Did you know most car owners don’t know how to maintain their vehicle? If you want to learn about some common car maintenance tips, we can help.
This guide will go over vehicle maintenance tips owners should know. You can keep your vehicle in great shape and prevent significant expenses by keeping up with repairs.
Want to learn more? Keep reading.
1. Do You Have a Spare Tire?
Make sure your spare tire remains inflated. In the event of an emergency, you’ll be able to use it and avoid getting stuck.
Some car owners will pop their trunks and realize the spare tire’s flat. Avoid this situation and an expensive tow by ensuring your spare tire are in good shape. You could also pack an air pump in your trunk.
You should look at getting some spare tires. Buy car wheels and keep the spares at home.
2. Don’t Forget to Change the Oil
Forgetting to change the oil could end up becoming an expensive repair. Oil problems will cause all kinds of issues.
The oil in your car will affect your car’s different functions. Spend 30 dollars to change your oil instead of putting wear and tear on your engine.
3. Clean Your Car Battery
Corrosion can end up forming on the terminals of your vehicle battery. If you don’t keep the battery clean, it could crack and not function well.
A quality battery will cost over 100 dollars. A tow will cost double that. Avoid these issues by buying a wire brush and keeping the terminals clean. You should test your battery twice each year.
4. Replace the Brake Pads
Have you begun to notice a squeaking sound whenever you hit the brakes? Your brake pads might be worn out. A new set of brake pads can cost hundreds of dollars, along with the added labor to install them.
Look at checking the brake fluid when you change the oil. It shouldn’t be dark in color, and if it is, change the brake system right away.
5. What About the Air Filter?
The air filter will prevent pollutants from slipping in through the vents. The air filter will keep you safe.
An old air filter can end up causing problems for your AC system. Replacing an AC unit can cost a couple of thousand dollars. Look at changing your air filter every year or at least once every 12,000 miles.
6. What About Windshield Wipers?
Buying new windshield wipers can cost 50 dollars. This might seem like a lot for a minor repair, but decent windshield wipers are critical.
Windshield wipers will help you drive safely during a storm. You will be able to see well still.
If you don’t clean your windshield, dirt will build up and cause the glass to break down. New windshield wipers are a lot cheaper compared to replacing your windshield.
7. Rotate Your Tires
It would help if you looked at getting your vehicle tires rotated. Rotating the tires will help extend the life of your tires. The four tires on your vehicle won’t wear down in the same way.
The back or front tires will wear down at different rates depending on your vehicle. The speed and the roads you travel on can also impact your tires.
Rotate your vehicle tires and extend their life. You’ll save yourself money because you won’t need to completely replace the tires. Look at rotating the tires every 5000 miles.
8. Inspect the Springs, Struts, and Shocks
Your suspension system on the vehicle is a critical element. It will prevent you from feeling like you’re on a roller coaster while driving.
If the shock needs to get replaced, you should replace all four of the shocks.
9. What About the Coolant?
If you don’t maintain the coolant in your vehicle, you could end up with corrosion problems inside your car. The coolant will affect your water pump, radiator, and even the air conditioner.
Look at checking the coolant at least twice a year.
10. Don’t Forget the Spark Plugs
Is your engine giving you issues? Engine work tends to be hugely expensive. A common reason is the spark plug. Spark plugs are things car owners tend to forget.
Swap out a spark plug instead of covering a major engine overhaul. Replacing the vehicle engine can cost thousands of dollars.
11. Inspect the Hoses and Belts
Look at inspecting the hoses and belts a few times a year. You can prevent a significant mechanic bill later. Worn-down belts will damage essential parts in your car.
If you have a weak radiator hose, the engine in your vehicle could overheat and break down.
Mechanics suggest that people replace the timing belt every 60,000 miles. You should replace the serpentine belt every 40,000 miles.
12. Keep Your Vehicle Clean
You might think it’s okay to let your vehicle get messy inside. Yet, if you ever want to sell your vehicle, you will have a hard time getting a good price.
Look at cleaning the interior and exterior of your vehicle once a week. You shouldn’t let dirt or debris build-up. Dirt or debris on the outside of your vehicle can wear away at the paint job.
Keep Up With Vehicle Maintenance
We hope this guide on vehicle maintenance was helpful. Consider how you can improve your vehicle’s safety by maintaining it throughout the year.
Don’t forget to change the oil, rotate the tires, and swap out the old windshield wipers. You should also clean your vehicle battery and change the coolant when necessary.
Are you looking for more auto tips? Stick around and browse our many car and driving resources on the blog today.
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