Maintaining your vehicle probably isn’t the most exciting thing on your to-do list. For your own safety and financial well-being, however, it is well worth the time and money to perform routine maintenance on your car. We’ve compiled 13 auto maintenance suggestions that should extend the life of your vehicle and delay the need to replace it. Better you check this 13 car maintenance tips..
Money-Saving Advice for Car Maintenance, Part 13
If you have a spare, make sure it’s in good condition
Your spare tire’s air pressure should match that of the other four tires on your car at all times. You definitely don’t want to be getting the jack out of the trunk when you realize your spare tire is flat. Spending a dollar every few months at the air pump to inflate your spare is much more cost-effective than shelling out hundreds for a tow truck when you really need one.
Car Maintenance Tips :
- Each month, you should check the pressure in your car’s driving tires and your spare.
Replace the brake pads
When you apply the brakes, do you hear a squeaking noise? The brake pads may be on their last leg if this is the case. If you hire a professional to replace your axels, you could spend up to $300 per axle. We understand if you find that to be a steep price. On the other hand, this is not a game. It’s not like Fred Flintstone where you can just stop moving forward by stomping your feet. Please take care to avoid collisions. It is imperative that you maintain working brakes.
Car Maintenance Tips :
- The brake fluid should be a clear color, so make sure to check it whenever you change the oil. If that is the case, you should probably get a new braking system as soon as possible.
Do an oil change
How much of a dent can oil changes avoided cause in the bank account? I’d say a lot. Oil affects pretty much everything your car does, so problems with it can be some of the most expensive to fix. As a result, you shouldn’t miss it. Prices range from $45 to $90, including the cost of the oil and filter. You can save yourself the expense of replacing your expensive engine for the price of a family dinner at a pricier fast food restaurant.
Car Maintenance Tips :
- To keep your car running smoothly, it’s recommended that you get an oil change every 5,000 miles.
Make sure your lights (including indicators, brakes, and parking) are working
Getting a car is an expensive proposition, and it may increase your insurance premiums. The lights on your vehicle are also a crucial safety feature. As a result, you will have an easier time seeing and talking to other drivers. Put off buying tickets. Have a safe trip. Check at the light lights.
Car Maintenance Tips :
- Once a month, have a friend help you check the headlights, turn signals, brake lights, and parking lights to make sure they are in good working order.
The battery must be kept clean
Corrosion (which appears as a white or bluish powder on the terminals of your car battery) can form over time (those little metal knobs on top). The battery could crack or stop working altogether if you don’t keep it clean. Since a good car battery can cost over $250 and a tow can cost even more, spending $5 on a wire brush to keep the terminals looking clean is money well spent.
Car Maintenance Tips :
- The battery should be checked for corrosion and tested at least twice a year.
The cabin air filter should be changed
The cabin air filter in your vehicle traps dust and other particles before they can enter the car. Be respectful of your air filter because it serves an essential purpose. Furthermore, major issues with the air conditioner can result from using an old air filter for too long past its expiration date. We know that’s not what you want. The cost of AC maintenance can range from $430 to $521, while the cost of a new unit is typically between $1,319 and $2,515.
Car Maintenance Tips :
- Whether you drive 12,000 miles a year or none at all, you should always replace your cabin air filter.
Replace your old wipers with new ones
New windshield wipers will cost you between $50 and $61, including parts and installation, depending on your car’s model and manufacturer. That may seem like a lot to pay for something so tiny, but this is yet another situation in which safety must come first. Indeed, if visibility is poor, you shouldn’t be behind the wheel. It is not safe in any way. After an accident, the cost of repairs or a new car will far exceed that of a set of windshield wipers.
Car Maintenance Tips :
- Always check sure your windshield wipers are in good working order and replace them every time the seasons change.
Rotate your tires regularly
Did you know that by simply rotating your tires on occasion, you can significantly increase their service life? Absolutely, positively, 100% true! Your car’s tires don’t degrade in exactly the same way. Regular rotation can extend the life of your tires and save you about $187 per tire, or about $748 on a new set of four tires.
Car Maintenance Tips :
- Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, you should rotate your tires.
Check your coolant
Infrequent coolant changes can cause severe corrosion to develop in your car’s interior. That’s gross and harmful to boot. Heating and cooling systems, as well as the radiator and water pump, are all impacted by the coolant. This part of your car’s maintenance is crucial to its overall health, so don’t neglect it.
Car Maintenance Tips :
- Every year, you should check your coolant twice: once before the warm weather and again before the cold weather sets in.
Check the shocks, springs and struts (aka the suspension system)
You probably don’t give much thought to your car’s suspension until it fails to do its job and your ride becomes more bouncy than a trampoline park. Replace all four shocks at once if you find that one of them needs to be fixed. Although unpleasant, it is ultimately beneficial to the life and longevity of your car.
Car Maintenance Tips :
- Every 15,000 – 30,000 miles, you should check the shocks and the rest of the suspension system.
Check your spark plugs
Spark plugs are a common cause of engine problems and a simple solution. In addition, did you know that… The average price of a spark plug is under $10! What a pittance to save yourself the cost of a new engine, which typically begins at around $4,000.
Car Maintenance Tips :
- Once every 30,000 miles, you should check and change the spark plugs.
Belts and hoses need to be checked
Checking your belts and hoses can prevent a costly trip to the mechanic in the future. Damage to other crucial components of your car can be caused by belts that have worn out. And if your radiator hose is particularly frail, it could rupture entirely, leading to overheating and the complete shutdown of your engine. And a car engine’s primary function is to get the vehicle moving.
Car Maintenance Tips :
- Timing belt replacement is recommended every 60,000 miles, while serpentine belt replacement is recommended every 40,000 miles. Hoses should be replaced every four years or sooner if they change signs of wear and tear.
Do the emissions inspection
Your car may need to pass a state emissions inspection if you live in a state or even a county where such an inspection is mandated. If you’ve been keeping up with routine maintenance, your car should have no trouble passing inspection. That said, you should also find out if it doesn’t get a perfect score. The emissions center will give you detailed feedback on where your car fell short, allowing you to make the necessary repairs and get back on the road in perfect condition.
Car Maintenance Tips :
- Keep in mind that yearly inspections of your car are required by law. Check out what is required of you in your state by contacting the DMV.
Conclusion
Carrying out regular checks and maintenance on our vehicles is a very important thing to do, of course we don’t want something bad to happen when we are on the road driving our car. Therefore, carrying out regular maintenance on our vehicles is very important, in order to maintain its performance and delay the level of damage that may occur.
