The last thing any driver needs while on the road is to notice an odd sound and have the dreadful realization that the car you are driving is about to break down. Preventative maintenance is essential to keeping your car running smoothly and avoiding costly repairs. By performing regular safety checks on your vehicle and following a scheduled maintenance plan, typically that which is outlined by the manufacturer of your vehicle, you can extend the life of your car and ensure your safety. Follow each of the below tips to stay safe on the road.

Take Care of Regular Inspections

The first and arguably most important part of preventative maintenance is performing regular checks under the hood. In particular, you should focus on the following areas and tasks:

Top-Off Fluid Levels: Check the levels of your engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid, and battery electrolyte. If they are due for a top-off, purchase the necessary fluid as outlined in your owner’s manual. 

Check Tire Pressure: Maintain proper tire pressure to ensure optimal performance and fuel efficiency. Use a tire gauge to check the pressure when your tires are cold or visit a gas station to utilize their reader.

Ensure Lights are Working: Inspect your headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and interior lights to ensure they are functioning properly, typically every season. 

Inspect Belts and Hoses: Check for cracks, fraying, or leaks in your belts and hoses. These components play a crucial role in your car’s engine and cooling systems.

The above inspection items are a great starting point, but every car is different. Therefore, you should always refer to your owner’s manual for any specific tasks that your vehicle needs to have taken care of regularly. 

Schedule Regular Maintenance

Checking under the hood of your car yourself will only do so much. To truly prevent serious breakdowns from occurring, you need to take your vehicle to a repair and tune shop such as PPF Eaglewood C, or the dealership where you got your car. Some common maintenance tasks that should be handled on a somewhat regular basis include: 

Oil Changes: Regular oil changes are essential for lubricating your engine and preventing wear and tear. You should aim to replace your oil every 3-to-6 months depending on your vehicle. 

Tire Rotations: Rotating your tires helps ensure even wear and extends their lifespan and it is recommended to request this maintenance every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. 

Brake Inspections: Have your brakes inspected regularly to check for wear and tear; if you notice noise, vibration, or a spongy brake pedal while driving then take your vehicle in immediately for a check-up.

Tune-Ups: A tune-up typically includes replacing spark plugs, wires, and filters, but different repair shops and dealerships will include different services so speak with a technician to see what needs to be done.

Advanced Maintenance Tips for Your Vehicle

All of the above tips will help to keep your vehicle out of the repair shop for as long as possible, but there are more ways to reduce the likelihood of vehicle issues. Unfortunately, these bonus tips will likely cost more money than regular maintenance so it’s best to handle them when you have extra discretionary income to go around. 

The first extra tip is to get your transmission services to ensure your vehicle can shift gears smoothly and efficiently on the road. In addition to this, you should also periodically get your fuel system flushed out. Over time, deposits can build up in the fuel system of your vehicle and impact the fuel efficiency, thus reducing engine performance over time. A good rule of thumb is to take care of a fuel system cleaning once a year to optimize performance. 

Also, be sure to replace the cabin air filter at least once a year to improve the air quality in your car and reduce allergens in the air. For those with hay fever, doing this right before the spring is a great strategy. You should also take your vehicle in for a car wash regularly to remove accumulated dirt and grime that may damage the paint over time, and even go so far as to store your vehicle away in a garage or put a cover on it if you don’t intend to use it for a while. 

Protect your vehicle for years to come

There’s no reason to be reactive with your vehicle when you can be proactive. This will save you both time and money in the long run, despite being energy-intensive upfront. Utilize all of the above preventative maintenance tips to keep your car in working order so that you can stay safe on the road all while keeping money in your wallet by avoiding costly repairs. 

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