Perhaps the best maintenance method for your car is preventive maintenance. Aside from prolonging the life of your car, it can also ensure that your car is in top condition especially during times when you need it the most. You’ll only need to check the basic components of your car regularly to achieve this and set a general checkup schedule that would best work for you and your car.
Each part of your car plays an important role, but without the tires, your car literally won’t run. Check your car’s user’s manual to find out how much pressure the tires should carry for efficient performance. Filling your tires with the correct amount of pressure can also help prolong their lifespan. It’s also advisable that you have the tires rotated after every 7 thousand miles the car travels.
Checking under the hood is perhaps the easiest part of maintaining your car. Simply by looking for signs of tears on the belts and hoses, you’ll be able to tell if there’s a problem or not. Keep an eye on the level of both the transmission and engine oil as well. A darker color in the fluid should tell you that it’s time for an oil change.
When checking the brakes, there are three important things you should observe to find out if it needs some fixing. The first one is when you hear a squealing noise each time the car slows down to a halt. The second one is when the pedal goes all the way down when you step on it, and the last one when the car pulls to only one side when stopping.
If you hear a squealing sound each time you go for a break, it means you should replace the pads. If your problem is with the pedal going all the way down when you step on it, you may need to add more brake fluid or replace the rear brake lining. With the third brake problem, adding hydraulic pressure will help solve the problem.
Going to your car’s battery, you should understand that while it has a lifespan of 4 to 5 years, there are methods you can use to prevent it from wearing out quickly. One is by cleaning the battery cables from time to time. Another is by always making sure that the cables are tightened and the bar that holds the battery down is secure.
Finally, follow your car’s maintenance schedule religiously. Doing this will reduce the risk of your car to experience breakdowns and unwanted incidents. Aside from that, you’ll also be able to save yourself from a lot of stress due to unnecessary repair expenses.
