Maintaining your vehicle can help ensure it has a long lifespan. But life can get in the way, and sometimes people ignore issues with their vehicle or procrastinate taking their vehicle to an auto garage.
Neglecting your car can create more problems since issues can develop further and cause even more damage. This costs time and money to fix compared to if you treated issues earlier.
Here are ten things you can do to keep your car maintained:
Tire Pressure
People frequently don’t bother to check their tire pressure. Sometimes people ignore it even if they know the tire pressure is under or overinflated. However, tire pressure ensures your tire’s tread wears evenly and helps you have a smooth drive.
On that note, don’t forget to check your tires tread too. If it’s shallow or wearing out unevenly, it may be time for new tires.
Tire Rotations
Rotating your tires can help them maintain a more even wear during their use, which extends the lifespan of your tires. Failing to rotate tires can lead to uneven wear and may cause early tire replacement. A good rule of thumb is to rotate your tires every six months or every 6-8,000 miles.
Car Alignment
A car suspension can sometimes get out of alignment. Some signs that this has happened include rattling sounds or pulling over to one side while driving. These are warning signs you should get your car to an auto garage immediately since car misalignment can cause damage to the axle if you ignore it.
Brakes
Brakes are often ignored until they start making strange noises. This is usually a sign you need your brake pads replaced before more damage occurs. Your brakes are a crucial part of safe driving, so you will want to periodically check your brakes for normal wear and tear, even if there are no unusual sounds or lower braking efficiency.
Transmission Flushes
As part of your car’s routine maintenance, transmission fluid should be replaced every 30-60,000 miles. This number will vary by vehicle, so check your vehicle’s manual for the right recommendation on when your transmission fluid needs to be replaced. If you don’t do a transmission flush, then you could risk your transmission failing.
Oil Change
Many people often ignore when it’s time to change their oil, but it’s important to regularly change the oil to keep your engine running efficiently. Not replacing your oil during the recommended time frame could lead to engine failure.
Oil changes vary depending on the manufacturer, but generally, your oil should be changed every 3,000 miles or every six months.
Unusual Changes with Your Car
You may notice your car driving abnormally. This could range from strange sounds or difficult steering. People tend to ignore issues or put off going to an auto mechanic, but you should take your vehicle to an auto garage as soon as possible. Unusual changes can indicate serious problems with your car, so they must be addressed immediately to prevent further damage and costly repairs.
Car Fluids
Your vehicle needs several fluids to run properly, and all of them will need to be replaced or refilled at some point. You should regularly check your car’s fluids are at the proper level and then top off or replace the fluids as recommended by your vehicle’s manual. If you want to learn more about your car’s fluids, check out our post on what fluids your car needs.
Air Filters
There are multiple air filters located in your vehicle. Since you can’t see them, you may not notice when they become clogged and subsequently reduce your air flow and filtering capabilities. Air filters do need occasional replacement, so you should check when you need to update them.
Windshield Wipers
It’s easy to ignore a minor streak when you’re using your windshield wipers, but this is a sign your wipers are deteriorating and need immediate attention. Otherwise, the next time you drive in bad weather, you could risk not seeing clearly because your windshield wipers can’t give you a visible view. Windshield wipers are easy to replace, and you shouldn’t neglect to change your wipers when you notice any streaks.
Need Help Maintaining Your Car?
CNM Auto Repair in Lancaster, PA is dedicated to maintaining your vehicle and keeping it in excellent condition. If you need help with maintenance, call us at (717) 397-1497 to schedule an appointment or simply stop by to see if we’re available. You can also schedule an appointment online.
