Owning a car is a luxury but one that comes with a huge responsibility.
Yes — you have to keep up with routine car maintenance to maximize your car’s performance and extend its lifespan. But why exactly is it needed, and how can you do it?
Let’s go through nine essential tips that will help keep your vehicle running like new during your road trips. We’ll also discuss the benefits of good car maintenance at the end.
10 Car Maintenance Tips You Should Know
Check Your Tire Pressure
Even when not punctured, your tires can lose air through minor leaks. Therefore, you should check your tire pressure at least once a month and always before long trips.
Besides falling flat, low tire pressure can lead to decreased fuel economy, premature tire wear, and even blowouts.
To ensure your safety on the road, it’s important to keep an eye on the condition of your tires regularly. Worn tread, bulges on the sidewall, or tire age can all be indicators that it’s time for replacements. If you’re based in the Midwest and are noticing any of these warning signs, it might be prudent to shop for new tires in Kansas City, where you can find a variety of options suited to your vehicle and driving conditions.
Keeping your tires in good condition is an essential aspect of vehicle maintenance that not only ensures your safety but can also improve the overall performance of your car.
Change Your Oil
Depending on your car’s make and model, you’ll likely need to change your engine oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, or at the very least, once a year.
This will help keep your engine clean and properly lubricated, preventing sludge build-up.
Most cars feature a dipstick near the front of the engine. Once you’ve located it, simply pull it out, wipe it off with a clean cloth, reinsert it, and remove it again to check the oil level.
Get Your Tires Rotated
To help ensure even tire wear, you should get your tires rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.
This simple maintenance task can extend the life of your tires and improve your car’s handling and fuel economy.
Inspect Your Brakes
Whether you have disc or drum brakes, it’s important to inspect them regularly or when you notice any changes in braking performance.
Look for signs of cracking, leaking, or excessive wear and tear. If any of these are present, it’s time to have your brakes serviced by a professional.
Even in the absence of these signs, it’s wise to have your brakes inspected at least twice a year to keep them in good working condition.
Clean Your Air Filter
Your car’s air filter helps to remove dust, pollen, and other airborne particles from the air before it enters the engine.
A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and cause your engine to run less efficiently. Therefore, it’s important to clean or replace your air filter as needed, which is typically every 12,000 to 15,000 miles.
Check Your Coolant Level
Your car’s coolant helps keep the engine from overheating, so it’s vital to check it monthly and top it off as needed.
The coolant level can be checked by looking at the overflow tank — it should be between the “full” and “low” markings.
Cover Your Car When Not In Use
Covering your car when you aren’t using it is an essential part of keeping your car in good condition. Covers help to protect your car from the elements as well as dust, dirt, and scratches. When choosing car cover, be sure to select one that is made for the environment your car will be stored in. If you’re storing your car outdoors you’ll need a heavy duty waterproof cover to protect against the elements. If you’re storing your car in a garage you’ll want a more breathable indoor car cover. The indoor covers are typically made of lighter weight material, like satin and are made to prevent scratches and dust build up.
Wash and Wax Your Car
Regularly washing and waxing your car can help protect the paint from dirt, debris, and UV rays.
It’s best to wash your car by hand using mild soap and water. You can also wax your car to further protect the paint and keep it looking shiny and new.
Keeping your car clean and free of dirt and grime can help protect its body from rust.
Check Your Battery
If your battery is more than three years old, it’s good to have it tested by a professional to see if it needs to be replaced.
You can also check the battery yourself by looking for signs of corrosion around the terminals. If present, this indicates that the battery needs to be cleaned or replaced.
Get Your Car Inspected
In addition to regular maintenance, you should have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic at least once a year. This will ensure that all of your car’s systems are up and running, and that any potential problems are caught early.
By following these essential tips, you can help keep your car running properly and extend its lifespan. Now let’s quickly discuss some of the benefits of regular car maintenance.
Car Maintenance Benefits
Here are some notable benefits of keeping your car well-maintained:
Fewer Repairs: While car insurance definitely covers the unexpected costs associated with owning a car, regular maintenance ensures that there are no such problems to begin with.
With routine maintenance, you’re essentially catching minor problems before they have a chance to turn into big (and expensive) ones.
Improved Safety: Regularly maintaining your car ensures that its safety systems are running properly, keeping you and others safe on the road.
Better Fuel Economy: Properly inflated tires, a clean air filter, and other routinely maintained parts can help your car run more efficiently, resulting in better fuel economy.
Fewer Emissions: Routine car maintenance can also help keep your vehicle’s emissions low, which is good for the environment. This will also help you avoid costly emissions tests.
Higher Resale Value: A well-maintained car is worth more than one that’s in poor condition. So regular maintenance can be beneficial if you’re looking to sell or trade-in your vehicle.
