In addition to buying a home and paying for a college education, buying a car is one of the most expensive purchases we make. Buying a car is a significant expense and unfortunately can’t be considered an investment, despite the numerous ways it makes our lives easier and more convenient. Because buying a car can make a large dent in your bank account, it’s imperative that you consistently maintain your vehicle in order to get the most out of your purchase. Basic car maintenance tips can help you and extend the life of your vehicle in many ways.
Staying on top of your car’s maintenance will ensure its optimal performance. A well maintained car will increase your road safety and reduce your risks of getting into an accident. Additionally, it will also spare you time-consuming and costly repairs. Be sure not to put off important routine maintenance so you can spare your pocket unnecessary car costs in the long run by following these tips.
Change your air filter
Changing your car’s air filter is one of the most important, yet easiest, aspects of regular car maintenance. It’s relatively inexpensive to buy a replacement filter, and you don’t need a professional mechanic to change your filter for you. Refer to your owner’s manual to find the specific location of the air filter in your engine. Its housing is usually easily accessible, and you can open it by removing the clips or snaps.
When you see your air filter is covered in a thick layer of dirt, this is an indication that you need to replace your filter. Otherwise, you can change it depending on the recommendation of your car manufacturer. Just be sure not to put off this important step, as it can lead to engine problems down the road.
Check your spare tire
As you make sure all four tires are in good condition, it’s equally important to ensure that your backup tire is also in good shape, too. Make it a habit to check your spare tire and see if it’s properly inflated. The last thing you want to happen is to discover that your spare is flat at the unfortunate moment when you need to change a tire.
Change your oil
Engines consist of different moving parts, and keeping these parts lubricated is vital to your engine’s performance so you can steer clear of unwanted problems and damage. This is why it’s so important to change your oil regularly.
Changing your oil in a timely manner will not only help maintain your engine’s lubrication and boost your vehicle’s longevity, but it will also get rid of unwanted sludge and dirt in your engine and improve fuel efficiency. An oil change may seem a bit costly, but it’ will be a lot more expensive down the road if you put it off and end up having to fix more severe engine problems.
Replace your brake pads
One of the important safety features of a vehicle is its brakes. You need to have a well-functioning brake system to maintain your car’s ability to come to a clean stop and ensure road safety for yourself and others. Your car’s brake pads are what make your vehicle stop. If you start to hear squeaking or screeching sounds whenever you step on the brakes, this can be an indication of worn out brake pads. Bring your car to a mechanic if your brakes need attention. Also, be sure to have your brake system inspected according to the schedule recommended in the owner’s manual.
Clean your battery
Keeping your car battery clean is an essential part of its maintenance. Corrosion can build up on its terminals over time. If the corrosive buildup isn’t removed and cleaned off, it may interfere with the electrical connection, impact its performance, and even leave you stranded when you’re out driving. Make it a habit to test your battery every six months and have it inspected thoroughly for corrosion.
Rotate your tires
Tire rotation is an important aspect of basic car maintenance, as it helps keep your tires from wearing unevenly. Not only does this help you save money on repair costs. It’s also an excellent way to extend the longevity of your tires and ensure their optimum performance.
Being proactive about taking care of your car properly and staying on top of necessary maintenance can help ensure your car stays in good shape. Follow these basic car maintenance steps to avoid spending unnecessarily on serious repairs and fixes down the road
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