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Basic Car Maintenance Tips
By Paul Coles
If you want your car to serve you well for a long time and save money on your car costs especially during tough times, then you might want to consider learning a few basic car maintenance skills. You'll be amazed how easy these car maintenance tips are and how much time and energy they save.
Moreover, you'll also maximize the amount you receive when you decide to sell your car. Let's take a look at some areas where you can save real money when running your car:
Battery
Car batteries usually last 3 to 4 years. One tell-
Tires
Tires are an integral part of your car maintenance checklist. Always check
the air pressure in your tires at least once a month, if not every couple of weeks.
Do this when your tires are cold. To find out how much air you should have in your
tires (PSI), check your owner's manual or sticker inside the driver's side door of
your car.
As for tire rotation, it's normally recommended that you rotate your tires every 6,000 miles. If your car tends to veer to one side while driving or your tires have uneven wear, it may be time for an alignment.
As for when to replace tires, many tires have an indicator bar to let you know when the tread is low. You can also do the penny test. Put a penny inside one of the tread grooves. Make sure that Lincoln's head is upside down and facing you. If you can see the top of his head, you know it's time for new tires.
Engine Oil
One of the most important car maintenance tips to follow is checking and
changing your engine oil. You should get an oil change every 3,000 miles (or 3 to
6 months). This will help keep your car engine running properly and extend the life
of your car.
To check engine oil, make sure the car is parked on level ground and the engine is cold. With some cars, it's recommended that the oil be checked after the engine has been warmed up. With the engine of open the hood of your car, pull the dipstick out from the engine and wipe any oil off from its end with a cloth or paper towel.
Then insert the dipstick back into its tube and push it all the way back in. Pull the dipstick back out and check the level indicator on the stick to see if you need to add more oil. If the oil on the dipstick appears to be black in color, it may be time for an oil change. If you add your own engine oil, be careful not to overfill it, because too much can cause severe engine problems.
Transmission Fluid
Have transmission fluid and filter changed every 30,000 miles.
To check the level of your transmission fluid, make sure your car is parked on a
flat surface. With the engine running, locate the ATF (automatic transmission fluid)
dipstick and pull it out. Wipe it clean and put it back in place. Remove it again
and check the indicator level markings at the tip of the dipstick. If below the full
mark, you will need to add more transmission fluid.
Engine Coolant
Engine coolant or antifreeze should be replaced every 30,000 miles
(or about 2 to 3 years). Some newer formulations of antifreeze, however, may last
up to 50,000 miles. To check the level of engine coolant, make sure your car is off
and the engine is cool. Locate the coolant reservoir (usually a clear plastic tank)
and check the level of the coolant against the full and low indicators.
Power Steering Fluid
As a general rule of thumb in basic car maintenance, power steering
fluid should be changed every three years or 50,000 miles. Normally, power steering
fluid levels should not run low. If they do, this could indicate a leak and you will
need to schedule an appointment with your mechanic.
To check the level of your fluid, locate the power steering reservoir (usually marked as such and may be a round shape). If you have a clear reservoir, you can check the fluid level against the full and low indicators marked on the reservoir. For other types, you will most likely have a dipstick indicator that you can check.
Brakes and Brake Fluid
Many mechanics recommend flushing the break fluid every 30,000
miles, or anytime a brake job is performed.
As for your brakes, it's hard to say exactly when brakes may need to be replaced because it will vary due to the way your car is driven. Generally, front brakes are the first to wear out because they handle most of the braking load. If you're experiencing problems such as noise, vibration or grabbing when you apply pressure to your bakes, it's time for a brake job.
Air Filter
In basic car maintenance, you also need to pay attention to your air filter.
A good guideline to follow is to change your air filter roughly once a year, or approximately
every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. A clean air filter can help improve your car's gas
mileage and emissions.
Fuel Filter
Basic car care guidelines recommend that you replace your fuel filter
once a year for preventative maintenance. By doing so, you can help prevent rust
and debris from entering and clogging your car's fuel tank.
Windshield Wipers and Wiper Fluid
Windshield wipers are often one of the most neglected
parts of basic car maintenance. Environmental factors can cause the rubber to deteriorate.
You should replace wiper blades every 6 to 12 months. Also be sure to check the level
of your wiper fluid periodically and add more to the reservoir when it's running
low.
Headlights and Brake Lights
Have someone inspect your car from the outside as you
test your headlights and brake lights to ensure any bulbs have not burned out. Mechanics
will usually check these when you bring your car in for an oil change.
Waxing
Another important car maintenance tip is waxing. Applying a coat of wax to
your car twice a year will help protect your paint and prevent your car from rusting.
This kind of protection will also keep your car looking newer and may help to increase
its resale value.
Need Extra Space in Your Garage?
Learn how to organize a garage and create additional space so that everything is visible and reachable.
Simple car maintenance which you can do to get your vehicle ready for winter.
Easy guide to change your car's oil and filter yourself to reduce engine wear and prolong engine life.
How to Tell a Flood Damaged Car
Learn how to check flood damaged cars and avoid the problems that come with them.