When you take care of your new car it will help to retain its value and also keep it safe and reliable. In order to keep your car running at its best, it is important to keep up with the routine maintenance and inspections.
With regular maintenance of your vehicle, you will reduce future repair costs, improve your car’s performance and extend its life.
One of the good qualities of contemporary cars is that they need much less frequent service to keep them running well. Here are some regular maintenance needs to keep in mind for your vehicle:
Check the engine oil and other fluids
Every car maker has different requirements for the oil change but experts say that it is good to change it out regularly. The car needs oil to lubricate the engine and stop detergents so it is important to check the oil level every month or so and if you find any leak then get it fixed soon.
If the car doesn’t have fresh oil, dirt will build up and eventually kill your engine which can cost thousands of dollars.
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Other than the engine oil the engine has plastic reservoirs for brake fluid, engine coolant, windshield washer fluid, and power steering fluid you need to keep a check on these fluids as well to keep them at the full point.
Checking tire pressures
Check your tire pressure at least once in a month or before any extended road trips. Maintaining proper tire pressure will keep you safe as improperly inflated tires don’t handle or stop well and increase the chance of tire bursting. Moreover, tires with correct pressure have a longer life and increase fuel efficiency.
For an accurate reading always check the pressure when tires are cold and use the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer.
Keep a check on brake pads
It is always advisable to have your brake pads checked out every so often by a professional especially when you hear a grinding noise. Normally, you have to replace your brake pads after every 20,000 miles. Failing brakes can be extremely dangerous which can lead to any emergency. If you think your brakes may be failing, have them serviced immediately.
Check the battery
Batteries store the energy that is needed to start your car’s engine and once the engine is running the alternator starts recharging the battery for the next start. Inspect the battery’s terminals and cables to make sure they are securely attached with no corrosion.
If the battery has removable caps check its fluid level every few months especially in warmer climates. Keep the battery clean and secured so it doesn’t vibrate keeping connections clean and tight at the terminals.
Check the suspension system
The suspension system consists of shocks, springs, struts, steering, and tires they all work together to keep the control on road. If there is a problem in any of the parts, the whole system is disturbed.
For instance, if you notice excessive wear on just one edge it is usually a sign that you have an alignment problem that a mechanic can solve. For other problems like steering vibrations or pulling, you should check your steering and suspension systems.
Wash your car on a regular basis
The paint on your car prevents rusting that can lead to expensive repairs. Every day our cars are subjected to the sun, salt, grease, acid rain, smog, dead bugs, and other dirt. These things eat away at the paint and later they will eat at the metal in your car.
While not washing your car will not result in immediate damage but over time elements will corrode your vehicle and decrease its re-sell value. Wash your car regularly and then apply a fresh layer of wax to the paint every six months to give it a bit of added protection and to keep away any rusting that could develop.
How often you should wash your car also depends on the location and climate of your area. If you live in an area with a lot of pollution and sea salt in the air, you’ll need to wash it two or three times a month.
If you live inland and in an area with little pollution then once a month car wash is enough. During winters you may need to wash your car more frequently than you do during the summer due to the snow, salt, and mud that will accumulate as you drive along icy roadways.
Checking your car on a regular basis and following maintenance schedule are important steps in keeping your car safe and running for years to come. Always consult your mechanic or check in the owner’s manual to see when your car should have its next maintenance checkup.
