If you own a vehicle, you are probably well aware of the number of repairs you may need to have done on your vehicle. Routine maintenance can help keep some of the larger repair jobs from having to be done. It is very wise to regularly maintain you vehicle to save money. Here are some of the things that you should do to your vehicle regularly in order to keep it running efficiently and out of the repair shop.
The Oil
Checking and changing your oil and oil filter at regular intervals will help keep your engine running smoothly. Oil that has been sitting awhile will start to become clumped and very dark. For an engine to work its best, changing the oil every three to five thousand miles as originally thought may not be necessary. Check your owner's manual to see what the recommended duration for your specific vehicle is.
The Tires
Keep your tires at the recommended tire pressure as listed in your vehicle manual. Having the proper inflation maximizes the contact the tire has with the pavement, allowing the tread to grip the road efficiently. The tread will also wear evenly, increasing the life of the tire. A vehicle with under-inflated tires can be difficult to steer as the tires cause uneven handling. Having over-inflated tires is equally bad for your vehicle. You have the risk of a blow-out if your tires have too much air inside of them.
The tire tread is another thing that you should routinely check. If the tire tread looks worn or uneven, you may want to have the tires rotated to even out the wear. If they are visually very bald-looking, you will need new tires. To determine if your tread is wearing too thin, stick a penny inside a crack of the tread. Insert it so the top of the president's head is pointing toward your tire. When looking at the face side of the coin, if you can see the president's face, your tires need to be replaced.
The Fluids
You should check your vehicle's fluid levels as part of your routine maintenance plan. Fill any reservoirs that are not at the fill line. If any of the fluids look dirty, they will need to be flushed and replaced.
Air Filter
Your air filter should be changed out regularly. The air filter will trap any particles of dirt and grime that get into the system, making the ride a safe and smooth one. If you notice that the air filter is exceptionally dirty, chuck it out and put a new one in its place. This should be done whenever you get the oil changed.
If you're not comfortable with performing some of these maintenance routines on your own, get in touch with an automotive service such as Scotty's Automotive Center.
Share29 December 2014
Understanding more about the type of car that you have can help you understand the best ways to maintain it, and how to tell if there’s trouble brewing under the hood before you end up stranded. That’s why, when I found a car make that I liked, I kept going back to it every time I bought a new car. It’s also why I use a mechanic that specializes in repairing and maintaining cars made by my specific manufacturer type. Over the years, I’ve learned so much about what makes this particular car work, and what kind of quirks come with this type of vehicle. I started this blog to share some of that information and help other car owners learn to effectively maintain their automobiles and recognize the potential signs of trouble.
