Auto Maintenance Tips
Whether it’s a new or pre-owned, preventative auto maintenance is the best way to ensure it lasts & prevents costly repairs. You have probably heard this word used often as a car, van, truck, or SUV owner, but you might not be quite sure what you should be proactively looking for when performing preventative services. Taking care of a vehicle will take care of the wallet & keep the car out of the auto repair shop.
This is even more important when your vehicle is older & logs more miles. By taking a proactive approach to car care, you can minimize expensive auto repairs & become more aware of what is needed to be done to avoid having unnecessary service performed at an auto repair shop. When performing preventative auto maintenance, be sure to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual as a reference for fluid levels, replacement parts, battery size, & tire pressure.
Preventative services are inexpensive & simple to do as long as they are kept up to date. Most of the work doesn’t require a mechanic or someone with plenty of automotive repair knowledge. The tips listed in this blog post are simple & low-cost tasks that can take your vehicle’s equipment a long way.
Fluids
This is one of the most important things to check. It is recommended you check once per month to make sure there are no leaks and you have enough fluids, especially washer fluid, engine oil, transmission fluid, & antifreeze. Use the dipstick to check some of the fluids or look at the fluid level to make sure they’re filled within the recommended level.
Checking this monthly will help you avoid the headaches that can come later such as your vehicle stopping on the road or an expensive repair bill. It is important to have your fluids topped during the extreme weather seasons like winter and summer so you’re not stuck in the cold or heat waiting for a tow truck.
Always check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the recommended fluids & keep the guide stored inside the glove compartment. Take your vehicle into the shop if you notice a fresh dark color stain after pulling out of the parking spot. That can indicate a leak.
Tires
Tires are one of the most important things to check often. While tires are made to last longer, they still wear or can be damaged. Check the tire pressure weekly, especially when there’s a major temperature shift. Look at the sticker on the inside part of the front driver’s side door for the front and rear PSIs (Pounds Per Square Inch). Use a penny with Lincoln’s head pointing down and see if the top of his head disappears between the ribs. If so, your tires are good. Having proper pressure and tread improves gas mileage.
Battery
No one wants a dead battery. When you have a strong battery, you won’t need to worry about jump-starting your vehicle. You can purchase a car battery tester which is inexpensive and test the battery life on your vehicle. If you have difficulty starting the ignition or your headlights and taillights flicker, then you need a new battery. Also, check to see if the battery terminals are clear, not corroded and you don’t have a loose connection.
Wipers
Keeping the front & rear windshields clear of streaks improves visibility. If wiper blades are leaving a mark or making noise, it’s time to replace them. Wiper blades should be changed every six to 12 months on average depending on usage. Certain brands have an indicator that indicated the need for a new set. There are two types of wiper blades you can get (conventional and beam), & both work well as long as they don’t leave a streak while in use
Always follow your vehicle’s manual to see when maintenance is recommended. By keeping up with maintenance, it’ll save you money, time, & stress from expensive repairs. All of the maintenance mentioned above is relatively quick and easy to perform. You can always go to My Auto Store when you notice a part needs to be changed without paying full price for an OEM replacement. They are in good condition, shipping is free and quick for many parts and they are protected by a 6-month warranty.
