Car maintenance is one of the things you don’t want to get wrong as this is what will determine how reliable your car will be, and you could increase its lifespan by observing good maintenance practices. There are many things that define car maintenance and learning about the key areas that are likely to need maintenance could help prevent problems. You also need to understand what some signs mean so as to take the right action before the systems of the car are affected.
Here are top things you should know about car maintenance:
Warning lights
Many people don’t like it when their car pops those dash warning lights, which could be indicating a host of problems. When a warning light comes up, it is the diagnostic system of the car that locates a problem and informs you early to fix it. Immediately the light comes on you should get the owner’s manual of the car to see what the code means. Failure to do repairs early could lead to expensive damage, so be careful to observe different warning signs and fix the problem.
Tire Vibration
You can feel vibrations at some speeds if your tire alignment is not correct. If this happens, the first culprit is the alignment of the tires, which in most cases is out-of-balance tires that require replacement. Get the vibration checked and don’t insist on using the car as it could lead to other problems.
Brakes
The brakes of your car must be smooth and work quietly. In case you feel some shuddering or the brakes produce grinding sounds while stopping the car, you should have the system checked as this could indicate worn out pads or some other problems. Have it inspected soonest possible.
Tire Pressure
One of the reasons your tires are wearing out quickly on one side is because of failure to equalize tire pressure in all wheels. Underinflated tires could also wear faster as this leads to more friction. Regularly inspect your tires for pressure level and adjust where necessary.
Engine Oil
The work of engine oil is to offer lubrication and cool internal parts of the engine. In this process, the oil will collect dirt and contaminants, which decreases its ability to function as required. That is why you should check the oil regularly and replace it to ensure the car performs optimally. Check the filter to see if it’s clogged, which could indicate that you need to replace both the filter and the oil. If you don’t understand how to check the quality of oil in the engine, book an appointment with a technician to learn how to do it while also inspecting if your car needs an oil change. You can also check one of our favorite car sites.
Maintaining a car is not a difficult process if you will give it all it needs to run smoothly. Neglect is what will lead to compounding of problems, so make sure to regularly inspect the key areas mentioned above to see that they are running smoothly. You will enjoy owning it if you can give it proper maintenance.
