5 Things Every Car Owner Should Maintain
There is a lot to consider when it comes to the maintenance of cars, however, the most expensive parts of the car lay under the front hood. This includes, engine, radiator, alternator etc. Maintaining these parts will keep the car’s performance good and it will increase the life span of your car.
Here are 5 things you can do to maintain your car
1. Toping Up Your Engine Oil
Topping up the engine oil of your car regularly is one of the essential things to do for maintaining your car’s performance. Oil helps to lubricate the moving parts in your engine and reduce friction, which can help extend the life of your engine. Oil also helps to keep dirt and grime from building up in your engine, which can lead to expensive repairs if left unchecked.
2. Check Your Engine Oil Levels
Oil lubricates the engine, and it keeps your engine running smoothly. If your car’s oil is below the maximum level, you risk damaging your engine. The oil level should be checked monthly to make sure that it doesn’t get low. When you check the oil, if you find that it’s low, add some more as soon as possible. If you’re not able to do it right then, write down the date and amount of oil used so you can keep track of when you must add more or take your car in for a service.
3. Always Check Your Fluids
Brake Fluid – Brakes can be quite expensive; however, they can last much longer if you keep your brake fluid topped up every now and then. The best way to check your brake fluid is with a dipstick that can be found under your car next to the area where you normally fill up with fuel.
Windscreen Wiper Fluid – Windscreen wipers might seem like a minor detail, but it is surprising how many people overlook them. It is also surprising how much windscreen wipers cost when you need to replace them. Flush your wiper fluid once every month or so using distilled water and make sure it is topped up if the level has dropped at all.
Coolant – Your coolant (or antifreeze) keeps your engine cool by circulating around certain parts of the car. When this isn’t replaced, or it has run out, it overheats your car’s engine which can cause serious problems to you and your car.
4. Check Your Tyre Pressure
If your tires are under inflated, they will wear out faster and reduce fuel efficiency. Under inflated tires also affect cornering and braking capabilities. You should check the pressure once a month or every 3,000 miles, depending on how often you drive your vehicle. It’s important to keep in mind that tires lose about 1 PSI per month when they aren’t in use, so if you drive your car every day then consider checking the pressure more often than once a month.
5. Check Your Tires Tread Regularly
Tires are designed to operate in a narrow range of tread depths – anything outside this range will affect your safety, comfort and fuel efficiency. If you have less than 1.6mm tread depth across the central three-quarters of your tires width and above, it’s time for a new set. The best way to check your tread is by measuring it with metric tape measure (to get an accurate measurement, drive on a flat surface before measuring). This will ensure you’re driving with the maximum safe amount of tread on your tires.
For help with any of the above, call Ace Mechanix today and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have or simply drive in and see us. Rest assured we will take care of your vehicle not only helping you on the day with a full checkup, but also saving you money in the long run due to a well-maintained car.
