10 Essential Car Maintenance and Repair Tips You Need to Know Now
by Mashum Mollah Automotive Published on: 11 June 2020 Last Updated on: 03 November 2021
Your car requires proper and regular maintenance and checking. But I know how confusing it can get wondering what parts you need to have checked when to have it inspected, and how you can do it on your own!
All the above-mentioned things can get overwhelming. This is one reason why many car owners prefer to get in touch with experts at auto repair campbell ca. With decades worth of experience in the field of automobile servicing, repairing and maintenance, they can help maintain your car in the best possible fashion.
Because of that, I compiled a helpful list of tips to maintain and repair your car well. Read on!
Car Maintenance and Repair Tips
1. Your Oil
You need to think of your car’s oil as human blood. In the same way that blood needs to be carried to the different parts of the body for it to be healthy, the oil needs to flow through a car’s engine to ensure it is working in proper order. You need to get your vehicle’s oil changed at regular intervals by trained and experienced experts. This is because there are several issues and areas that need to be addressed when it comes to getting an oil change. A small mistake in this regard might cost you a lot of money. With this in mind, reaching out to a local automobile expert can ensure that your vehicle is running at its best capacity. For instance, if you are based in California, researching online for an automobile expert that can carry out an oil change in Sacramento can help you to track down a local professional.
With new car models, you’ll need to change your car oil every 12,000 to 15,000 kilometers driven. Besides oil and oil filter changes, you also need to keep the oil clean, following these tips:
- For new cars, you can trust its oil-life monitor to know when it’s time to change the oil or to refer to your car user manual
- Use dipsticks to check the oil levels. If it’s less than recommended, add more oil, and if it’s dirty, change it completely.
Make sure to always note down your car mileage after changing the oil so you know when to change it next time.
2. Brake Checks
Driving, especially when in heavy traffic daily, will put a ton of pressure on the brakes. That’s why you need to know when to have your brakes checked, watching out for these signs:
- When you hear a high-pitched squeal or metal-on-metal grinding sounds when braking
- The steering wheel vibrates when stopping or slowing down
- It takes more time to stop the car or you put more effort on the brake pedal
- The car gets pulled to one side as you brake
- There’s a foul smell as you pull the brakes
Read more: The Ultimate Car Brakes Guide
3. Tire Maintenance
You have to know when and how to check your tires, focusing on these categories:
- Tire Pressure to ensure it’s inflated well
- Tread to prevent it from slipping on wet or icy roads
- Rotation to maintain fuel efficiency and prevent irregular wearing out
- Balance and Alignment to prevent your car from getting pulled to one side
4. Power Steering and Water
Your car has a hydraulic fluid reservoir for power steering fluid. And water. You need to fill it up whenever the car is serviced and check power steering levels at least once a month.
As for water, your car’s coolant level needs to be between both the Minimum and Maximum level, checking it once a week. Your car needs to be off with the engine cold.
5. Bodywork and Lights
Your car’s body and lights should also be cleaned, polished, and maintained to prevent rust growth! This will also help protect the motor from weather and other exterior elements. Besides that, it gives your car a whole newer look, going beyond the typical carwash.
Make sure that you check your car lights once a week, seeing that the reversing, fog, brake, and indicator lights work well. Clean out any frozen dirt on its lenses or watch out for broken and cracked bulbs to be replaced.
6. Windscreen and Wiper Blades
There may have been small flying stones that hit your windscreen, cracking it. This doesn’t seem like a huge deal, but if left alone, the cracks can grow and may also be grounds for a ticket! Make sure to fix those cracks and replace the windscreen, if needed.
Also, make sure that your wiper blades are intact to prevent it from hindering visibility. Replace it often if you drive through heavy rain or snowfall.
7. Air Filter, Hoses, and Belts
If you live in polluted cities or drive through traffic daily, then you’ll have to get your air filters checked often, with your routine oil checks.
Also, check under your hood regularly and inspect your rubber hoses and belts to see if it has worn out from the weather or over time. This is because the first parts that deteriorate are rubber materials, you wouldn’t want it completely breaking down while you’re driving!
8. Battery Maintenance
To keep your car running efficiently and smoothly is through an optimum battery connection. Even just a bit of dirt can prevent your car from starting properly!
Check your car battery’s condition so you know when it’s time for cleaning or replacement. You can have it checked by your local Black Label Gold Coast mechanics, or do it on your own, provided that you’re familiar with charging, replacing, or cleaning batteries.
9. Never Skip Your Scheduled Service
Never miss your scheduled car service appointments and have them serviced as recommended by your user manual.
Regular maintenance services involve checking and/or replacing your car’s minor parts, like the wires, spark plugs, and timing belts. This ensures that your car runs safely and efficiently, preventing it from breaking down and causing an even higher expense.
10. Wash Your Car Regularly
Washing your car regularly won’t only get dust away from the car, but also maintaining the new and attractive look. If not cleaned, then some dust can damage your car’s body and dull down its wax and paint.
Clean it using a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth and soap designed for cars. Wash the windows as well, polishing it with the newspaper (this works!). Do this once a week to keep your car looking great!
There is so much more to learn about car maintenance and repair tips, but these are the major parts you need to know about. Refer to your owner’s manual and learn more about the way your car runs, avoid abusing it, and know its limitations!
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