Did you know that 35% of Americans struggle to pay for unforeseen auto repairs? This could be because they can’t afford insurance coverage.
The fact is that car insurance is important because you’ll need to pay for repairs. Without repairs, your car will become unfit to drive.
You may use a vehicle that doesn’t require a lot of money to maintain, but not all vehicles are created equal. Some cars are costly to maintain.
We need to know how to take care of your vehicle so you don’t cause it any further damage. Most issues with cars are often avoidable if you learn the basics of vehicle care.
In this article, we give you a few lesser-known vehicle maintenance tips that will keep your vehicle in optimal condition. Read further to find out more.
1. Check Light and Tire Pressure
Having proper lighting and tire pressure on your vehicle is critical for the safety of you and other drivers on the road. By ensuring that your car lights are working, you will be able to see and be seen while driving.
By making sure that your tire pressure is maintained regularly, you can avoid damage to your tires, reducing fuel consumption. Check your car lights and tire pressure at least once a month, and ensure that your mechanic does the same during routine services.
2. Check Your Vehicle’s Fluids
It is crucial to check the oil, windshield wiper fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid to ensure that the levels are adequate and the fluids are in good condition. You should check each of these individual fluids regularly and top them up with the correct fluids if necessary.
Be sure to tighten any caps or valves that you are working with and keep an eye on quick visual inspections of the hoses, rubber seals, and other components that may have become cracked or worn down. Taking the time to perform these simple checks can help prevent major, expensive repairs in the future.
3. Protect Your Tires from Wear and Tear
Treating your tires with care should be a top priority for any car owner, as they are an essential part of keeping your vehicle safe, efficient, and running smoothly. Inspect tires for any signs of unusual wear, such as bald spots or cracks. Ensure that your tires are properly aligned by bringing your car to an experienced mechanic.
Inspect the tread depth and replace tires when necessary. Always rotate your tires to help evenly distribute wear and tear. Have your wheel balanced and rotated, and make sure to check wheel bearings and suspension.
4. Clean and Check Air Filter
This ensures that your engine is supplied with clean and enough air to run properly. When the air filter is well maintained, then it helps minimize the risk of damage to the engine and other components. Cleaning air filters will also improve your fuel efficiency, as less fuel is used in the combustion process.
It’s recommended to change the air filter every 10,000 miles or as indicated in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Working on a car’s general maintenance may seem daunting, but cleaning and checking your air filter is an easy thing anyone can do.
5. Replace Wiper Blades Annually
Wiper blades help remove rain, snow, and debris from your windshield, providing a clear view of the road. Regular rubber wiper blades should be replaced every six months to avoid streaking, smearing, and poor visibility during inclement weather conditions. Silicone-based wiper blades should last longer and can be used for up to a year.
Making sure to replace the blades at the right time allows for optimum clarity during hazardous driving conditions. Replacing blades can help eliminate annoying noises caused by improper blade fit. Be sure to check your wiper blades and follow the manufacturer’s recommended timeline.
Replacing wiper blades annually is key in making sure that you can see clearly while driving. You may also want to consider windshield tinting as it reduces glare and heat in your car.
It’s important to know the right window tint percentage chart to legally tint your windows. Keeping up with regular car maintenance and following the chart can ensure your vehicle is running at optimal performance for years to come.
6. Test Your Brakes
Proper maintenance of brakes is a must for every car owner. Testing your brakes is essential for good vehicle health. A car owner should check their brakes for any kind of leakage, unevenness, and wear.
To check your brakes, get your vehicle inspected by a certified technician every 5,000-7,000 miles. If you’re experiencing any kind of failure or faulty brake issues, have it examined by a professional mechanic? Make sure to replace worn-out brake pads or shoes as they can cause damage to the vehicle in time.
Make sure to use only quality parts to avoid any kind of damage. It is important to keep a close eye on your brake fluid levels and flush your braking system every 20,000-30,000 miles. Check your brakes and brake pads to ensure the proper functioning of the vehicle.
7. Examine Battery Health
Checking the battery should be done to ensure it is running optimally and to prevent any unexpected breakdowns. Begin by testing the battery’s voltage to ensure that it is not discharged. Inspect the terminals and cables for corrosion and clean them with a wire brush.
Keep an eye out for any signs of depletion, including developing cracks, bloating, or leaking. Lubricate the posts and clamps of the battery with dielectric grease to keep it well maintained.
Check the battery’s water level and refill it with distilled water if it is too low. Car owners should remember to check the battery’s health and carry out these tips to keep their cars running functionally and safely.
Vehicle Maintenance is a Must
Owning a vehicle is a large responsibility. Regular vehicle maintenance of your car will help to keep it running longer, smoother, and more efficiently.
As a car owner, it’s important to stay on top of the recommended checkups and inspections to keep your car running at its best. Take the time to research and implement these car maintenance tips to ensure your car stays in its best shape.
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