All posts tagged auto maintenance check

In addition to keeping you and your passengers safe, regular vehicle maintenance and inspections will also prevent expensive breakdowns and a drain on your wallet. Here is a look at some simple maintenance tips that will keep your car running smoothly throughout the years.

Start with the Owner’s Manual

Every driver should be familiar with their owner’s manual, and keep it in their car at all times. If you have lost your manual or one did not come with your car, this information can generally be found online. The owner’s manual will cover all of the maintenance information for that particular vehicle. This includes everything from how often the oil must be changed, to the proper tire pressure. It’s specific to the vehicle making it a valuable resource for you.

Fluids

Even if you are not comfortable changing your car’s fluids or topping them off, you should still know how to properly check them. Owners will need to read the car’s manual in order to see which fluids must be checked with the car on, and which must be checked with the car off. As a general rule, all fluids should be checked at least once a month or every few thousand miles of driving. This includes radiator coolant, oil, brake fluid, and power steering fluid.

Tires

Old or damaged tires are extremely dangerous and must be replaced immediately. Car owners should speak with experts like the Free Service Tire Company about how long their tires will last, but most will need to be replaced every one or two years. When inspecting tires, owners should look for any visible signs of damage such as rot. It is also important to inspect the amount of tread that is left on each tire. In order to increase the longevity of tires, drivers should have them rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.

Brakes

Brakes are slightly more difficult to check, and most owners will want to have this done by a professional. Luckily, there are some safety features implemented in brakes and brake pads that could give you a hint that they are ready to be replaced. Many brake pads will begin to squeak when they have become worn. Depending on your driving style, and the type of brake pads that you have purchased, they can last for anywhere from just a few months to a year or longer.

Properly maintaining your vehicle should be seen as an investment in your safety. All drivers should consult their owner’s manual before getting behind the wheel in order to understand the unique maintenance steps that must be taken for their own vehicle.