Tips For Preventive Maintenance For Your Car

Wise men once said prevention is better than cure, well; things are not any different when you are dealing with your car. If you do not fancy messy days when your car fails you yet you need it most at that time, then you will have to learn some preventive maintenance for your car. The better the care you give to an automobile the better the services that you will get. Anyone who has spent boatloads of money getting their vehicle repaired will tell you that ignoring preventive maintenance is like ignoring a ticking time bomb under your bed.

Here are important points to keep in mind:

Read The Owner’s Manual

The owner’s manual is not a booklet that becomes important only when you are dealing with a problem without a mechanic or repair shop nearby. This manual is aimed at helping you understand your car and therefore be in a better position to take care of it appropriately. In the manual, you will find information about oil change, timing belts, filter changes and much more. Just like you would read the manual of a new house appliance, read the vehicle manual.

Inspect Your Car

Your car needs attention, not only from the mechanic, but also from you. You are with your car most of the time and minor inspections can go a long way in ensuring that your vehicle is in the right driving condition. Check the lights, tire pressure (you can go this using a cheap pressure gauge), keep your ears alert for any peculiar sounds in the car and outside, and check for anything that is out of the ordinary because it should not be ignored.

Check Your Fluids

Even if you don’t become an expert in changing the power steering fluid, brake fluid, or wiper fluid, (but on a serious note, you should never have to pay for wiper fluid change), just learn how to check the levels. In most cases, the tanks holding these fluids are easily visible and you will not need to go under the car. They will also have dip sticks or gauges to indicate when the fluids are going low and need a change. You can do the change by your self, it’s just opening the hood and knowing which fluid goes where. Again read the manual. The most important thing is to note when the fluids are running out and to never ignore a leak.

Other important Checks

• Some of the other important checks include oil checks and changes after the recommended mileage on the manual.
• Check that all lights are functioning well
• Test your brakes
• Check battery and clean the contacts for efficiency.
• Change wipers when the view gets streaky.
• Replace the cabin filter. This is one of the easiest tasks to do and you don’t need to pay someone to replace it.
• Replace the engine filter. This can be a little tricky depending on vehicle model, but keep in mind that the replacement is important.
• Ensure that tires are well balanced and aligned; check the details on the manual for a smooth drive.
• Change spark plugs when they are worn out to improve engine efficiency.