If you’re planning on keeping a car or truck on the road for at least a decade, you’re going to have to do more than change the oil and replace the tires. Few people consider the maintenance requirements of an automobile. The modern car may have as many as 75,000 parts, and the malfunction of just one can make your car behave very strangely. People on tight budgets are often tempted to skip some routine car maintenance services, or at least to delay an appointment with the auto shop. However, poorly maintained vehicles cause thousands of wrecks each year. Maintaining a car in good condition will help you to keep it safe, drive it for a long time, and someday sell it for a better price.
New cars come with owner’s manuals that specifically detail when certain systems and functions should be inspected, tuned or changed. These include main things like:
Tire rotation
Oil changes
Air filter replacement
If you buy an older used car, there’s always the possibility that you don’t have an owner’s manual to refer to, although you may be able to contact the manufacturer or visit its website to find the manual. Here are some regular maintenance needs to keep in mind for your car:
– Keep all fluids in your car clean and topped up
– The Emission System (Your emission system runs almost the entire length of your vehicle )
– Be aware of early signs of problems
– Wash and wax your car regularly, rustproof to protect from rust (Wax your car once in a while; car wax protects the paint and keeps it shiny )
– Rotate your tires regularly and keep them properly inflated (Check tire pressure regularly as under-inflated tires wear faster and cause poor gas mileage )
– Service your car at a reliable repair shop (Find a trusted and knowledgeable mechanic or a reputable repair shop for all your service and maintenance needs , check some at http://mycarneedsa.com/ )
– Drive smoothly
– Have your oil changes done regularly
– Brake inspection
– Keep the interior of your car clean and dry
– The Cooling System (The cooling system keeps your engine at the optimum operating temperature by pumping coolant between the engine and the radiator )
-Do regular tune-ups and other required maintenance (An air filter needs to be replaced every 10,000-20,000 miles. Every 60,000-90,000 miles your car needs a tune-up. In some cars, the valve clearance needs to be adjusted regularly. If your car has a timing belt, it needs to be replaced at recommended intervals too. You can check the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual or ask your mechanic)
When you drive, do your car a favour and drive gently. What does “drive gently” mean? It means accelerating slowly, not snapping your head back. It means anticipating your braking so you can brake gently and avoid panic stops. It means not revving your engine in the driveway when it’s cold, before the oil is warm and freely circulating.
