades tend to wear out quickly because they are made of rubber. When they wear out, they become less efficient in cleaning dirty windshields. You can have them changed by our mechanic. You can also change them yourself since it's a simple task. You can purchase them in an auto parts store.
Replace your spark plugs
Your spark plugs supply the spark which ignites the air/fuel mixture. Thus, enabling your vehicle's engine to produce power. Bad spark plugs can cause motor misfires, engine knocking, and difficulty starting. Replacing spark plugs should be done after every 30,000 miles.
Change your battery
Most vehicle batteries get worn and become less efficient within three years of use. A weak battery is not reliable. Replacing your battery every two to three years will increase battery performance. The best way to carry out a battery performance check is to use a battery tester. You can find battery testers in the local auto parts store. You can also change your battery yourself. When connecting the new battery, connect to the positive terminal first.
Clean your car
Did you know that washing your car more frequently increases fuel efficiency? Dirt is likely to increase drag causing your car to use more fuel. Failing to wash your car can also ruin your car's paint and cause rust.
Evaluate your car insurance policy
You should review your car insurance policy regularly. It ensures that you have sufficient coverage in the event of an accident.
Service your vehicle regularly
You are supposed to maintain a proper vehicle maintenance schedule with a trained mechanic. Similarly, you should service your car yearly or every 12,000 miles. The time interval may vary in some vehicles. You can check your vehicle's handbook to find out its service intervals. Servicing mainly involves performing system checks and adjustments. You cannot service your vehicle yourself. Also, when the check engine light and the service engine light illuminates, you should take your vehicle to a repair shop. That's like a warning light. It could mean that there's a problem with your coolant system.
For more on car maintenance basics, try us today! We specialize in all types of parts for classic Italian car models. We are located in Atlanta, GA. You can call us on 678-637-5103. Remember, a well-maintained car will always guarantee your safety.