Avoid Issues by Staying on Top of Your Car’s Maintenance
Just like our bodies, our cars need regular maintenance to avoid issues down the road. Just like us, when they do have an issue, it tends to be pricey to fix. This is why it is always a good idea to stay on top of maintenance and do everything you can to prevent major breakdowns.
TIRE PRESSURE
One easy and free way to extend the life of your tires is to check the pressure monthly and keep them inflated to the proper inflation levels. Most gas stations have a tire pressure gauge you can use, or you can buy your own for around $20. Not only will this save you from having to replace your tires sooner it will also help improve your gas mileage.
FLUIDS
Another way to keep your car healthy is by checking fluid levels monthly and keeping them filled to the appropriate levels. This includes engine oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and transmission fluid. Once again, most gas stations will let you use their fluids for free.
KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR BRAKES
Your brakes are one of the most important parts of your car, so it’s important to keep an eye on them and have them serviced as needed. A good rule of thumb is to have your brakes checked every 12,000 miles or so. If you start to hear squealing when you brake, definitely have them checked sooner rather than later.
CHECK YOUR SPARK PLUGS
There are a few telltale signs that it might be time to replace your spark plugs. The first is if your car is taking longer than usual to start. If you turn the key and nothing happens right away, or if it takes a few tries before your engine finally ekes out a sputter, that’s a sign that something’s wrong with your spark plugs.
Another sign is if you notice a decrease in fuel efficiency. If you’re suddenly having to stop at the gas station more frequently than normal, it might be because your spark plugs aren’t firing as efficiently as they used to. Finally, if you notice that your car is idling roughly or shaking when stopped, those could also be signs that something is wrong with your spark plugs.
WINDSHIELD WIPERS
If your windshield wipers are leaving streaks on your windshield, it’s time for new ones. You can usually find a good pair of windshield wipers for around $30. Not replacing them could result in decreased visibility while driving, which could lead to an accident.
CAR WASHES
You should wash and wax your car at least every other week, but monthly is even better. This will help protect the paint and keep your car looking shiny and new. Plus, it’s just nice to be driving around in a clean car. If you don’t have time to wash it yourself, most car washes start at around $10.
FILTER REPLACEMENT
There are several types of filters in your car that need regular replacement, including air filters, oil filters, and fuel filters. Depending on your make and model of car, these should be replaced anywhere from every few months to a year. New filters will help improve the efficiency of your car and also help extend the life of other parts like your engine.
CONCLUSION
By taking some preventative measures and staying on top of your car’s maintenance schedule, you can avoid bigger issues (and expenses) down the road. Checking things like tire pressure and fluid levels is easy enough to do yourself and only takes a few minutes each month. Other things like regular washes and filter replacement are things you can either do yourself or pay someone else to do. They’re relatively inexpensive ways to keep your car running smoothly for years to come.