To keep your car running smooth and at its best, it’s very important that you keep up with routine maintenance and inspection. By properly maintaining your vehicle, you’ll reduce future repair costs and maximize your car’s performance. A properly maintained car will also maintain its value and extend its life.
Usually, there are warning signs to let you know that there is something off, but you don’t want this to happen, especially if you’re in the middle of nowhere. If you want to keep your car as long as possible, there are things that you need to do to keep it in top shape.
10 Care Maintenance Time Management Tips
1. Keep it Clean
This is the easiest way of maintaining your car. You can either do the cleaning or get a car wash service to do it for you. Also washing your car makes it look good. Washing the car removes contaminants that cause corrosion. The car’s underside is continually exposed to water, dirt and grime that can form rust.
2. Change the Oil
The engine is the most important part of your car. It’s the heart and soul of your vehicle and without it your car will just be sitting in the garage. The engine has many moving parts that make your car run, thus it needs lubrication to prevent premature wear and tear. So you have to understand that engine oil is pretty important. Most people change the engine oil every 3,000 miles or every quarter depending on usage. If you’re a daily car user, then you can follow this rule.
Also, it’s pretty important to let your engine warm up for a few minutes before going for any trip. It will let the oil get distributed in the engine to make it run smoothly. When changing oil, you also need to do these steps:
- Change the oil filter, air filter and fuel filter
- Check sparkplugs and HT wires
- Check PCV valve.
3. Check The Cooling System
This means checking your radiator and the coolant level to make sure that your engine will not overheat. A cooling system failure can result in some parts overheating. It will also cost you money because it will require an engine top overhaul if this happens. Also check the water pump just to make sure the liquid coolant is circulating properly to make the engine cool.
4. Check the Transmission
The transmission makes your car move by bringing power from the engine to the wheels. Regularly check the transmission fluid to keep your car shifting as smoothly as possible. Engine belts should also be regularly checked for cracks and wear.
5. Get Rid Of Any Extra Weight
Getting rid of unwanted weight will improve your gas mileage. Because the car’s weight is directly related to gas mileage. How? Because it takes more gas to propel a heavy object as compared to a light object. Also, any unnecessary weight in your car’s trunk will put unwanted stress on the suspension, brakes and exhaust.
6. Check the Tire Pressure
Checking tire pressure is one of the most neglected parts of the car. Most people don’t pay much attention to keeping their tires correctly inflated. It’s bad for the car, lessen fuel economy and it’s a major safety issue. Always check the tire pressure whenever you go out driving, especially if it’s a long drive.
It’s also a good time to check your car’s tire condition for any wear or holes. If the threads are worn out and almost smooth, there will be less grip on the road, thus chances of slips and accidents may go up.
7. Test the Brakes
Not checking your car’s brakes is a life and death situation. You will feel if the brakes need to be replaced if the brake pedals feel spongy. It may also mean that the brake fluid may be critically low. Any squeals or a metal to metal feel or grinding sounds may indicate that you need to replace the brake pads or brake shoes of your vehicle. Always have your brakes and hydraulic system checked twice a year.
8. Check the Climate Control
The car’s climate control (heating and air conditioning) are integrated, thus some parts of your climate control system work pretty hard all year long. If your air conditioning is not keeping you cool, there may be a leak in the system.
9. Review the Suspension System
The shocks, springs, struts, steering and tires are all parts of the car’s suspension system which gives you a comfortable ride and control on the road. If you feel that there are excessive vibrations or you feel that your car is bottoming out, there may be a suspension problem. Also, if there’s excessive wear on one edge of your tire, there are alignment issues. Any steering vibrations or pulling may also contribute to suspensions issues or low levels of steering fluid.
10. Check the Battery
Car batteries provide the energy needed to start the car’s engine. Once the engine is running, the alternator will recharge the battery for the next start. Battery maintenance includes keeping the battery clean and ensuring the contacts are securely fastened. There should be no build up on the battery terminals and the water level should be right.
Following a regular car maintenance schedule is important to keep your vehicle safe and running for years. You can consult your owner’s manual or go to your trusted mechanic to make sure your car is in tip top shape.
