Preventative car maintenance
is the most important thing you can do to keep your car running properly. A trained, certified mechanic will have the expertise, and the equipment to perform regular maintenance on your car.
The owner’s manual will provide the maintenance schedule for the make and model of your car. Each manufacturer provides their guidelines. The most popular myth is “you should change the oil every 30,000 miles. This may be true for your particular car but not true for every make and model. Inside your manual, you will also learn how often to change your oil, filters, timing and drive belts and more. Your manual will also tell you what is the right kind of gas for your vehicle.
Taking the time to review your manual is important, but it’s not something every car owner does. You could be using the wrong oil or filling your car with the wrong octane fuel. By doing this, you may run the risk of voiding your warranty and cause damage that will be expensive to repair.
Inspection
Give your car a quick check periodically to catch anything that looks out of the ordinary. Check the air pressure in the tires every month or so and make sure all the lights are working properly. The right tire pressure helps you get better gas mileage saving you money on gas.
Listen for any strange sounds inside the car and outside as well as under the hood. Learn how to check your fluids. Antifreeze, coolant, power steering or even washer fluid should be checked. In some cases, you can see the tank and make a visual analysis. Most will have dipsticks you pull out to check the levels. It’s also important to check your transmission fluid. Also never ignore any leak.
Check your belts. If they are worn out, don’t wait to have a certified mechanic replace them before they fail making the repair much more expensive.
Check the oil and change it regularly. Know the proper level on your dipstick as well as the color. It’s important to know what clean oil looks like as opposed to murky oil. This is a great way to tell if something is wrong with your engine. Check your owner’s manual for the exact mileage recommendation.
Clean your battery contact and check your battery. Today’s batteries don’t require much maintenance. You should know where the battery is located and make sure there is no mineral buildup on the contacts. You can easily clean away any residue with a battery cleaning brush.
These preventative maintenance tips can save your serious money on car repair. Just like you take care of your health, taking your car to a qualified automotive center like Dakota Ridge Auto for regular maintenance will save you valuable time and money.
