10 essential vehicle maintenance tips

TIPS OF THE WEEK

Caring for your car shouldn’t be so hard! In a 2021 survey, 92% of car owners admitted that they put off vehicle maintenance longer than they should. Delaying car maintenance results in drivers spending nearly $1,200 more on repairs over time.

Many people put off maintenance because they assume it’s difficult, but in reality, you only need to perform a few steps every season. Here are ten essential vehicle maintenance tips that require little money or time.

1. Wash Your Car

Even small amounts of dirt and grime can scratch the paint off your car and corrode your suspension and undercarriage. You should wash your car at least once a month using a water hose, detergent, and microfiber towels. If you notice insects or bird droppings, you should use a bug-and-tar remover approved for cars.

Waxing your car will make your car look cleaner and protect the exterior from harm. You can wax your vehicle by cleaning it, then using an applicator pad to apply carnauba wax. When you’re done waxing your car, clean your floor mats using a carpet cleaner.

2. Remove Unused Items

Heavy items can reduce your fuel economy and put stress on your tires. You can keep an emergency kit in your trunk or glovebox, but remove anything else you don’t need, including spare seats.

When you are carrying bulky or heavy items, distribute the weight as evenly as possible. You can fold back seats down and then lay the items over them.

3. Check Your Fluid Levels

After one month of driving and before any major road trip, you should check your fluid levels. Do not rely on your dashboard, as indicators may be broken and you may need to top your fluids off.

Open the hood of your car and check your engine oil and coolant levels. Step to the driver’s side of your car and look at your brake fluid reservoir and the power steering fluid reservoir. If your fluids look discolored, you must drain your reservoirs before adding new fluids in.

4. Change Your Engine Oil

Oil changes prevent sludge from building up in your engine and allow your car to remain running on cold days. You should change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, though you should check your owner’s manual to see if your manufacturer has a recommendation.

You can change your oil by yourself by replacing your oil filter and filling your engine with a funnel. However, if you’re experiencing signs of vehicle problems, you can take your car to a Killeen mechanic for assistance. They can change your oil and remove any sludge or debris left in your engine.

5. Fix Your Headlights

You should also check your headlights at least once a month. If you notice that the light coming from your headlights is less clear or has a tinge, you must clean your headlights immediately.

Some auto repair stores sell formal headlight cleaners, but you can use a mixture of toothpaste and baking soda to remove grime on your headlights. Mix the two together and then apply it to your headlights using a soft-bristled brush, swiping it in circular motions to avoid scratching your lights.

6. Check Your Brake Pads

You should check your brakes once every six months. Lift your car off the ground using a hydraulic jack and take a close look at your tires, examining them for brake dust. If your tires seem very dusty, you should install new brake pads, as your pads may have worn down and made the dust.

You can also look through the holes in your wheels and see if your brake pads are still thick. If they seem thin, you should replace them right away.

7. Test the Tire Treads

While your car is off the ground, you should inspect the tires and see if they have the proper tread. Take a penny, turn it upside down, and insert it into the tread head-first. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your treads have worn down, and you must buy and install new tires.

8. Change Your Battery

Symptoms of bad car batteries include residue and your car failing to start when you turn it on. Follow your owner’s manual for instructions on how to change it. Changing your battery for a new one can be stressful, so talk to a mechanic about what to do.

9. Check Your Weather Strips

Weather strips can wear down as your car gets older, leading to water leaking into your car. Inspect your strips at least once after three months and use covered parking to reduce your chances of a leak.

10. Get a Car Mechanic to Inspect Your Vehicle

When to see a mechanic depends on how old your vehicle is and whether you are currently experiencing vehicle problems. Even if your car is new and you have few problems, you should take your car in at least once a year. If your car is older and has issues, you should schedule maintenance appointments every few months.

You can figure out how to choose a mechanic by reading reviews online. Look for a mechanic with expertise in repairing your make and model.

Perform Vehicle Maintenance Tips

Vehicle maintenance isn’t complicated. Wash your car and check your oil levels once a month or before any long drive. You should change your oil and inspect your brake pads and tire treads every three months.

Keep an eye on your battery and weather strips and make repairs when you notice problems like residue or leaking water. Schedule an appointment with a mechanic every year so you can stop problems before they become significant.