Maintaining your car is vital for a lot of reasons. Not only does it keep you safe on the road, but it can also save you money in the long run. However, not every car owner is well-versed in vehicle maintenance. According to the New York Post, around a quarter of 2,000 car owners in the United States feel the risk each time they get on the road. That’s because they aren’t sure if their vehicle is in good condition.
With that said, knowing the basics of car maintenance is more critical than ever. Here are some essential car maintenance tasks that every driver should know:
Checking your tire pressure regularly
Tires are one of the essential parts of your car. They’re what keep you on the road, after all. That’s why it’s vital to check your tire pressure regularly. This will help improve your gas efficiency and extend the life of your tires.
You can check your tire pressure by using a tire pressure gauge. Most gas stations have one that you can use for free. Once you know your tire pressure, you can adjust it accordingly. The amount of pressure that your tires need will depend on your car’s make and model. You can usually find this information in your car’s owner’s manual.
Failure to do this task can be dangerous, as it may result in a blowout. The low pressure will also cause your tires to wear down quickly. So, if you’re not regularly checking your tire pressure, you risk yourself and your car. Being proactive about this maintenance task can save you a lot of trouble in the long run.
Changing your car fluid
Every car needs different fluids to function correctly. These include engine oil, brake fluid, power steering, and transmission fluid. You’ll need to check your car’s owner manual to see how often these fluids need to be changed.
However, changing your car’s oil every 5,000 miles is a good rule of thumb. As for the other fluids, you’ll need to change them less often. For example, brake fluid only needs to be changed every 20,000 miles. But these numbers will still vary depending on your car’s make and model.
Not changing your car’s fluids can lead to some serious problems. For instance, if you don’t change your engine oil, it will eventually become sludge. It will cause your engine to overheat and break down. Staying on top of this maintenance task will avoid any costly repairs down the road.
Updating your brake pads
According to the Department for Transport, defective brakes are one of the leading causes of road accidents. As such, keeping your brakes in good working condition is essential. One way to do this is by regularly checking your brake pads.
You can usually tell when your brake pads need to get replaced if you hear a squealing noise when you hit the brakes. This noise comes from the metal indicator, which lets you know when the pads are getting low.
If you don’t replace your brake pads promptly, it will eventually damage your rotors. This repair can be costly, so it’s best to avoid it if possible. By regularly checking your brake pads, you can save yourself some money and keep yourself safe on your journey.
Replacing windshield glass
Many people don’t realize this, but your windshield is essential to your car. Not only does it provide you with a clear view of the road, but it also protects you from the elements. Plus, it eliminates drafty air from entering your car, improving your gas mileage.
That’s why replacing your windshield glass is essential if it gets cracked or damaged. You can usually get your windshield glass replacement at a local auto glass shop. The replacement cost will depend on your car’s make and model.
Although you can also replace your windshield glass if you feel up for the task, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. They have the tools and experience to do it quickly and efficiently. In doing so, you’ll avoid accidents or further damage to your car.
Keeping your car clean
Of course, you should also keep your car clean, both inside and out. Doing so will not only make it look nicer but will also help extend its lifespan.
You can wash your car at home or take it to a local car wash. A non-abrasive cleaner and soft fabric are best when washing your car at home. As for the car wash, you can choose between a hand car wash or an automatic car wash.
Either way, what matters is that you regularly wash your car to keep it looking its best.
Following the above maintenance tasks will help ensure that your car stays in good condition for years. You can avoid costly repairs and accidents by being proactive about car care. So, make sure to add these tasks to your routine. Your car will thank you for it!
