5 Essential Vehicle Routine Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance of the vehicle will avoid potential costly malfunctions and extend the life of your vehicle. You can perform the basic routine maintenance of the vehicle yourself by following a regular schedule as described in the Owner’s Manual.
Correct maintenance of your vehicle is the solution to keep it in top condition. It can also help ensure your safety and the safety of your family/passengers and other drivers on the road. We have created a very comprehensive car maintenance checklist to help you keep your vehicle in optimum condition.
Timely Oil Change
Oil is just like blood in your vehicle’s heart (engine). It acts as a lubricant, preventing important engine parts from rubbing against each other and damaging the engine. Engine oil that is not changed regularly can damage the engine, as the accumulated pollutants cause friction and rubbing of parts. What kind of oil should be used, be it conventional or synthetic? Synthetic oil costs twice as compare to the price of convention or semi-synthetic oils but also lasts twice as long as conventional motor oils with its superior formula that resists degradation in extreme temperature environments.
Instead of requiring an oil change every 3 months, many drivers can extend this maintenance schedule up to 5 or 6 months, reducing the amount of oil and oil filters that must be recycled each year. Should you stick to one on top of the other? It is noted that as long as the oil meets the viscosity and service requirements set in the owner’s manual, you can change as often as you like.
Take Care of Your Tires
Tires are the most important part of a vehicle. If we say that tires keep your car running on any surface, it will not be wrong. Tires are made to tolerate heavy loads, extreme braking and speed, harsh weather, and also rough terrains. But the endurance of your tires depends on the proper care that owners provide.
The best way to keep your tires in good shape and to make them last longer there are a few things that you can do. Keep the tires properly inflated, give special attention to seasonal changes, and rotate them regularly as specified by the manufacturer. Proper vehicle alignment is also necessary for the longer use of tires. Use a quality tire sealant, if your tire got puncher, repair it as soon as possible otherwise it will damage your tire. Doing so will ensure that you get the maximum life out of each tire without rough early wear becoming an issue.
Keep Your Brakes in Good Condition
If you are traveling at 90 miles per hour and you want to reduce your speed or want to stop your car at once, you will have to apply the brakes. Good brakes can play a vital role in case of any emergency. To keep your brakes in excellent form and to make them work properly at any time of need, you should do a complete check on the brakes.
To increase the life of brake pads or shoes, apply brakes properly, don’t do insensitive braking, if your braking is too much then changing your brake pad after every interval specified by the manufacturer. Take your vehicle to a professional mechanic and ask him to check the rotors and calipers.
Drivers who accelerate and brake harshly not just waste gasoline and increase emissions from their cars, but they also ruin the brakes more quickly which is just a waste of money. By allowing your vehicle to stop gradually, you should time the moment you release the throttle or lower the manual transmission, this way you can reduce brake wear significantly. Your driving style also impacts directly on your brakes and tires.
The Battery Maintenance
Your car’s electrical components need electricity to keep working. This electricity is provided by the battery. A battery should last several years without problems, but if not properly cared for, its life can be greatly shortened. The appropriate care for your car battery should include cleaning and proper charging. If it’s a dry battery, keep it well charged by driving and if it’s a liquid battery, checks its water.
You should also resist the temptation to use accessories like high voltage stereo systems for long periods without running the engine. If possible, check battery water levels regularly, and if you do not drive for long periods, disconnect the battery or keep the battery healthy by starting your vehicle for some time or use a solar charger.
Change Your Windshield Wipers
Having high-quality windshield wipers helps drives to be safe on road. When rain, snow, and dirt splashes onto your windshield and your vision become blurry or sometimes even blocked and you can seriously endanger yourself and other drivers too. Not to mention, all this dirt and debris become irritating and makes you lose focus as well.
That is why it’s important to update your windshield wipers from time to time to ensure safer and more enjoyable tours. Keeping wipers fresh and in good condition will ensure that you don’t end up with a blurry vision. Professional mechanics recommend replacing the windshield wipers at routine maintenance.