10 Essential Vehicle Maintenance Tips for Ensuring Your Car Runs Like a Charm
Caring for your car shouldn’t be so hard! In a 2021 survey, 92% of car owners admitted that they put off vehicle maintenance longer than they should. Delaying car maintenance results in drivers spending nearly $1,200 more on repairs over time.
Many people put off maintenance because they assume it’s difficult, but in reality, you only need to perform a few steps every season. Here are ten essential vehicle maintenance tips that require little money or time.
1. Wash Your Car
Even small amounts of dirt and grime can scratch the paint off your car and corrode your suspension and undercarriage. You should wash your car at least once a month using a water hose, detergent, and microfiber towels. If you notice insects or bird droppings, you should use a bug-and-tar remover approved for cars.
Waxing your car will make your car look cleaner and protect the exterior from harm. You can wax your vehicle by cleaning it, then using an applicator pad to apply carnauba wax. When you’re done waxing your car, clean your floor mats using a carpet cleaner.
2. Remove Unused Items
Heavy items can reduce your fuel economy and put stress on your tires. You can keep an emergency kit in your trunk or glovebox, but remove anything else you don’t need, including spare seats.
When you are carrying bulky or heavy items, distribute the weight as evenly as possible. You can fold back seats down and then lay the items over them.
3. Check Your Fluid Levels
After one month of driving and before any major road trip, you should check your fluid levels. Do not rely on your dashboard, as indicators may be broken and you may need to top your fluids off.
Open the hood of your car and check your engine oil and coolant levels. Step to the driver’s side of your car and look at your brake fluid reservoir and the power steering fluid reservoir. If your fluids look discolored, you must drain your reservoirs before adding new fluids in.
4. Change Your Engine Oil
Oil changes prevent sludge from building up in your engine and allow your car to remain running on cold days. You should change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, though you should check your owner’s manual to see if your manufacturer has a recommendation.
You can change your oil by yourself by replacing your oil filter and filling your engine with a funnel. However, if you’re experiencing signs of vehicle problems, you can take your car to a Killeen mechanic for assistance. They can change your oil and remove any sludge or debris left in your engine.
5. Fix Your Headlights
You should also check your headlights at least once a month. If you notice that the light coming from your headlights is less clear or has a tinge, you must clean your headlights immediately.
Some auto repair stores sell formal headlight cleaners, but you can use a mixture of toothpaste and baking soda to remove grime on your headlights. Mix the two together and then apply it to your headlights using a soft-bristled brush, swiping it in circular motions to avoid scratching your lights.