Most of us are familiar with the concept of car maintenance our bodies on an ongoing basis, in order to be healthy and feel good on a day-to-day basis. We take time out of our schedules to exercise and make sure we’re eating right, so we have more energy and can keep our body running smoothly. But did you know that your car has an engine too? And that you should also invest some time into taking care of it on an ongoing basis?
Start by doing a bit of research on car maintenance
You may think you know your car’s ins and outs, but it never hurts to do a bit of research before taking a wrench in hand. The internet is full of guides that can offer insight into how a particular vehicle operates, but if you really want to understand what goes on under your hood, consider calling an experienced mechanic who can walk you through your vehicle’s engine.
Fixing Minor Problems Early on
One of the best ways to keep your car running well is by fixing small problems before they become big ones. Regularly changing your oil and checking Tire Rack pressure can save you money down the road. If a warning light comes on, don’t ignore it! Visit a mechanic and get that problem solved ASAP.
Learn about your car maintenance
If you know your way around your car, you’ll be more likely to spot potential problems—and have a better idea of how best to fix them. This can save you time and money (if you find issues before they turn into big problems), plus it can mean fewer headaches if something does go wrong.
Preventative Measures
One of the best ways to ensure that your car runs smoothly and safely is by taking care of it regularly. This may seem like a pain, but it will save you money in the long run. A good place to start is performing simple preventative car maintenance on your vehicle, like oil changes or changing other fluids before they break down or wear out. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be well on your way to maintaining your car’s health!
TIP 1 – Change Your Oil
Like a lot of different automotive services, changing your oil is something you can do on your own. It’s easy, simple and it’ll cost you a fraction of what it would cost to take your car mechanic. Best of all? You won’t have to wait in line at a mechanic shop while they attempt—and fail—to remember how many quarts are in an oil change.
TIP 2 – Use Filters Correctly
Not all cars are created equal and neither are their engines. If you’re replacing your old air filter with a new one, it’s vital that you match up your engine make, model and year with those listed on your replacement part; installing an incorrect air filter can cause damage to your car’s engine.
TIP 3 – Check Tire Pressure Regularly
Over-inflated tires wear out faster, waste gas and increase wear on your suspension components. Under-inflated tires are even worse: They make your car handle sluggishly and accelerate poorly. Plus, under-inflated tires tend to overheat, which can lead to a blowout. Get in a habit of checking tire pressure every time you stop at a gas station or rest area.
TIP 4 – Carry Spare Parts
Be sure to keep a spare tire and other car maintenance equipment in your vehicle at all times. Change your engine oil, coolant levels, transmission fluid, brake fluid and power steering fluid regularly.
TIP 5 – Check Vacuum Lines And Hoses
Checking your engine’s vacuum lines and hoses is one of those tasks that no one enjoys, but it’s important. Vacuum leaks can cause reduced fuel economy, lost engine power and a host of other issues. The best way to prevent vacuum leaks is to regularly check for cracks or perforations in vacuum lines and replace them when necessary. Vacuum lines are especially vulnerable under extreme heat or pressure.
TIP 6 – Get Some Tools and Learn To Use Them Properly
It’s hard to believe how many people can’t properly use a screwdriver. In an effort to save money, they buy a tool set that has every conceivable tool in it, but then they don’t know how to use any of them. That’s not only bad value, it’s dangerous: you end up stripping screws or even breaking them if you try to force things that weren’t meant for certain jobs.
