Even keeping up with your Simple Car Maintenance can be a real drag. Changing the oil every 5,000 miles and rotating the tires can be annoying—we get it. But paying a little bit here and there to keep major repairs at bay is completely worth it. And if you have an older vehicle, each day you can extend your car’s life is a win.
A little extra effort can go a long way toward curbing the repair costs of your Simple Car Maintenance. Here are 4 Simple Car Maintenance tips that can delay or even prevent the need to pay for a big fix to your ride.
Don’t Skip Scheduled Simple Car Maintenance Services
Maintaining your vehicle is crucial for ensuring its longevity, performance, and safety on the road. One of the first steps in establishing a regular Simple Car Maintenance routine is to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual. This manual provides valuable information tailored specifically to your car’s make and model, including a detailed schedule for recommended maintenance services. It is essential to adhere to these guidelines to keep your vehicle running smoothly and to avoid potential issues that could arise from neglecting regular upkeep.
Typically, Simple Car Maintenance encompasses a range of tasks designed to keep various components of your vehicle in optimal condition. These tasks often include checking or replacing essential parts such as spark plugs, which play a vital role in the ignition process and overall engine performance. Over time, spark plugs can wear out and affect the efficiency of your engine, so it’s important to replace them as recommended.
Additionally, the Simple Car Maintenance of ignition wires is crucial, as these wires carry electrical current from the ignition coil to the spark plugs. Worn or damaged wires can lead to misfires and reduced engine performance. Routine checks and replacements can prevent these issues and ensure smooth engine operation.
Fluids are another critical aspect of vehicle maintenance. Regularly checking and topping off fluids such as engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid is necessary to maintain proper vehicle function and prevent overheating or other potential problems. Each of these fluids plays a specific role in your vehicle’s performance and longevity, so following the manufacturer’s recommendations for fluid levels and replacement intervals is essential.
Serpentine belts, which drive various engine components like the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor, also require attention. Over time, these belts can become worn or frayed, leading to potential failure of the connected systems. Regular inspection and timely replacement of serpentine belts can prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensure that all engine accessories function properly.
Read Your Owner’s Manual
Your owner’s manual will tell you when your recommended services should happen. It contains a great deal of other helpful information, as well.
Get Your Oil Changed
If your car uses conventional motor oil, it likely should be changed every 3,000 miles or 3 months.
If your car has synthetic oil, it likely should be changed every 5,000-10,000 miles or 6-12 months.
As we move further away from the days of conventional motor oils, most newer vehicles no longer have to have an oil and filter change every 3,000 miles. High-efficiency engines and high-quality oil have changed the way we approach this service. Some vehicles don’t have to get an oil change more than once every 7,000 – 10,000 miles. Due to how efficient engines and motor oils have become, commonly-held advice may not be correct anymore.
Check Your Tire Pressure
Checking your tire pressure is important for your safety as well as overall maintenance. If your car doesn’t have a tire pressure sensor or TPMS, invest a few bucks in a tire gauge and check your tire pressure regularly. Having the right tire pressure helps to improve fuel efficiency and control regular tire wear. Good tire pressure will also help you know if your vehicle is correctly aligned. Don’t forget to check the spare tire!