8 Important Car Maintenance Tips You Should Know
Following a few car maintenance tips is important, whether you are new to driving or not. This will help prolong the service life of your vehicle and keep it in good condition.
Vehicles today are manufactured using cutting-edge technologies, like industrial robot arms, so their quality is ensured. But knowing proper maintenance can help you achieve the optimal performance of your vehicle. This article will discuss some of the most important car maintenance tips you can follow.
#1 Examine Hoses & Belts
Inspect the belts and hoses in your car engine’s bay. The hoses direct the flow of coolants to make sure that the engine will not overheat. If you see a hose that has bulges or cracks, you need to replace it. Here is a detailed article on how to inspect car belts and hoses.
You also need to examine the belts in your car such as its timing belt. This belt can be found in the majority of small SUVs and cars. It is important in your engine’s operation. If it has cracks, missing chunks, and other damages, replace it.
#2 Clean the Windshield & Replace the Wipers
Dirty windshields cause inconvenience while driving because you will not be able to see clearly. They can also cause vision impairments and accidents if you do not clean them regularly. The accumulated particles and dirt can cause scratches once you use your wipers.
We also recommend checking your wipers during rainy days. Replace them if needed. Damaged wipers can cause scratches on your car’s windshields and block your view. The worst case is your whole windshield might get damaged and need to be replaced.
#3 Inspect All Fluids
There are other fluids you need to check aside from your car motor’s oil. Vehicles also have transmission and brake fluids, washer fluid, and coolant. The same with motor oil, you will use a dipstick to inspect the transmission fluid. To determine the fluid levels of the washer, coolant, and brake, remove their covers and inspect them visually.
However, do not remove the radiator cap when checking the coolant if you do not want to get scalded. Check the level using the transparent container near it instead.
#4 Check Tires Every Month
Do a monthly inspection of your tires because they are the only thing that separates your vehicle from the roadway. You need to inflate them properly so that they can do their task and also to prevent blowouts. When adding air to the tires, you need to know the right tire pressure. You can find this information on your car’s instruction manual or on the jamb of the driver’s door.
#5 Familiarize Yourself With the Different Warning Lights
The majority of vehicles have warning lights and sensors that tell drivers everything about their car’s status. This includes gas caps that are not replaced, doors that are not properly closed, tires that are low on air, and others.
Familiarize yourself with what each of these warning lights means along with how you can fix them. Your car’s instruction manual can help you here. If a light that you do not know flashes, take your car to a reliable mechanic at once. You can also read these common car warning lights.
#6 Regularly Change Motor Oil & Oil Filter
The lifeblood of your engine is oil. Oil lubricates the engine’s components to prevent them from destroying your engine. If you do not change motor oil regularly, contaminants will accumulate and cause friction. The parts will rub against each other and your engine will be damaged. You can use any oil, synthetic or petroleum-based, as long as the oil can meet the viscosity requirements written in your car’s instruction manual.
#7 Check the Car’s Battery
Another important component for your vehicle to run is its battery. The battery provides electrical current to the engine, starter, and other accessories of your vehicle so that it can run. Extreme temperatures can affect your car battery’s performance so you need to regularly test your battery.
#8 Check Air Filters
Many car problems are caused by clogged or loosely fitted air filters. The job of air filters is to block contaminants, such as pollen and dust, to keep the engine healthy. Dirty air filters can obstruct the flow of air into your engine. This reduces your vehicle’s performance. We recommend replacing your air filters every after 12,000 miles.
Conclusion
You can fix some problems associated with your car on your own. However, there are instances where your car’s condition needs professional expertise. In these times, make sure to take your vehicle to a trustworthy service provider immediately.
Practice keeping receipts when doing maintenance repairs. Detailed maintenance records allow you to sell your car at a higher price once you plan to buy a new one. We hope that this guide was able to help you with what you are looking for.