In practical terms, many people don't give serious considerations to preventative maintenance. Like them, you may also urge to hold on to your hard earned money. Preventative maintenance doesn't cost a huge amount. It rather will pay you off in the long run by preventing the more expensive payments down the road. The same goes for car maintenance. Getting your car to the best car service in North York may cost you some amount but as said before preventative maintenance is a must to keep your vehicle healthy. So, what exactly are all things you should keep an eye on to keep your car healthy for a long span of time?
Owner's Manual
The most important equipment a car has is the user's manual. It covers all the specific information about your car. Any kind of query you may have, whether about fuel, tire chains, engine oil, etc., the answers you will get within the manual pages. Go through the manual thoroughly and become acquainted with it.
Tire Pressure
Tire Pressure is a serious issue but still taken too lightly. Underinflated tires, i.e. flat tires, fade away faster than that of the inflated ones. Poor tire pressure also results in poor gas mileage. Therefore, it is suggestible to stay ensured that your car tires are not overinflated. Overinflated tires are risky of getting blown out. And, this is not something you would want to experience in the middle of your journey. Your car tires should be accurately inflated. For this reason, keep checking your tires - at least once a month or sooner if possible. A tire pressure gauge is the best and reliable option to buy for getting exact data about the tire's condition.
Tires Rotation
Rotate the car tires periodically. Rotation here means switching them from right to left or left to right. Take each one of them out and fix them again but on the other side of your car. This is important to maintain the even treat wear and extend the lifespan of your tires.
Engine Oil
A regular oil change is another important task to keep your car healthy for a long span of time. But, how often should you do this? Well, the answer depends on the model and manufacturer of your car. As suggested above, the owner's manual is the best option to check how often you should change the car oil. The Oil change is usually recommended every six months or after every 5000 to 6000 miles. If you spend a lot of time in heavy traffic on a daily basis or other conditions of tough driving means you are suggested to take your car to a reputable repairer sooner than the estimated time and miles mentioned above. Checking oil regularly is also a good idea to spot if there is any problem or if any issue might appear in the near future, like slow leaks that can reduce the oil level.
Windshield Wipers
If the wiper is leaving blurriness on the windshield get it replaced. The windshield should be crystal clear while driving. Wipers replacing is not at all an important task but for safe driving it is essential. Poorly functioning wipers are not advisable for safety purpose. Wipers change are the easiest and inexpensive task to carry out.
Good Driving Habit
Sound driving habit doesn't need any mechanical knowledge but is important to minimize the risk factor. For example, slowing down the car as you come near the road bumps! You may not know that your car and its components sustain more wear if running at high speed. This can, sooner than later, cause premature aging of your car mechanism.
Timing Belt
Sudden failure in the timing belt can demand serious repairs. Not only the belt, but you may also need to repair other components damaged due to the faulty belt. You can prevent the risk of big repairs by getting the belt checked periodically and replacing them after every fifty to sixty thousand miles.
Engine's Air Filter
The maintenance schedule hugely depends on the manufacturer's recommendation. Your owner's manual will explain to you the exact time when you should get your car's engine air filter checked. Harsh driving conditions can quickly block the air filter. In such a situation, get it replaced before the scheduled time.
Engine Coolant
A car engine can melt while in use owing to the excessive heat. Engine coolant is the fluid that can prevent the meltdown. The most important thing you need to keep a regular check on is the leak. It drains your engine coolant slowly and your temperature gauge quickly turns red. Check the reservoir and radiator cap. Make sure there is an adequate amount of coolant present. While inspecting, ensure that you are not laying your hands on the engine while it is still hot. The fluid if hot can scald you badly.
Battery
A dead car battery is of not fun. Many auto mechanics offer reasonably priced battery testing service. Taking your car to one of them is the best way to spot battery issues before you get stranded in the middle of nowhere and pay high for a tow truck. In general, car batteries are as recommended to be changed after every four to five years. Is your car in this age range? If yes, it's time to get the battery checked and purchase a new one.
In summary, just like we do all possible things to keep ourselves in good health, the concept applies to our car as well. Keeping it in the best condition possible is very important to make sure you don't get stuck in a midway. It usually appears painful to research the best " car repair near me " option and pay a considerable amount of time and money for the repairs. But, to maintain the value of your car and avoid overpriced repairs, it is important to follow the steps treated above.
