Keeping a car in good shape is important not only for the health of your ride, but also for the safety of your family.
It’s easy to forget about the basic maintenance on a vehicle, especially if you don’t have kids or pets in it and don’t log many miles on a regular basis.
However, it still needs attention and care just like any other living thing (yes, even though it’s not technically alive). Follow these 15 tips to keep your car running smoothly:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| – Regular car maintenance is essential for keeping your vehicle running smoothly and avoiding costly repairs. |
| – Follow a basic maintenance schedule that includes checking tire pressure, changing oil, and performing routine inspections. |
| – Perform winter-specific maintenance checks to keep your car running safely during cold, snowy conditions. |
| – Use comprehensive maintenance checklists to ensure that you don’t miss any important tasks, and get expert advice from trusted resources. |
| – Don’t ignore warning signs of potential issues, and address them promptly to prevent more serious problems from developing. |
Check the Tire Pressure
Check the tire pressure every month. If you are driving a lot, check it every week.
Use a tire gauge to measure the pressure as indicated on your car’s doorjamb or in the owner’s manual; if you don’t have one, you can use the air pump at a gas station or ask someone at a service station to show you how to use theirs. Keep an eye on your tires for signs of wear (such as bulges that may indicate underinflation).
Maintaining your vehicle is crucial for ensuring a long-lasting and reliable ride. Follow these Top 10 Car Maintenance Tips to keep your car running smoothly for years to come.
Get the Oil Changed
Oil is an essential part of your engine. It helps lubricate, cool, and insulate the engine so it can perform at its best. Oil also acts as a trap for particles that could damage your car’s components, so changing the oil regularly is one of the most important tasks you can do to keep your vehicle healthy.
In fact, many experts recommend changing your vehicle’s oil every 3 months or 3 thousand miles (the amount varies based on driving conditions and manufacturer recommendations).
If you’re not sure when it’s time for an oil change or how much to pay for one or if you’re just curious about what happens during this routine maintenance procedure we’ve got all the details below!
Benefits of Regular Oil Changes
| Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Protect your engine | Regular oil changes remove impurities and contaminants from your engine, reducing the wear and tear on vital components and extending engine life. |
| Better performance | Fresh, clean oil ensures that your engine performs at its best, improving acceleration, power, and fuel efficiency. |
| Avoid costly repairs | Regular oil changes prevent costly and potentially catastrophic engine failures, saving you money on repairs over the life of the vehicle. |
| Meet warranty requirements | Regular oil changes help to ensure that you meet the maintenance requirements set by your vehicle’s manufacturer and protect your warranty coverage. |
| Environmentally friendly | Old oil can have a negative impact on the environment, but regular changes ensure that the oil is recycled properly and helps reduce pollution. |
Check the Fluids
Once you have the car up on the lift, check each fluid level. This is an easy thing to do with a little know-how and will prevent you from getting stranded on the road because of low fluids. The fluids that need to be checked are:
- Coolant (also known as antifreeze)
- Brake fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Transmission fluid
Cold weather can be hard on your car’s systems, so it’s important to perform winter-specific maintenance checks. Learn more about the Top 15 Car Maintenance Tips for Winter Driving to keep your vehicle safe during snowy and icy conditions.
Check the Battery
If you are a car owner, it is important to know how to check the battery. You should do this as part of your regular vehicle maintenance routine.
Checking the battery is easy and can be done with a voltmeter, which can be purchased at an auto parts store or online.
If the car is not starting properly or if there are other electrical problems, it could mean that there’s a problem with the battery.
If you have trouble starting your car, make sure to get it checked out by a professional as soon as possible because this could also be an indication that something else is wrong that requires attention immediately!
Benefits of Checking Your Car Battery
| Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Ensure good performance | Regular checks and maintenance of the car battery ensure that it’s able to deliver reliable performance and reduces the chances of you getting stranded somewhere due to a dead battery. |
| Improved longevity | Regular battery maintenance extends the life of your car battery, which helps you avoid premature replacements. |
| Better Fuel efficiency | A well-maintained battery ensures better and more economical fuel consumption, which can lead to savings. |
| Ensure reliability | A reliable battery reduces the chances of starting issues and jump-starts. |
| Safety first | A faulty battery can lead to unexpected breakdowns, as well as malfunctioning engine parts. Regular checks ensure the battery is in good health and reduces the risks of accidents occurring due to power outages. |
Check the Brakes
The first thing you should check is the brake fluid level. If it’s low, add more to bring it back up to spec (the manual will give you exact instructions). You can also use this as an opportunity to inspect your pads for wear and your rotors for excessive warping.
Check Calipers for Leaks
If you see any leaks around the caliper area—around or through a rubber boot—you may have a problem with air getting into your brake system.
This could cause problems later on down the road, so make sure all of these areas are secure and free from leaks.
Inspect Belts and Hoses
As part of your regular car maintenance, inspect belts and hoses for cracks or wear. If you find damage, get them replaced immediately. If they’re old, replace them at the next service.
If you find new belts and hoses are in good condition, check them again in a few weeks—you never know when that new belt will suddenly start acting up!
Car maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated. With our Car Maintenance for Dummies guide, you’ll learn simple, easy-to-follow steps to keep your car in top condition and avoid costly repairs.
Clean Out Your Car
Cleaning out your car is an easy and important way to stay on top of maintenance. Hauling around unnecessary items can make your car feel heavier, which strains the engine and tires. Empty out your glove compartment and trunk, as well as the area under the seats.
Like most things in life, it’s easier if you get it done all at once than if you do it piecemeal over time.
If you’re in a rush or don’t have time to clean out your entire car, start with these spots:
- Underseat storage bins
- Glove compartment (remove anything that doesn’t belong there)
- Center console (remove anything that doesn’t belong there)
Store any items that need to go somewhere else in a safe place where they won’t roll around and damage something else—and remember to put them back when they’re needed!
Do a General Inspection Every Month
Every month, take up a general inspection of your vehicle. Never assume that just because your car has been running smoothly for months, it will continue to do so indefinitely.
You should check for leaks, rust and dents on the exterior of the car. If you see any cracks in your windshield or any signs of wear and tear like scratches on the paintwork, it’s time to get them repaired before they cause more damage to your vehicle.
Also check for loose parts such as screws or bolts (especially if they’re under pressure). Another thing you might want to look out for are signs of corrosion on metal objects such as door handles or hinges; this is an indicator that repairs might be needed soon if left unattended
Benefits of Monthly General Inspections for Your Car
| Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Identify issues early | Regular inspections help you to spot minor issues before they become major problems, avoiding costly repairs down the line. |
| Increase longevity | Consistent inspection leads to better overall health of your car’s systems, leading to a longer lifespan. |
| Save money | Addressing small issues regularly prevents bigger and more expensive problems arising. |
| Ensure safety | Catching brake or engine issues before they develop during an inspection can help ensure safe driving and avoid accidents. |
| Maintain resale value | A well-maintained car with a comprehensive service history maintains a higher resale value. |
Get an Alignment
Alignment is one of the most important parts of routine car maintenance. It ensures that your vehicle is driving straight, which not only helps your tires wear evenly and efficiently, but also ensures a smoother ride and better fuel economy.
Additionally, a properly aligned vehicle will be safer to drive as it will make handling easier by reducing tire wear or expensive repair costs caused by poor alignment.
Alignment can be done at any time during a service appointment at your local dealership or auto shop; however if you’re not comfortable doing this yourself (while it’s certainly possible), try scheduling an appointment with them for alignments once or twice per year.
Keeping up with routine maintenance is key to keeping your car running at its best. Our Essential Car Maintenance Checklist for Long-Term Ownership provides a comprehensive guide to the tasks you should perform to keep your car running for years.
Check the Air Filter
The air filter is a critical part of your engine. It keeps dirt and other harmful particles from getting inside, which can cause damage and reduce your vehicle’s efficiency.
The best way to determine if you need to change your air filter is by checking how dirty it looks. You can do this by lifting up the hood and removing the cover for the air intake system, or by simply looking down into it with a flashlight.
The cleaner your air filter is, the more easily you’ll see through it (and thus be able to check for dirt).
If you find that there’s visible dust or grime on your current filter, don’t worry: all you have to do is remove it from its housing (in cars without filters over their engines) or pop open one of those plastic clips on top until they give way then simply slide out that old piece of equipment!
Then go ahead and drop in whichever new air filter matches up with what type of car yours is made out of you may need an expert at this point because most models use different types depending upon year/make/model etcetera but once installed properly then just put back everything else as before!
Have a Mechanic Do a Diagnostic Test Regularly
It’s recommended to have your vehicle diagnosed by a qualified mechanic at the 50,000 and 100,000 mile marks, and then again at 150,000 miles.
This can be done by either taking it to an auto shop or having your mechanic perform the test for you. The diagnostic test will tell you if there are any issues with your vehicle and how severe they are likely to be in the future.
Benefits of Regular Diagnostic Tests for Your Car
| Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Detect issues early | Regular diagnostic tests can help to identify minor issues before they become major problems, saving you time and money. |
| Ensure optimal performance | Diagnostic tests can help to identify issues that may be affecting your car’s performance and address them promptly to help your car run smoothly. |
| Improve fuel efficiency | Identifying and addressing issues that affect fuel efficiency, such as a faulty O2 sensor, can help to save you money on gas. |
| Ensure safety | Diagnostic tests can identify issues that may affect your car’s safety, including problems with the brakes, steering, or other key systems. |
| Preserve resale value | Regular diagnostic tests can help to ensure that your car is in good condition, which can help to maintain its resale value if you decide to sell it in the future. |
Take it to Your Mechanic for Safety Checks at Certain Mileage Markers
While you may be able to perform most of the maintenance tasks on your car, there are certain things that are best left to a professional.
“Taking care of the vehicle yourself is only practical if you’re very familiar with cars, it’s cheap and easy enough, and if you don’t mind spending time doing it,” says Michael O’Neill, owner of Auto Care Specialists in Brooklyn Heights, New York. “But if something goes wrong while trying to fix something yourself and especially if it’s a safety issue—you’ll have no one else but yourself to blame.”
Regular maintenance is essential to keeping your car running smoothly and avoiding unexpected breakdowns. Check out our Top 10 Car Maintenance Tips for Keeping Your Vehicle Running Smoothly to keep your car in top condition and avoid costly repairs.
Conclusion
I hope these tips have been helpful for you. And remember, if you want to take the guesswork out of car maintenance and keep your vehicle running smoothly, bring it into your local mechanic for a checkup.
They’ll be able to tell you exactly what needs fixing before anything breaks down on the road and that peace of mind is worth every penny!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for car maintenance tips:
Allstate: Car Maintenance Tips – Get tips on how to keep your car in top condition with this comprehensive guide from Allstate.
Reader’s Digest: 75 Car Maintenance Tips to Extend the Life of Your Car – Check out these 75 expert tips that can help you maximize the lifespan of your vehicle.
NRMA: 8 Essential Tips for Looking After Your Car – Learn the essential elements of car maintenance, from tire pressure to engine oil, with this guide from NRMA.
FAQs
What are some basic car maintenance tips for beginners?
Some basic car maintenance tips for beginners include checking tire pressure, changing oil regularly, and keeping your vehicle clean.
How often should I change my car’s oil?
It’s generally recommended to change your car’s oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles depending on your vehicle and driving habits.
What should I do if my car’s check engine light comes on?
If your car’s check engine light comes on, it’s important to have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic to identify and address any potential issues.
Why is tire pressure important, and how often should I check it?
Proper tire pressure is important for optimal fuel efficiency, safety, and tire wear. You should check your tire pressure at least once a month and before long road trips.
How can I best care for my car’s battery?
To care for your car’s battery, make sure to keep it clean and free of corrosion, test it regularly, and avoid leaving lights or other electronics on when the car is turned off.
Hello friends. My name is Hellen James and I’m here to help you make good decisions when it comes to buying, selling, and maintaining your vehicles.
