You get in your car and start it up, ready to head to work or run errands. You put it in drive, take off, and then hear this grinding noise.
What’s going on? Is it time for new brakes? Or perhaps the transmission is having problems? Maybe the bearings are failing or tires are low on air pressure due to a leaky valve stem—you don’t know! But you do want to be able
to keep your car running smoothly and safely for as long as possible. That’s why I’m here: I’ve talked with automotive experts about how much each type of vehicle should cost you every month (and year!) so you can budget accordingly for repairs when they come around (spoiler alert: they will).
Plus, we looked at some common questions people have about cars that need answers ASAP! So read on if you want to know more about those mysterious codes popping up in your dash…
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Regular car maintenance is essential for keeping your vehicle in good working condition and avoiding costly repairs. |
| Some common car maintenance questions include when to change your oil, how to maintain your battery, and what to do if your check engine light comes on. |
| Winter driving requires special attention to car maintenance, including checking your tires, replacing your windshield wipers, and keeping your gas tank full. |
| Proper car maintenance can help prolong the life of your vehicle and protect its value, making it a smart investment in the long run. |
| By following expert tips and guidance, you can stay on top of your car’s maintenance needs and enjoy a safe and reliable driving experience. |
How Long Should Tires Last?
How long a tire will last depends on the quality of the tires. A high-quality tire can last for several years, but it’s always a good idea to replace them when they reach 6/32nds of tread remaining.
You don’t have to wait until the tire is completely worn down; in fact, you should replace your tires in pairs so that you aren’t driving around with just one new tire on your vehicle while the other three are old and worn out.
As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. To help keep your car running smoothly and prevent problems down the line, be sure to follow our top 10 car maintenance tips for a long-lasting vehicle. Check out our guide on The Top 10 Car Maintenance Tips for a Long-Lasting Vehicle to find out more.
Is It Worth Replacing Brakes Before They Go Out?
Our expert says:
“Yes, it is worth replacing brakes before they go out. Brakes are a safety feature and should be replaced before they fail.”
How do you know if your brakes need to be checked? There are several warning signs that can help you determine if your brake pads are worn or have stopped working entirely. If the pedal feels spongy when pressed, or requires more pressure than usual to stop the car, it’s time for new pads!
What happens if I don’t replace my brake pads? Without functioning brakes, there is a serious risk of an accident especially on wet roads or in bad weather conditions where stopping distances increase significantly due to reduced friction between tires and pavement surfaces at lower temperatures.
Should I Buy A Car With A Salvage Title?
A salvage title is a title that has been issued to a vehicle because it was damaged in an accident and had to be repaired. The owner of the vehicle may have done the repairs themselves, or hired an auto mechanic to do them for them.
A salvage title can also be assigned when a car is damaged by floods or other natural disasters; if the damage was severe enough that repairing it would cost more than 50% of its value, the car will be deemed totaled by insurance companies and given a salvage title instead. Additionally, if your car was stolen and recovered, it will likely receive a salvage title as well
If you’re interested in buying one of these vehicles with damaged titles, make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into!
You should check out any available documentation on how much work went into repairing your potential purchase before making any decisions about whether or not it’s worth buying at all
What Does The Check Engine Light Mean?
The check engine light is one of the most common indicators that something is wrong with your car. When it comes on, you should get your vehicle checked by a professional as soon as possible to ensure that everything’s working properly.
The most basic scenario would be when the check engine light is on and there are no stored codes.
This can indicate something simple like low gas or an issue with the battery, but it’s always best to have someone else look at it first before jumping to conclusions or driving too far away from home in case you need repairs later on (or stranded somewhere).
Next up: if there are codes stored in ECU memory, what do they mean? Most of them will be pretty straightforward; there’s probably a specific code for “check fuel cap” or “check battery connections” but others might not be so easy to understand without further research into your particular make and model car.
That said, any code worth worrying about will often have some sort of warning message along with it; these messages can tell you what kind of trouble might occur if this code isn’t resolved immediately (e.g., “Low coolant level” could cause overheating).
Winter driving can be challenging, but proper car maintenance can make all the difference. Follow our top 15 car maintenance tips for winter driving to stay safe and comfortable on the road. Learn more by checking out our guide on The Top 15 Car Maintenance Tips for Winter Driving.
When Should I Replace My Transmission Fluid?
If you’re the type of person who likes to keep your car in good shape, then you’re probably familiar with the term “transmission fluid.”
The transmission is responsible for moving gearshifts to different speeds and gears. In other words, without it, your car wouldn’t go anywhere! So when should you replace your transmission fluid?
When it’s dark brown or black: If your car has been running rough lately and seems like it’s struggling to find its way from one gear to another, then chances are good that there’s a problem with its transmission.
This can be caused by old age or wear-and-tear if you’ve been driving for longer than 75K miles without changing out those fluids. You should also check if there are any leaks; otherwise, adding some fresh fluid might help fix things up!
When the transmission has more than 75K miles on it: As we said above – every time we run over 75K miles on our cars (or trucks), they start having issues turning into different gears smoothly because they need new valves inside them which take care of controlling how fast each part will turn while going up or down through each ‘gear’.
These valves may need replacing after only 50K miles if they aren’t made well enough; so try not letting them get clogged up with dust either!”
Transmission Fluid Replacement Intervals
| Vehicle Brand | Recommended Interval |
|---|---|
| Toyota | Every 60,000 miles |
| Honda | Every 90,000 miles |
| Ford | Every 150,000 miles |
| Chevrolet | Every 100,000 miles |
| BMW | Every 100,000 miles |
Note: Transmission fluid replacement intervals may vary depending on specific make, model, and usage of the vehicle. It is recommended to consult your vehicle’s owner manual for the manufacturer’s recommended interval.
Do Front-Wheel Drive Cars Wear Tires Faster?
It’s true that a FWD vehicle will have more weight on its front tires, which can cause them to wear out faster.
However, it’s also true that a RWD car will have more weight on its rear wheels, which can cause them to wear out faster. The answer here is that they’re both equally likely to wear down quicker and you should keep an eye on your tire treads and make sure they’re at least 1/8 inch deep.
Regular car maintenance is key to keeping your vehicle in good condition and avoiding costly repairs. Our top 10 car maintenance tips for keeping your vehicle running smoothly will help you stay on track. For more information, check out our guide on The Top 10 Car Maintenance Tips for Keeping Your Vehicle Running Smoothly.
How Long Do Brake Pads Last?
The life span of brake pads depends on the vehicle and its driving habits. On average, brake pads last between 30,000 and 50,000 miles (50,000 to 80,000 km).
Most vehicles come with a recommended maintenance schedule that shows when it’s time to replace the brakes.
If you use your car frequently and live in an area with lots of hills or traffic jams (where you need to stop often), it’s important to check that your brake pads are still okay every few months.
Look for uneven wear on the surface of the pad: if one side is worn down more than another side, this could be an indication that something is wrong with your car’s braking system.
When new brake pads begin to wear down unevenly like this over time they can start squeaking or grinding when you apply pressure on them while braking — which means they should be replaced as soon as possible!
Why Does My Car Shake When I Brake?
When your car shakes when you brake, it can be a sign that your brakes are worn out. If your brakes are old and you haven’t had them replaced recently, they may be worn down to the point where they don’t do their job properly anymore.
Another common reason for shaking while braking is poor alignment. If one side of the car isn’t lined up with the other properly, it will cause vibrations as well as shaking when you apply pressure to each pedal individually. The alignment should be checked regularly if this is happening!
A third possibility is that you’re experiencing an issue with leaking calipers or leaking brake fluid in general areas where these kinds of leaks could occur include hoses (especially if they’re old), cylinders (if there’s been any damage done), and pistons (if their seals have failed). Having these issues fixed quickly will help ensure that no further problems arise from them!
Owning a car is a long-term commitment, and proper maintenance is essential for keeping it in good condition. Refer to our essential car maintenance checklist for long-term ownership to ensure you don’t overlook anything important. Read more on The Essential Car Maintenance Checklist for Long-Term Ownership.
Do Mileage Warranties Cover All Parts Of A Car?
Mileage warranties, also known as limited or powertrain warranties, only cover the mechanical parts of your car.
They don’t cover labor costs or routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations which are considered worn out by normal use over time.
Mileage warranties also don’t cover any damage that’s caused by accidents or other mishaps, such as a broken windshield from flying debris in an accident.
Mileage Warranty Coverage by Car Part
| Car Part | Covered by Mileage Warranty? |
|---|---|
| Engine | Yes, typically covered up to a certain mileage limit, such as 60,000 or 100,000 miles |
| Transmission | Yes, usually covered up to a certain mileage limit, such as 60,000 or 100,000 miles |
| Suspension | Coverage varies by manufacturer, typically covered up to a certain mileage limit |
| Exhaust System | Coverage varies by manufacturer, usually covered up to a certain mileage limit |
| Fuel System | Coverage varies by manufacturer, usually covered up to a certain mileage limit |
| Electrical System | Coverage varies by manufacturer, typically covered up to a certain mileage limit |
This table shows the typical coverage specifications for mileage warranties on different parts of a car. Generally, engine and transmission components are covered up to a higher mileage limit compared to other parts like the suspension, exhaust system, fuel system, and electrical system. However, the specific terms and limits of the warranty coverage can vary widely depending on the car manufacturer.
How Often Should I Get My Oil Changed (And Is It Expensive)?
So how often should you actually get your oil changed? The answer is pretty simple: every 3,000 miles.
Your car’s manual will probably suggest a different interval (like 5,000 or 7,500) but that’s because most people don’t drive enough miles in their lifetime to require changing the oil more frequently than every 3k.
And what’s the cost? It depends on where you go and what type of oil they use. You can pay anywhere from $40-$60 for an oil change at an auto shop, which is usually cheaper than replacing all the engine parts if something goes wrong with your engine after not having an oil change in awhile.
If you want to save money on this task (or any other maintenance), check out our article on 10 Ways To Save Money On Car Maintenance!
Taking care of your car can also help maintain its value over time. Our top 10 car maintenance tips for maintaining your vehicle’s value will help you do just that. Don’t miss out on valuable information – check out our guide on The Top 10 Car Maintenance Tips for Maintaining Your Vehicle’s Value.
What’s The Difference Between Synthetic And Conventional Oil?
Synthetic oil is made up of molecules that are different from those in conventional oil. Synthetic oils can withstand higher heat and pressure, so they have better resistance to shearing (breaking down) when subjected to these types of forces.
This means that a synthetic motor oil will last longer and require less frequent changes than conventional motor oils when used in normal driving conditions.
The price difference between synthetic and conventional oils is not significant if you change your own oil at home, but if you have your car serviced at a repair shop, the price difference between the two types of oil will be reflected in your final bill for service work.
It’s important to note that synthetic motor oils are recommended for high-mileage vehicles or those with known engine problems or leaks.
You should consult your owner’s manual or talk with an auto mechanic before deciding which type of motor oil best suits your vehicle’s needs
Synthetic vs Conventional Oil: A Comparison
| Synthetic Oil | Conventional Oil |
|---|---|
| Made from chemical compounds and often outperforms conventional oil in high-stress situations | Made from crude oil and relies on additives to help it perform under stress |
| Generally more expensive than conventional oil | Generally less expensive than synthetic oil |
| Has a longer lifespan and provides better performance and protection for your engine | Has a shorter lifespan and provides less impressive performance and protection for your engine |
| Offers better fuel efficiency and emissions protection | Provides less fuel efficiency and emissions protection than synthetic oil |
| Best suited for newer, high-performance vehicles and those that frequently tow or operate in extreme temperatures | Best suited for older vehicles and those that undergo routine, non-stressful driving |
Note: Some popular examples of synthetic oil brands include Mobil 1, Pennzoil Platinum, and Royal Purple, while conventional oil brands include Valvoline and Shell. However, brand recommendations may vary based on vehicle and use case.
At What Point Do Rotors Need To Be Replaced Rather Than Resurfaced?
You should replace your rotors when the thickness is below minimum. When the rotor has been resurfaced and is worn down to less than 2mm, it will need to be replaced.
This is because once a rotor has been resurfaced, any additional wear will result in an unsafe condition for your car. The thickness of your rotors can be found by measuring them on their outer edge with a micrometer (the device you use to measure engine parts).
Conclusion
While most of these questions may seem simple, they can be tricky to answer. Luckily, there are plenty of resources out there for you!
If you have more questions on car maintenance or want to learn more about your own car’s needs, check out some of our guides that address those specific topics. Happy driving!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to help you learn more about car maintenance:
10 Most Frequently Asked Car Maintenance Questions: Find out the most common car maintenance questions and how to address them in this comprehensive article from CAA Quebec.
Car Talk: Top Car Maintenance Questions Answered: Get expert answers to common car maintenance questions in this blog post from Christian Brothers Automotive.
Top 7 Car Maintenance Questions: Hawthorne Auto Square covers seven important questions about car maintenance – from oil changes to brake pads.
FAQs
When do I need to change my car’s oil?
Typically, cars need an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. However, it’s important to check your car’s owner manual to determine the recommended oil change interval.
How often should I replace my car’s air filter?
Car air filters should generally be replaced every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or every 12 months – whichever comes first.
How do I know when my car’s brakes need to be serviced?
If you hear a high-pitched screeching noise when you brake, or if your car takes longer to stop than usual, it’s likely that your brakes need servicing.
How often should I rotate my car’s tires?
As a general rule of thumb, tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 7,000 miles to ensure even wear and tear.
How can I tell if my car’s battery needs to be replaced?
If your car’s battery is more than three years old or if you notice that it’s not holding a charge properly, it may be a sign that you need a new battery. Other indicators can include dim headlights or slow-starting engine.
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.
