Here are some simple car maintenance tips to keep your vehicle in optimum condition and drive safely on the road.
For your car to function at its optimum level, you need to take care of a number of aspects including monitoring/maintaining engine oil, inspect tires, check the battery, examine the brakes, follow scheduled maintenance, and so on. While a few things can be done on your own, we recommend certain things must be checked and serviced by professionals for your car’s smooth functioning. What you can do on your own depends on how dedicated you are toward the upkeep of your vehicle. The more you involve yourself, the more you would learn.
Our Top 8 Car Maintenance Tips
Monitor/Maintain Engine Oil
Engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle; running on low oil means the vehicle will die down on the road anytime. Therefore, it is vital to regularly check the engine’s oil level. This can be done on your own; simply switch off the engine, let it cool down, find the dipstick on the engine, pull it out, wipe it with a tissue or clean cloth, insert the dipstick inside and pull it back again to find out the oil level. If it’s below the recommended level, add oil to the optimum level making sure you do not overfill. In addition, make certain you know the recommended oil change duration by checking the owner’s manual. Normally, city cars need oil replacement every 5,000 miles, but that’s not true for all cars. A lot depends on the engine capacity/type and oil grade.
Inspect Tires
You vehicle runs on tires, which means any abnormality in tires can be devastating on the road. When a tire is under-inflated or over-inflated, it loses stability, negatively affecting handling, cornering, and stopping. Eventually the tire will also start to wear unevenly. Under-inflated tires tend to show wear on the outside edges of the tread, while over-inflated tires show wear down the middle of the tread. Either way, incorrect inflation pressure equals uneven wear equals tires that wear out faster and that equals less money in your pocket. Nobody wants that. Buy a tire gauge and check the pressure before every journey. This will not only improve gas mileage but will also be vital for tire’s life. Furthermore, you need to visit your mechanic every month for tire inspection. It is important to inspect tires for cracks, bulges, corrosion and wear and tear as they have to face different terrains and endure pot holes, stones, gravel, and nails on daily basis.
Check Battery
The car’s battery is another vital component without which you cannot start your vehicle. Therefore, you need to inspect it every now and then. First off, inspect the battery connections to make certain they are clean and tight. If you find acid corrosion, clean it with a mixture of baking soda and water. If corrosion persists, show it to your mechanic. Secondly, inspect electrolyte levels and add distilled water if there is a need (not needed for dry batteries).
Examine the Brakes
If you hear squealing and grinding of brakes or feel any uncommon vibrations, it is advised to visit your mechanic for possible replacement or repair. Additionally, you need to keep an eye on brake fluid, which has the tendency to retain moisture, thus can corrode or fail the brakes. Brake pads also need replacement after every 20,000 miles, however, that can differ for different vehicles. In addition, it depends on your driving conditions; for instance, if you perform stop-and-go driving, brake pads will wear out quickly and would need regular replacement.
Check Cooling System
Your vehicle’s ability to properly heat and cool your car is central to your comfort and the comfort of your passengers. Therefore, your car’s cooling system must be inspected routinely. Keep the cooling system operating at peak performance by following the manufacturer’s recommendations for changing the antifreeze (flush and fill). Make certain you perform this task when the engine is cool. Better yet, call us at 940-566-2125 to schedule a Comprehensive Coolant System Evaluation.
Windshield Wipers
Windshield wipers should be changed after 6,000 to 10,000 miles or every year because they get hard due to various reasons and leave streaks on the windshield, thus blurring the vision. To keep them in proper shape, employ windshield wiper fluid to clean the blades.
Scheduled Maintenance
Following the scheduled car maintenance is extremely important for the longevity of your vehicle. Every vehicle has its own requirements, so each requires different handling from its owner. A car’s repair schedule usually depends on its model, make, year, mileage and condition. For that reason, if you want to know how your vehicle should be treated to keep it in the best running condition, read your car’s owner manual. We advise you to rely on an expert car repair and maintenance service to guide you through the process.
Give your Car a Wash
A clean car not only looks great but also increases its resale value. Every vehicle needs a wash once a week for a shiny and bright look. Regular cleaning also saves it from corrosion. Not only the exterior, the interior also demands utmost care. You must vacuum the interior and clean the dashboard with a clean cloth (you may also use a dashboard cleaner for a shinier look). Clean the vehicle’s interior carpet mats with a brush or detergent and then dry them in the sun before placing them in the vehicle.
Car Maintenance Tips To Maintain Your Car – Final Thoughts
There you have it folks, some simple car maintenance tips to keep your vehicle in optimum condition and drive safely on the road. It does require dedication on your part to keep an eye out for any issues that may arise and visit your mechanic for an inspection before things go crazy.
All About Imports, LLC (AAI) serves Denton, TX and the surrounding communities in the DFW area. We provide factory level service and regularly scheduled maintenance for Honda, Acura, Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Infiniti and Scion vehicles. We also provide limited services for other select Asian imports. With honest and fair technicians you can rely on us for advice on how to service and maintain your vehicle. Call us today at (940) 566-2125.