Keeping your car in its optimal running conditions doesn’t require you to be a mechanical wizard. The most prominent hurdle for the owners is the realization that they need to take care of their car. Of course, you would be bent on boosting your car’s efficiency and lifeline. This simply calls for regular car maintenance. While you need to keep an eye on certain parts regularly, others need only an occasional checkup. Even when you reach out to the mechanic for your car maintenance from time to time, proactiveness on your part can leverage the working condition of your vehicle.
Your checklist for car maintenance
- Oil and coolant levels
Before you ride off on any long road trip, make sure to check out the coolant and oil levels. Simply get under the car’s hood when the engine temperature is low, and carry out the self-inspection. In either case, low levels may cause potential problems in the engine if you leave them unchecked. If you are unsure about the location of these parts in your car, simply refer to the manual. You may also get the levels checked by the mechanics as part of your general maintenance schedule.
- Tread depth and tire pressure
As a car owner, you would expect a fuel-efficient, comfortable and safe ride. Make sure to carry out a visual inspection of your tires every few days. Firstly, the air pressure in your tires call for attention. Before putting any extra load on your car, or leaving for a long trip, make sure to check whether the tire is in good shape. You would require a pressure gauge to inspect this element. Particularly, the colder months often witness tire pressure dripping. You would find the ideal pressure that your tires require in the user manual. Moreover, keep an eye on the tread depth. Reach out to one of the car maintenance, centers in your city if you feel they require a replacement.
- Air filter
Caring for your car’s air filter ensures fuel efficiency. Besides, healthy air filters would mitigate your emissions, besides enhancing the lifeline of the engine. You must be knowing that the air filter directly regulates the fir flow into the car’s engine. Therefore, you need to keep it free from particulates and debris. By ensuring that this part is flowing perfectly, you can boost the vehicle’s performance. Your manual would carry adequate information on the frequency at which you need to change it.
- Oil and filter
Your car’s engine requires fresh oil and filter every 3,000 miles. As a thumb rule, you need to change it every three months. While the mechanics would do the needful during general maintenance, you need to keep your engine in good health. The oil keeps the moving parts of your car lubricated, while keeping the engine cool. Besides, it significantly minimizes wear and tear, and serves as a sealant against debris. In case your vehicle is new, the manual may recommend a less frequent oil change. Consult a mechanic if you are not sure about when to get the oil and filter changed.
- Lights and brakes
Take care to ensure proper functioning of your lights and brakes. Overlooking these accessories might lead to costly repairs, and at times, unpleasant experiences. Park your car before a flat surface and turn the headlights on. This would help you assess whether they are well-positioned and functioning properly. Also, turn the parking and signal lights on to check out their health. You may engage someone to ensure the functionality of your brake lights.
Seek professional support for car maintenance
Given that your car is an investment, you would like to maximize its benefits in terms of comfort, longevity, and fuel efficiency. Reach out to experienced mechanics for car maintenance in case you detect any issue during these routine checkups. Cost-effective and professional services would suit your requirements. Make sure to check out the mechanic’s track record and competence before entrusting them with the responsibilities.
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