A sudden mechanical or electrical failure can leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere if you have been skipping car maintenance sessions. People often skip them to evade maintenance charges, but little do they know; prevention is better than cure. If you want your car to keep running smoothly indefinitely, then follow the tips we’ve mentioned here.
Replace the Air Filter
An air filter may look insignificant little component, but it plays a vital role in prolonging your car’s engine lifetime. It acts as a last line of defense against fine dust particles, debris, and flying projectiles in the engine component.
On the other hand, a clogged filter impedes the normal flow of air inside the engine, thereby forcing it to work harder. As a result, the engine may utilize more fuel, reducing the efficiency to a great extent. Regular examinations can prevent such complications. Plus, the replacement doesn’t cost much — a standard paper filter can be bought for $20 only.
Don’t Forget to Lubricate
The squeaky noise the car’s door or the hardened latches make can be pretty irritating. Lubricating them not only eliminates the noise but also save the doors from getting corroded. You should go for graphite lubricant, white lithium grease, and silicon spray, as they are best for such purposes. Waxing and caring for the exterior are important , be sure to use the best car wax money can buy . Also read review on exterior car care
Check the Tires’ Pressure
Both under-inflammation and over-inflammation lead to the uneven weight distribution of the vehicle. The car loses stability, and the steering becomes difficult for the driver. Such circumstances are one of the main causes of on-road hazards. Regular check-ups could prevent from ever happening and even save passengers’ lives.
You don’t have to check it every day, just a quick examination every two weeks would be fine. You can purchase portable analog units that allow the drivers to check the pressure anytime and anywhere. We bet; it would be something worth your investment. If you have a broken down vehicle scrap car removal that no longer is being used consider selling it for scrap like cash for cars
Replace the Serpentine Belt
The air conditioner, power steering, and alternator are connected with the engine through the serpentine belt. Without it, none of those above features would work. Imagine you are out in the summer heat, and suddenly the belt breaks and the AC stops working. You are left out in the scorching sun, which would be nothing but torment.
If you do not want this to be your fate, replace the worn-out serpentine belt. The replacement doesn’t need professional experience or special tools. Anybody can accomplish it within a few minutes.
Brakes Maintenance
This maintenance chore is an essential factor in increasing the lifetime of your vehicle. People who want to save a couple of bucks should repair the brakes themselves. It may be tricky, but you will get the hang of it eventually. If it seems like an impossible task, you should schedule an appointment with your technician rather than skipping it.
Give it an inspection every 12000 miles of a run, but remember this is just a thumb rule. The more often you check, the better. Also, don’t forget to change the brake fluid along with it.
Avoid Storing Heavy Objects
Overloading your vehicle with heavy objects puts immense strain on the tires and the suspension system. The tires would wear out fast, and the cars would have to work harder. Unless you have a truck or a big loader vehicle, it isn’t appropriate to overload your car.
Moreover, if you are keeping the heavy objects anywhere but the center, the center of gravity will be shifted. It simply means the steering and handling of the vehicle would be much more difficult. Plus, if the heavy object is present on the heightened surface, the risk of tripping over increases.
Keep the Acceleration Gentle
When you speed, it puts a strain on the engine, whereas slow acceleration is kinder to the engine and the overall health of the vehicle. Also, speeding leads to harsh braking, turning, and steering, which takes a great toll on the tires. In worst-case scenarios, the tires can even burst under high stress. Therefore, such acts would not only put the passengers at greater risk but also increase the overall maintenance cost — you would have to repair the brakes and replace the tires and the fluid more often.
Check All the Fluids
Normal functioning fluids in the vehicle like engine oil and brake fluid ensures longevity. Keep checking them to make sure your car runs smoothly. In case any of them needs replacement, do it yourself as it doesn’t require any special skills. Here’s what fluids you must check and how to change them:
Engine Oil:
As the engine parts spin continuously, the oil minimizes the friction for a smoothing running process. To check it, turn the engine off and wait for at least ten minutes. Let the fluid settle and cool down a bit. Remove the dipstick and clean it using a towel. Insert it again to find out the level of oil inside the container and go for a refill if needed.
Moreover, If the oil appears dark or has lumps, it is an indication that the engine oil has worn out. So, consider replacing all of the oil with fresh liquid.
Power Steering Fluid:
The pressurized fluid keeps the maneuvering as effortless as possible. To keep it working properly, you need to replace it just like other fluids in your car. The process is simple — look for a dipstick and use the indicator to find the fluid’s level. Refill it if it seems slower than it is supposed to be.
Coolant:
A car radiates a good deal of heat, and coolant is what used to counter it. The process replacing this liquid varies, so look for your car’s manual or ask a professional.
Brake Fluid:
Like other fluids, the brake fluid level also reduces over time. You can check it using the indicators mentioned above. If the level is below the minimum indication, replace the fluid for maximum performance.
Conclusion
The maintenance trips to the mechanic become increasingly expensive if the owner of the car neglects regular inspections. If you want your car to keep running smoothly for a long time, start scheduling above mentioned repairs and maintenance sessions. Hopefully, it will enhance your vehicle’s performance and functionality.