As a car owner, car maintenance is one of the most important things to do. It’s also a topic that can be confusing and daunting for those who don’t know much about cars or how to perform basic maintenance tasks. Follow these ten car maintenance tips to keep your vehicle in tip-top condition and reduce the amount of service work needed down the road.
Check the oil
The most basic maintenance task, and most straightforward to understand, is checking the oil level in your car. If you’re unsure how to do this, check your car’s manual or ask a mechanic. Oil is the lifeblood of your engine, and checking the oil level helps you know if any problems are brewing with your car’s engine.
Check the brakes
Another basic but essential maintenance task is checking the brakes on your car regularly. When applying the brakes, notice signs such as squealing or grinding noises. Anytime you hear strange noises coming from your braking systems, take the time to stop and check everything out.
Transfer case maintenance
This can be a costly repair if anything goes wrong. All-wheel and four-wheel drive cars require periodic fluid replacement inside the transfer case. Observe the instructions in the owner’s manual.
Check your tires
Your car must have the right tires for the current weather to keep yourself and other drivers safe. Similarly, maintaining the correct tire pressure for your automobile is advised to prevent potential problems like a tire rupture. Problems with your vehicle’s tires, rims, or suspension can result from low tire pressure.
Radiator coolant change
You should also check your car’s coolant level regularly. The coolant keeps your engine running at its best, so it’s essential to change the coolant occasionally. In the winter, you should check your coolant level every month and have it changed, while in the summer, you can leave it until your next oil change.
Change the air filter
In both gas and diesel automobiles, the air filter is crucial. Drivers should ensure clean air filters for good engine operation and maximum fuel efficiency. Check your car’s manual and replace the air filter at regular intervals. If you are unsure how to change the air filter, schedule an appointment with a mechanic.
Change your emergency brake cable
The emergency brake system on your car is one of the most essential parts of braking, and it’s worth regularly checking to ensure they aren’t getting stuck. If you have a manual transmission, you have a cable that runs from the transmission down to the pedal. You should pay attention to this cable and check it for any signs of damage that could prevent braking.
Timing belt replacement
Your car’s engine uses a rubber composite timing belt or a timing chain. The mechanism links the crankshaft to the camshaft, which works with the engine’s valves to open and close. Follow the car manual to find out when the timing belt needs to be replaced if your automobile has one. Not all cars have timing belts, but if yours does, you should check them regularly because a broken timing belt can cause significant damage to your car’s engine.
Check the power steering fluid
A hydraulic power steering pump is lubricated by power steering fluid in older automobiles and specific newer models. The pump reservoir features a screw-style lid that may be lifted off to inspect the fluid level. The pump may malfunction if it runs dry, necessitating a costly replacement. Squealing sounds when twisting the steering wheel or heavy or harsh steering are signs of a power steering issue.
The car battery
Last but not least, you should check your car’s battery regularly. The battery is a crucial car component, serving multiple functions, from starting your vehicle to running all its electrical components. Driving the automobile for 15 to 30 minutes weekly is crucial to maintain the battery’s charge. Furthermore, avoid jump-starting a dead battery. The battery could be overloaded with too much current, impacting the other internal circuits.
Don’t forget the inside; find a car cleaning kit to make it sparkle.
