Many car owners know that vehicle service can increase safety and save mechanical repair costs. However, some delay vehicle maintenance to save money or due to busy schedules. Others put off vehicle maintenance until the car has significant mechanical issues that need urgent intervention. Unfortunately, those who don’t take good care of their vehicles and seek regular maintenance spend more on repairs. Advanced vehicle repairs and replacement of faulty parts can eat into savings. Therefore, vehicle owners should take the following measures to keep their vehicles in tip-top condition and use them for as long as possible.
Regular Oil Change
Skipping oil changes is a terrible mistake that can lead to severe mechanical issues. Problems start when dirt and chemicals left over by combustion build up in the oil. With time, this dirt may find its way into the engine, causing damage that affects the vehicle’s performance. Some engine issues are repairable, but significant damage or excessively worn-out parts may not perform optimally even after repairs. In this case, the car owner has to buy a new engine to keep their vehicle.
Drivers should change the engine oil as the user manual recommends to avoid costly repairs or replacements. This will keep different engine components performing optimally and reduce the risk of premature wear out. Vehicle owners can use this car maintenance app to monitor engine oil levels and other essential vehicle fluids. A good app alerts the motorist about oil changes and other maintenance practices.
Battery Maintenance
Battery problems can cause power interruptions that can affect the vehicle’s performance or make it fail to start. A dead battery can cause disruptions to daily lives or lead to unexpected expenses on tow or dial battery services. However, car owners can avoid these expenses by checking car batteries regularly and observing maintenance practices. The battery terminals should always be clean to prevent corrosion that can cause power interruptions when driving. They should also ensure that batteries are correctly fastened to avoid vibration-related problems.
Brake Maintenance
Brake failure can cause fatal crashes, and nobody wants to risk their life. Auto collisions can also cause severe wreckage, forcing owners to spend large sums on repairs or acquiring a new car. Therefore, drivers need to take their vehicles for brake maintenance regularly. They should pay attention to early warning signs indicating their brakes could be on their last leg and seek timely services.
Some signs to look out for include squawking when hitting the brake, a brake light indicator on the dashboard, and a vehicle wobbling when braking. Leaking fluids, spongy or soft brakes, burning smells, and a car pulling to one side might indicate it is time for repairs. Taking the vehicle for repairs immediately after noticing these signs ensures the mechanics replace worn parts before they pose a threat.
Spare Tire Maintenance
Some drivers spend hours on the road waiting for the towing service team and incur significant expenses on towing when they get a flat tire because the spare tire is flat, too. To avoid such inconveniences, drivers should ensure that they have an inflated spare tire before hitting the road. They should also test the pressure of their tires and the spare wheel at least once a week and inflate them if necessary. This routine maintenance can save time and money and help ensure safer driving.
Cabin Air Filter Maintenance
Servicing and replacing AC systems can be expensive. Therefore, vehicle owners need to do everything possible to prevent air pollutants from coming in through the vents and other issues that can affect the performance of their AC. Cabin air filter replacement can prevent air conditioning issues that need costly repairs or replacements. Additionally, replacing the cabin air filter annually or as the manufacturer recommends will keep the air conditioning unit in tip-top condition and improve the air quality in the cabin.
Suspension System Maintenance
Suspension is one of the vehicle systems that some drivers don’t think about when planning maintenance. However, the functionality of this intricate system is essential for safe driving and overall stability. Therefore, drivers should take the car for repairs when the shocks stop working. as expected. They should also regularly inspect their shocks and complete suspension systems for signs of damage or cracks. These proactive measures can prevent further damage, enhance vehicle performance, and ensure a smoother and safer ride.
Tire Rotation
Tire rotation can extend the useful life of the tires, saving money that would otherwise go to regular repairs or replacements. An auto technician can rotate tires, ensuring wear is spread evenly across all tires. This simple maintenance practice can improve the longevity of the tires and safety when driving.
Coolant Maintenance
Vehicle owners who ignore cooling system maintenance risk expensive repairs, including buying a new radiator and engine parts. When the coolant is low or the cooling system leaks, the engine overheats and might develop internal wear that could damage many components. Overheating takes a toll on essential engine parts. Therefore, vehicle owners should never skip cooling system inspections. They should also check the coolant levels and top up the fluid when needed.
Windshield Wipers Replacement
Safety is a priority every time a driver is on the road. Therefore, car owners must do everything possible to ensure that they have a safe drive and don’t endanger the lives of other road users. A great way to enhance safety is by changing windshield wipers when necessary. This will ensure clear visibility during adverse weather conditions and reduce the risk of collision. Better visibility also contributes to a safer driving environment for everyone.
Lights Maintenance
Lights are essential for visibility and communication among drivers. They enable motorists to see vehicles in front of them even in the most limited visibility. Brake and turn lights also signal when drivers intend to change lanes or turn and when a driver has engaged the brakes. These lights must be in good working order to prevent accidents when driving. Therefore, vehicle owners should inspect and maintain them regularly to avoid confusing other road users.
Vehicle owners should always visit a repair shop before the car breaks down due to mechanical issues. Postponing repairs could lead to extensive damage to many components, increasing repair costs. Therefore, motorists should apply these ten evergreen maintenance tips to prevent severe mechanical problems and cut maintenance expenses.
