5 Ways To Maintain Your Car

What are the most cost-effective (biggest bang for your buck) things to do to maintain your car? Here are some simple tips and some additional information to help you keep your vehicle on the road without breaking the bank.

All vehicles require some form of maintenance at some point in their life cycle to continue to run safely and efficiently. Whether you plan to perform the work yourself or take it to the dealership, the options are yours.

1. Fluids & Filters

Fluids and filters are two of the most common maintenance items for your vehicle and they will eventually need to be replaced. The best way to minimize downtime and ensure your vehicle runs as intended is to replace all fluids and filters when recommended, which includes the air filter, fuel filter, engine oil, and other fluids such as; Power Steering Fluid, Brake Fluid, Transmission Fluid, Coolant, etc.

2. Tire Pressure

The importance of tire pressure cannot be overstated. When you forget to check your tire pressure before taking off, you are putting your safety at risk. While it may seem minor at first, tire pressure is actually one of the primary causes of tire blowouts. As tires lose air, the internal temperature of the tire and its layers begin to rise rapidly until there is a complete failure of the tire, resulting in a possible blowout.

3. Cleaning Your Vehicle Also Maintains Your Car

You should wash your vehicle regularly. Dirt and grime can build up quickly and shortens the lifespan of many parts underneath your vehicle. Many components including brakes, suspension, and steering parts are located near the ground and are subject to dirt, dust, and debris that can shorten the life of these parts.

4. Clean Battery Terminals

Most people give batteries little to no thought until they are unable to start their vehicle. However, cleaning the terminals of your battery can greatly improve the life of your battery and extend the time it takes for the battery to fail.

5. Awareness & Pre-emptive Maintenance

Vehicle awareness is a valuable asset. Being aware of what is going on inside and outside your vehicle can help prevent many costly repairs. For example, if you hear a "thunk" while driving down the road, that noise will likely increase in volume as you accelerate. A "pop" under the hood could mean a variety of problems. The sooner you are able to address any concerns you may have, the less likely you are to incur a repair bill.

In conclusion...

Vehicles aren't perfect, and likely never will be. Maintaining your car doesn't have to be difficult. Some maintenance items are easily taken care of by the DIYer, but some repairs and maintenance items are complex and require a professional to handle. Contact us today for a free quote.