Car ownership isn’t just about fueling and driving away. It also involves caring for the vehicle. And when it comes to car care, all cars are equal and require regular maintenance. If you violate this simple rule, you might be heading for inconvenient breakdowns or expensive repair costs. So, how do you maintain your car and keep it in good condition while avoiding costly repairs? Keep reading to learn more!

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Key Takeaways:

• Properly maintaining your vehicle is crucial in keeping it in good working condition.
• Inflating or deflating your car tire pressure to the recommended PSI and rotating them accordingly is an excellent way of maintaining your car.
• If the headlights and taillights dim or are out, determine if it’s the bulb or the fuse that has an issue.
• Sounds, including grinding and rattling, can be signs of brake issues and need a pro to check and repair them!

Check Tire Pressure and Rotate Tires

Understanding how to maintain your car’s tire pressure can help you reduce wear on the tires and get better gas mileage. Moreover, a flat tire is a hazard that could be dangerous to you and your car. To properly maintain your tires, you should find the advised pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI) and then inflate and deflate the tires accordingly. Also, consider rotating your tires every 5,000- 10,000 miles and watch for recalls to avoid blowouts.

Test the Headlights and Taillights

Headlights are a car’s most important safety feature because they help you see and help others see you. As such, a broken or burnt-out bulb is a safety hazard and can even get you a ticket. And if the bulb is out, you should determine if it’s the bulb itself or the fuse that needs replacing. Depending on the complexity of changing the bulb or fuse, you might need to take your car to a professional.  

Replace Your Wiper Blades

To tell when your blades need replacing, press the washer button and see if the blades wipe clean. If they streak, they’re toast. In that case, look for high-quality rubber wipes that have better UV protection and last longer. In addition, follow the installation instructions on the package, and ensure you have a firm grip on the wiper arm once you remove the old blade.

Always Listen and Feel for Brake Issues

You should be aware of how your brakes feel and what they sound like every time you drive because they’re a critical component of every vehicle. If they’re spongy or it takes more pressure to apply them than normal, they need to get inspected by a professional. Moreover, brake sounds can indicate when maintenance or repair is needed. Here’s a rundown of common brake sounds:

• Grinding: When the humidity levels are high, rust might form on the brake rotors in a matter of a day if the vehicle it’s not driven. The grinding sound is the rust getting knocked off.
• Intermittent Sounds: If the brake sounds come and go, it could indicate brake issues from overheating. When the rotors or brake fluid overheat, you may hear the sound, and the breaks won’t feel as responsive.
• Rattling: A rattling or vibration sounds suggests one of the rotors is warped or worn out and needs to be replaced.

Change Oil and Filter

The motor oil in your vehicle’s engine serves several functions. It lubricates the moving parts, acts as a sealant against debris, reduces wear and tear, cools the engine, and helps prevent engine corrosion. As such, keeping it clean is vital for good engine health. Depending on your car and what oil you’re using, you may need to change the oil and oil filter after every three months or 3,000 miles. However, many newer model owners’ manuals recommend changing your oil less frequently, often between 5,000- 10,000 miles. Therefore, check your vehicle owner’s manual and consult a professional to determine what’s appropriate for your vehicle.

Refill Windshield Washer Fluid

This one seems like a no-brainer, but if you don’t know where your windshield washer fluid reservoir is located, pop the hood and find it ASAP. And if you want to avoid getting caught on a muddy road with no windshield washer fluid, ensure you keep backup fluid in your car just in case you need to refill it in a pinch.

Keep Up with the Car Service Schedule

Most cars have minor and major maintenance scheduling cycles. For instance, minor services take place every 10,000- 15,000 miles, while the major servicing process is done around every 30,000- 45,000 miles. That often depends on the model and make of the car, how it has been driven, and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Maintain Your Car Properly!

So there you have it! Remember that this should only be used as a reference, and if you are facing problems, it’s recommended to take your car to a professional. Tinkering it yourself might cause further damage to the vehicle and push your overall costs up instead of cutting it short. To learn more about how to care for your car, schedule car service, or repair services, contact our auto experts! We’re highly trained and experienced, and we stay abreast of technology to ensure your car is back on the road within the shortest time possible!