Our vehicles represent large investments in our life. For this reason, we want to maintain them as well as possible and get the most out of them. So what can you do to get the most out of your car?â¨â¨
1. How is the Oil? – The lifeblood of an engine is its oil. Oil lubricates vital engine parts. Oil changes every 3,000 to 7,500 miles or every three to four months are essential for keeping your engine in top shape. Over time, oil loses its thickness and its lubricating additives, which help keep your engine from excessive wear; your car’s engine builds up carbon deposits, dirt, and even water can build up in your engine over time.
2. Keep Your Engine Cool – A cars engine generates enough heat to destroy itself. The cooling system protects against damage by keeping the engine operating within the correct temperature range. Maintaining your car’s cooling system and the proper coolant level is as important as making sure the engine is well lubed and can potentially save you thousands of dollars in repairs.
3. Transmission Fluid and Filters – This is one of the most neglected fluids in our cars. Transmission fluid protects the second most expensive mechanical feature in our car, so protect it like you protect your engine. Automatic transmission fluid should be changed around every 30 to 40 thousand miles. If you live in a hilly area or where you are constantly driving in heavy traffic, you might need to change it more often. Just like motor oil, you should check your automatic/manual transmission lubricants regularly. Low, or even too much, transmission fluid can cause transmission failure, premature wear, and rough shifting. â¨
4. Protect Your Car’s Body – The exterior of a car will rust and wear out if not properly protected. Store your car in a garage, under a carport, or under any fabricated cover. Keep your car out of the sun if possible and cover it to keep off bird droppings and tree sap. During the winter months, salt, sand, and road grime can severely damage the finish of a vehicle. Another concern is that more than one-third of car owners use non-automotive products when washing their cars. Washing and polishing a car with quality cleaners and waxes goes a long way toward protecting the vehicle’s exterior. Keeping your car’s body maintained will not only make it last longer but also will make it much more pleasant to drive.â¨
5. Watch Your Tire’s Pressure – A very important, and often neglected, maintenance area on your vehicle is your tires. Proper tire inflation is a key ingredient in driving safely and accruing long tire life. Check your tire’s inflation at least once a month with an accurate tire pressure gauge. Continuous loss of inflation pressure is an indication of a possible tire/wheel assembly problem; consult your tire professional immediately if you encounter this situation. Be sure to check the pressure while the tires are cold, and have not been used recently. When temperatures rise, the air inside the tire expands. This can mean you are driving on over inflated tires, ultimately resulting in premature tread wear. Tire tread is crucial during emergency situations; a quarter inch of tread depth could affect your stopping distance by 180 feet. Improper or neglected maintenance of tires and wheels can cause extensive damage and lead to pricey repairs.