There is also a lot to know when it comes to car maintenance! How often should you change your car’s oil? What about cleaning the interior? These are just two of the many questions car owners ask themselves when thinking about maintaining their vehicles. The answer to most of these questions will depend on various factors, including age and the make/model of your car. But no matter what car you have, there are some must-do points that every car owner must tick off their checklist to keep their running smoothly at all times.
This blog post will provide you with some essential automotive maintenance tips so that you can keep your car in top shape for years to come!
Get an Oil Change Every 3 Months or 5,000 Miles
Get an oil change at least once every three months or more often if needed to protect your engine from damage. This will help ensure that the lubrication levels are correct and keep dirt particles from getting into your engine, which could save you some expensive repairs.
As a general rule, you should also get your oil changed every time the vehicle reaches either of the following:
-A mileage interval of 3000 miles or approximately three months, whichever comes first. Newer standards allow for mileage of 5000-6000 miles, roughly translating to an interval of 6 months before you have to get an oil change again.
-The engine has been used for 30 hours at highway speeds – in which case it is advisable to change the motor oil and filter no matter what the mileage.
Top Off Fluids and Check Your Tire Pressure
It’s easy to forget about things like checking the oil or filling up windshield washer fluid, but this is an essential part of maintaining a healthy vehicle. Regularly checking these levels can help you avoid costly repairs in both the short-term (e.g., if you’re leaking air) and long-term (e.g., leakage causes premature wear on the braking system).
You should also watch your coolant level – especially during hot summer months when it will evaporate much quicker than usual. If needed, fill it up with distilled water to prevent the engine from overheating.
You should also be checking your tire pressure at least once per month, which can typically be done by pressing on the tire to see if it feels squishy and soft. If this isn’t doing it for you, there are other ways to check (e.g., using a tire gauge).
A slow leak can lead to more expensive repairs down the line, so it’s a good idea to purchase a dollar or two of air every few months and use a tire pressure gauge to ensure that you’re not running low on pressure. Most newer cars will have “low-pressure” lights come on when there are less than 25 pounds per square inch in their tires – but this isn’t always the case for all vehicles.
Keep Your Car Clean Inside Out
Finally, make sure you are also washing your car regularly! This may seem like an unnecessary expense, but dirt buildup from driving around town accumulates quickly and, if left unchecked, could increase fuel consumption as well as brake friction (leading to rough stops).
Keeping your interior and exterior of the vehicle up to a high standard is one way that you can ensure that it lasts longer. It’s also good for mental health! You should be vacuuming every time you wash the outside, changing air filters regularly (or when they look dirty), and keeping all fluids topped off with fresh levels. Routinely wiping down surfaces like dashboards or steering wheels will help reduce dust buildup, which has been linked to respiratory issues in certain individuals.
If you’re able to commit even more time into this habit, there are plenty of other things that may need tending to – from checking under the hood for any leaks around hoses or clamps to maintaining your headlights with good car wax.
What Are Some Other Types of Car Maintenance?
-Routinely check your brakes for wear and tear.
-Replace your car’s air filter every 12,000-15,000 miles.
-Older vehicles may have an issue with sludge buildup that needs addressing sooner rather than later. You can remove the engine sludge manually by pouring in a flush fluid and waiting for the liquid to do the work.
-Get your car polished and waxed every six months to get rid of any buildups and give your car a fresh, new look. We recommend getting your vehicle dolled up with nano-ceramic coating as well, which will help protect the exterior from scratches and contaminants and keep it in top shape for years to come.
-Replace windshield wipers when you notice they’re no longer clearing off rain or snow as well as before (typically every six months).
-Conduct a visual inspection for any potential leaks, such as oil or coolant.
-Inspect battery terminals and cables to ensure they are securely fastened. Clean corrosion off of the post with an old toothbrush dipped in vinegar if necessary. Replace corroded terminal posts immediately because this may lead to electrical problems further down the line – not only is it unsafe for you but also very costly!
What Should I do When My Engine Light Comes on? What Does That Mean?
If your dashboard lights up with warning signals like “check engine” or “service now,” take your vehicle to a mechanic right away so that they can take a look at it. The warning light may have come on because of an oil or coolant leak, low fuel levels, overheating engine, etc. These are all things that should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage and costly repairs in the future.
By following these simple tips, you can protect your car from unnecessary expenses.
