Preventive Tips to Keep Your Car in Good Condition

Most vehicle owners do not have a regular maintenance schedule in place for their vehicles. Instead, they just “fix it when it breaks.” “The rule of thumb is that you should maintain your vehicle at the very least once every three months. Your car manufacturer will tell you what their recommended schedule is, and most likely, it will be once every six months. It is best to do these things as a monthly or bi-monthly process and not wait until it’s time for your oil change or transmission service.

Also, if you are in a busy area and have heavy traffic, you may need to be more diligent. To help you out, here’s a couple of other preventive tips to keep your car in good form.

Keep Track of Your Oil

Your car’s engine requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly and make it last for a longer time. Your engine’s oil should be changed every 3,000 miles. Your vehicle’s manual should tell you when your oil should be changed. You should also check your oil before every oil change. You may find that the level of oil is low. The oil level should be kept at the correct level to keep the engine from running too lean (too rich).

An oil level too low may cause engine damage. If you want to try changing the oil on your own, it’s possible. Check the oil level on the dipstick. The dipstick should be at least halfway in the oil. If you do not see oil on the dipstick, you need to check your oil level. Of course, you can opt to have a professional do it for you, but going the DIY route is also feasible.

Change the Air Filters

The air filter is an important part of your vehicle. It is where air enters the engine to be combusted and where the byproducts of combustion are filtered and expelled. Therefore, the air filter should be cleaned or changed regularly. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended schedule, or inspect the filter every month. When you notice that your vehicle’s air filter is dirty, or when the recommended date of changing the air filter arrives, your best course of action is to go ahead and change it.

Check the Tire Pressure

You also have to make sure that your tires have the right amount of pressure. This can be done on your own or by taking your vehicle to a mechanic. The most important thing to check when checking your tire pressure is the pressure reading on the tire itself. Most tire gauges display two numbers on the side of the tire; one is the recommended pressure, and the other is the PSI. If the recommended pressure is more than 20 pounds lower than the PSI, you should probably increase the pressure in the tire.

Conversely, if the PSI is more than 20 pounds higher than the recommended pressure, you should probably reduce the pressure in the tire. Many times, you’ll need to bring your car to a mechanic to get this checked. It’s best to do this at a tire shop, as you can ask them to check it while you wait.

Replace Your Lights and Window Film Too

A car is equipped with many lights. The most obvious is the bulb-type lights that are mounted on the front and back of your vehicle. Each light must be checked periodically to ensure that it’s working properly. Other lights that you might want to check to include the turn signals, hazard lights, backup lights, and brake lights.

Be sure that each light is working correctly. Turn the key to the on position and then check each light, one at a time. Be sure to check the parking lights, headlights, and taillights. If the light doesn’t work, then it needs to be repaired. If you don’t know how to fix it, take your vehicle to an auto repair shop. It’s also important to remember to change your beloved car’s window tint film.

Over time, these films can get scratched up or even dirtied. You’ll want to change them up before getting severely damaged as they can affect the look and feel of your car.

Finally, Check Your Brake Pads for Damage

If your brake pads are showing any signs of damage, you should immediately replace them. It’s much easier to replace your brake pads before they get to the point of needing replacement. As your brake pads wear, they can cause brake noise. Pay attention to brake noise and vibration from the brake pedal. If any concerns arise, consult a service center as soon as possible.