It really does pay to keep your car well maintained
THEY say a stitch in time saves nine and when it comes to your car that means saving time, trouble and, perhaps most of all, your precious money.
Not maintaining your vehicle properly will cost you in the end – not just in time and money but also, perhaps, your life.
In order to keep your car running at its best it’s important to keep up with routine maintenance and inspections. By properly maintaining your vehicle you’ll reduce future repair costs, optimize your car’s performance, maintain its value and extend its life.
Oil is essential to your engine. And for most people, changing it every three months or 3,000 miles is the first thing you should do to keep your car in good shape. But sometimes, your oil needs some extra attention. If you tow a trailer, drive in dusty conditions, or frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, you should change your oil more often.
To keep your car running smooth, make sure you have the following engine-related services done regularly: Change the oil. Change the oil filter, air filter and fuel filter.
Check the PCV valve for proper operation.
Check the spark plugs and spark plug wires.
When your brakes need a mechanic’s attention, they give certain warning signals. For example, a low or spongy pedal can mean that there’s air in the hydraulic system. A red brake-warning light that stays on could mean that there’s an imbalance in your hydraulic system. And while some brake noises are normal, chirps, continuous squeals and grinding sounds almost always mean that it’s time for new brake pads or shoes.
But anytime you notice something irregular about your brakes, it’s a good idea to have them checked out.
Your car’s owner’s manual will provide a maintenance schedule designed to keep your brakes in good condition. Following it is the easiest way to avoid expense repairs and the potential for catastrophic brake failure. But at the very least, you should have your brakes inspected every year.
Your transmission makes your car move by bringing power from the engine to the wheels. A regular check-up of the transmission fluid will keep your car shifting smoothly.
Battery maintenance includes keeping the battery clean and secured so it doesn’t vibrate, keeping connections clean and tight at the terminals, and checking the water level (if necessary).
Your emission system does all of this important work while hanging from the bottom of your vehicle – and as you can imagine, it can take a lot of abuse down there. So to keep your car running smoothly, quietly and efficiently, you should have your emission system inspected every year.
Your shocks, springs, struts, steering and tires are all part of your suspension system. They all work together to keep you comfortable and in control on the road.
But sometimes, a problem in one area can be a symptom of a problem in another area. For instance, if you notice that your tyres are wearing unevenly, it may just be your tire pressure. Heavier wear in the middle means the pressure is too high. Heavy wear on the edges means the pressure is too low. But if you notice excessive wear on just one edge, it’s usually a sign that you have an alignment problem that a mechanic should handle.
For that and other symptoms – like steering vibrations or pulling – you should have your steering and suspension systems inspected.
Following a regular maintenance schedule is an important step in keeping your car safe and running for years to come. Consult your owner’s manual or mechanic to see when your car should have its next maintenance check-up.