By Baylee Olinger-Royer
For most people, their car is a vital part of life; after all, it’s responsible for getting you from point A to point B. Unfortunately, many take their car for granted and don’t realize how much they rely on it until it’s in the shop. Although car troubles aren’t always avoidable, you can take preventive measures to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Explore these five ways to keep your car in tip-top shape and extend its lifespan.
Check and Change Oil Regularly
While it may seem obvious, your car needs oil to run smoothly. Engine oil is what lubricates every part of your car’s motor and keeps it cool and clean. Depending on your vehicle’s make and model and the oil you use, you should change the oil and filter every 3,000–7,500 miles. Furthermore, checking your oil level monthly is a best practice to ensure your vehicle isn’t burning oil.
Don’t Ignore the Warning Lights
When you see lights on your dashboard, it doe not evoke a positive feeling. However, these warning lights give you a heads-up that something isn’t right. While you may be tempted to ignore them and keep driving, you should take your vehicle to a mechanic if you don’t have any experience with car maintenance. Many lights are nothing to worry about, but you won’t know until you hook it up to a code reader.
Replace Wiper Blades and Refill Fluid
Wiper blades and fluid are crucial for keeping your windshield clear of snow, rain, and other debris as you drive. Many people forget to change their wiper blades, but you should change them once each year for the best possible function. Furthermore, you should refill the windshield wiper fluid whenever necessary.
Keep It Clean
Even though what’s under the hood is the most important part of your car, that doesn’t mean you should neglect the rest of it. For instance, a regular exterior car wash is imperative for protecting the paint and preventing rust. In addition, keeping the interior clean is also important. You probably sweep it out and dust your dash occasionally, but you might miss a few interior car parts you should clean routinely.
Monitor Tire Pressure and Wear
Tires are arguably one of the most important car parts; after all, you can’t go anywhere without them. With that in mind, proper tire pressure is essential for maintaining safety and functionality. Before you drive, be sure to take a quick glance to verify you don’t have a flat tire. Each month, take time to measure the pressure and monitor wear patterns. If your tires are wearing unevenly, take your car in for an alignment check. Lastly, your tires should be replaced every six years, regardless of how far you’ve driven.
Now that you know these five ways to keep your car in tip-top shape, you’re all set to perform basic maintenance. Even if you don’t know much about cars, it pays to understand when something may be wrong. Furthermore, being proactive can save you from a hefty repair bill.
