Are you a new driver or someone who simply wants to learn to look after your car properly?
The automobile is one of humanity’s biggest successes. It helps connect people, supports our economy, and provides us with much-needed mobility. Having a car is the epitome of independence.
However, while many of us drive around safely every day, we don’t think about the complicated internal systems that keep our cars running. Without auto maintenance, we end up with a damaged machine rather than a way to get from A to B. Take a look at these car maintenance tips you need to know.
1. Feed Your Car the Right Fuel
It is very important to know what kind of fuel your car takes. You should find this information in your car owner’s manual, and it should also be listed on a sticker inside your gas tank door. Once you know what fuel your car needs, you can start looking at the different fuel types and their octane levels.
The octane level is important because its a measure of a fuel’s ability to resist knocking or pinging during combustion, caused by the air/fuel mixture detonating prematurely in the engine. If you use a fuel with a lower octane rating than what is recommended for your car, you may hear knocking or pinging.
2. Use Your Cars Electronics Only While the Engine Is On
While your car’s engine is running, it provides power to the battery and powers all of your car’s electronic accessories. Running these accessories while the engine is off can drain your battery, making it harder to start your car. In some cases, it can even damage your car’s electrical system.
So, to avoid any car problems, make sure to only use your car’s electronics while the engine is running.
3. Check Your Tire Pressure
Most people know that it is important to check your tire pressure regularly, but many don’t know how or why. Tire pressure affects your car’s handling, fuel economy, and safety. Under-inflated tires can cause your car to handle poorly, decrease your fuel economy, and be more likely to fail in a blowout.
Over-inflated tires can cause uneven wear, also decreasing your fuel economy. The best way to check your tire pressure is to use a tire pressure gauge. You can find these at most auto parts stores.
4. Replace Your Air Filter
Your car air filter prevents harmful debris and contaminants from entering your engine. Over time, it will become clogged with dirt and dust and will need to be replaced.
You should replace your car’s air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. You can tell when your filter needs to be replaced when your car starts to run less efficiently, or the engine feels like it’s working harder than usual. Replacing your car’s air filter is a quick and easy process that you can do yourself, and it will improve your car’s performance.
5. Choose a Good Car Insurer
A good insurer will provide you with the coverage you need at a price you can afford. They will also be there to help you when you need to file a claim.
There are many factors to consider when choosing an insurer. Make sure you do your research and ask around for recommendations before making a decision.
6. Park in the Shade
It’s important to park your car in the shade whenever possible. This will help keep the interior temperature down, preventing the steering wheel, seats, and other surfaces from becoming too hot to touch.
In addition, it will help protect the paint, dashboard, and other interior components from sun damage. You can also ask professionals to install a paint protection film for additional car protection against ultraviolet rays.
7. Check Your Spark Plugs
If your car isn’t starting as easily as it used to, or if the engine is misfiring, it might be time to check the spark plugs. This is a relatively easy car maintenance task that you can do yourself, and it’s a good idea to check the spark plugs every 30,000 miles or so.
To check the spark plugs, you’ll need to remove them from the engine and inspect them for wear. If the plugs are worn, they can be replaced with new ones.
8. Check Your Coolant
Before driving your car on a warm day, make sure to check your coolant levels. If your coolant is low, add more fluids. Make sure to keep an eye on your coolant levels throughout the summer months, as your car will overheat quickly without enough fluid.
Hot weather can be tough on your car, so make sure to check your coolant levels regularly!
9. Get Your Tires Rotated
It’s important to keep up with maintenance on your car, and one of the most important things you can do is to get your car tires rotated. This helps to ensure even wear and tear on all of your tires, which can help to extend their life.
Plus, it can help improve your gas mileage and handling. Most mechanics will rotate your tires for free when you get an oil change or other routine maintenance.
10. Inspect Transmission Fluid Levels
Transmission fluid is one of the most important fluids in your car, and it’s important to keep an eye on the levels. The easiest way to do this is to check the transmission fluid dipstick, which is usually located near the battery.
The dipstick will have two markings on it, and you want to make sure that the fluid level is between these two. If it’s low, you can add more transmission fluid, but be careful not to overfill it.
11. Check the Brakes
Part of routine car maintenance is making sure the brakes are in good working order. This involves checking the brake pads and discs, as well as the brake fluid level. If the brake pads are worn thin, they need to be replaced.
If the brake fluid is low, this needs to be topped up. It’s also a good idea to have the brakes checked by a mechanic every few months to make sure they are in good working order.
Important Car Maintenance Tips to Remember
Car maintenance is something everyone should know how to do. Basic car maintenance includes things like checking the oil and tires, and more complex maintenance can involve things like changing the brake pads. Understanding these car maintenance tips can save you time and money.
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