Maintenance Tips
- Check The Oil
It may seem obvious, but the importance of checking the oil regularly cannot be stressed enough. Checking it and changing it often is probably the single most important thing you can do to keep your car’s engine in good condition.
- Check Your Lights
This is one of the easier maintenance tasks, as you’ll often find someone, hopefully not a policeman, will tell you that one of your tail lights isn’t working properly. Having working head and tail lights is absolutely crucial to your safety. Have them fixed as soon as possible whenever one isn’t working and avoid driving with one light out, if at all possible.
- Check Your Tires
Check the tire pressure, but also the alignment often. Invest in a tire pressure gauge. Keep the tire pressure as your vehicle owner’s manual recommends. Tire pressure affects many aspects of your car, including the amount of fuel it uses, the handling and performance, as well as the comfort and smoothness of the ride. Rotate your tires after every other oil change. Proper tire rotation helps your tires to wear more evenly. Also, keep a check on the tread wear of your tires and get new tires when needed.
- Check The Engine Coolant
If you don’t have enough coolant, you run the risk of overheating your engine and damaging it. Keep the coolant level topped up, especially if you’re going on a long trip during warmer months.
- Check The Belts
There are numerous belts in your vehicle, including the ones involved with the running of your alternator, your air conditioning and other parts. Be sure to check the rubber and the belt when you are performing your regular, under the hood maintenance.
- Check Battery Contacts
Make sure the contacts on your battery terminal are clean. Often dirt and grime can build up on them, affecting performance.
- Checking Water
If your engine uses water for cooling, take care to ensure that it is regularly changed. Water can also be used for cleaning the windshield.
