Of all the things that motorists detest dealing with, unexpected car maintenance issues appears to be at the top of the list.
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Not only can maintenance problems disrupt your day, but it can also result in expensive hassles you don’t want to go through.
If your vehicle appears to be running below the standards, let us help you keep your car in good shape.
It’s all about finding the easiest way to handle issues without calling your local technician constantly.
Create a vehicle maintenance checklist
We grouped 7 tips on how to tackle every potential problem with your car.
#1 Keep your tires in good condition
Pay attention to your tires before hitting the road. Many vehicle owners disregard this advice owing to over-reliance.
Safecar.gov reported that more than 11,000 tow-away accidents annually are related, in some measure, to tire issues.
For that reason, here are some recommendations on how to keep your tires in good condition:
- Get the right air pressure: Did you know that underinflated tires are 3 times more likely to cause a crash than properly inflated ones? Use a pressure gauge to get the right air pressure for your tires and refer to your car manual for precise guidance.
- Tires rotation: You should rotate your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles to prolong their tread life.
- Proper alignment is important for your tires: Check alignment to avoid uneven tread wear.
#2 Check the oil engine and fluid levels in your car
Fluid levels and engine oil are the lifeblood of your car. With that being said, check your manual to determine when to schedule oil change routines.
If you don’t drive your car that often, you can wait a bit longer for the next oil change.
You are also advised to check on other vehicle components including: power-steering, transmission, wiper, and brake fluids while making an oil inspection.
#3 Ensure your lights are working
Check your headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and your turn signals before hitting the road.
Those lights need to be working as indicated in your manual. Apart from safety concerns, neglecting your lights could result in a ticket.
If you have problems with the bulb, refer to your local technician to verify whether the bulb or the fuse needs to be replaced.
#4 Failing windshield wipers
Proper windshield wipers enhance your visibility and, hence, safety in the event of a downpour.
Make sure those wipers are protecting you from challenging situations, otherwise replace them.
Sometimes setting new blades is a quick and affordable solution.
#5 Inspect your air filter
Remove the air filter and hold it against a strong light. If you cannot see the light going through it, you will have to get a new one.
Note that a clean air filter improves your vehicle’s performance.
#6 Inspect your car and its components
Things do not always need to be dramatic, especially when it comes to car maintenance issues.
By cleaning debris on certain car components and ensuring things are on their place, you will be heading off maintenance issues.
#7 Sometimes a general check is all you need
Regular tasks including: inspecting the exhaust, flushing the cooling system, and getting new valves, hoses, and brakes do not need to happen all the time.
Once you set regular checks with your local auto repair shop, you will shun unexpected car maintenance issues.
You shouldn’t wait for a sudden breakdown to start doing something about it.
Be more connected with your car and avoid depending too much on your local technician.
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