All posts tagged maintain auto

Car Maintenance: How To Make It As Cheap As Possible

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/12/26 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off on Car Maintenance: How To Make It As Cheap As Possible

One of the most important details you can cultivate on to keep your car in good condition while still saving money is familiarizing yourself with your owner’s manual. This is where you find information on the most appropriate size for the wiper blades, fluid levels, and tire sizes, among others. Maintaining your car trickles down to far less finances that could have otherwise been hefty on repairs. So, how should you make your car maintenance as cheap as possible?

Watch Fluid Levels

Your car has a unique maintenance schedule. The schedule impacts the safety and performance of your car. The easiest and cheapest way to maintain your car is by checking your fluid levels regularly. Ensure that there are correct oil levels, antifreeze, power steering fluid, brakes fluid, wiper fluid, and transmission fluid. You do not need a mechanic to ascertain this. If you wait to see the light on your dash, it might be too late and you may use tons of money on repairs.

Change Your Oil

Did you know that engines have significantly changed in the last few decades? Well, as the changes keep coming, the shorter the time required to change the oil. Normally, the average intervals of oil change should fall between three to five thousand miles. There are elements which can help in determining when the oil should be changed. For instance, conventional oil is known to have a shorter lifespan than the synthetic oil. Synthetic oil is said to reduce the consumption of fuel and carbon emissions.

Examine Your Air Filter

You don’t need mechanical knowledge to replace your air filter. Check if there is any debris or dirt in the filter. The presence of dirt and debris not only leads to high fuel consumption but also results in the dropping of your mileage by more than 10 percent. The filter is designed to prevent dust and debris from penetrating the engine cylinders.

When the filter is not replaced as indicated, there may be severe damage in the engine. A visual inspection should either reveal a darkened air filter or one filled with debris. Most manufacturers recommend changing the air filter every 12000 to 15000 miles no matter the condition of the filter. Closely examine your manual to get guidelines on how to change the filter and also get the right numbers for it.

There are many factors to consider to make maintenance as cheap as possible. You can even look into places like U Pull & Pay for help with maintenance and finding parts. By doing that you can save a lot of money and a lot of time. This is especially useful if you feel confident in your mechanic abilities. Just make sure that you are always taking the time to find the best possible and cheap ways to take care of your car.

Keeping it Up: Six Habits to Maintaining Your Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/17 in Brakes with Comments Off on Keeping it Up: Six Habits to Maintaining Your Car

Besides car washes and quality gas, it’s important to practice a few other steps to increase the longevity of your vehicle. It will not only lead to less mechanical issues, but can also increase the overall value of the car. Use these habits of maintaining your car for better performance value.

Replace the Fluids

Check the transmission fluid with the engine running and replace it every 100,000 miles or when the oil becomes murky or dark. The brake fluid, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid should also be checked at the same time and replaced when low. You can find all these liquids at your local auto parts store. Consult your owner’s manual or sales associate to make sure you get the best product for your particular vehicle.

Change the Oil

Change the car’s oil every 3,000 to 3,500 miles to maintain a clean and efficient transmission. The oil is often considered the blood of the vehicle, making it important to refill if the level drops below the line on the dipstick. You can change the oil yourself with proper instruction, or take it to the mechanic for oil change and tune up.

Detail the Vehicle

The interior of the vehicle should be maintained with frequent cleaning and vacuuming once a week. Both the interior and exterior should be detailed once a year to remove minor scratches, stains, and grime that has built up with use. The nicer your car looks, the easier it will sell.

Replace the Brakes

To maximize your brakes’ efficiency, have them replaced by a professional once they begin to wear or squeak. The brakes should be checked at least once a month to prevent them from failing. If you start to hear strange squeaking or grinding noises, or have to stop farther back, it is time for the breaks to be inspected.

Check the Tire Pressure

Check the tire pressure once a week with a tire gauge when it’s cold outside to prevent heat expansion with the air. Look in the owner’s manual for the recommended PSI that is specific to the vehicle. If you’re tires are low, you can typically fill them with air at your local gas station. If your tires are regularly low, there may be a leak that needs repair.

Replace the Air Filter

Replacing the engine’s air filter is crucial to protecting the engine from debris, while also providing enough oxygen. Inspect the air filter every few months and replace it when it begins to look clogged to ensure it still works to efficiently catch bugs and leaves that get close to the engine.

With some extra TLC, it’s possible to extend the life of your car and improve the overall condition. By staying up-to-date on the fluids and checking the tire pressure, it’s possible to ensure a smooth ride and get more out of your car for a clean and efficient vehicle.

Information credited to Honda Barn Hampshire Honda service.