Basic Car Maintenance

Basic maintenance is crucial to getting the most out of your car. Besides the fact that your car is the foundation to reliable transportation, adhering to a maintenance schedule lengthens the life of the engine. Investing a little bit of time and money on a regular basis is sure to save a lot of time and money in the long run. Do not wait for your engine to break down to give it some attention.

Read the manual

Your car's manual contains a lot of information about performing routine maintenance on your car. This is a great place to look if you have a specific question or if you just want to learn more about your vehicle. All manuals include a diagram of the components under the hood as well as instructions on checking and topping off your fluid levels and many other easy tasks.

Oil changes

Changing the oil regularly is important to the lifespan of your engine. Dirty oil has debris and metal flakes in it, which wear on the interior of the engine as it is pumped through. This eventually results in a loss of compression and a shorter engine life. It is a good idea to change your oil every 3,000 miles. If you need to know what type of oil is best for your vehicle, look in the manual. Check your oil level regularly, topping it off as necessary in between oil changes. Get into the habit of checking your belts for cracks every time you change your oil. Do not wait to replace cracked, worn belts.

Checking coolant and air filter

You should check your coolant level regularly. Never open the cap on your radiator or expansion tank when the engine is warm. After the engine has cooled, slowly unscrew the cap before removing it to allow pressure to escape. Any coolant that you add to your engine should consist of equal parts coolant and water. Have your coolant flushed at least every two years. Change your air filter about every 10,000 miles. Some cars have a reusable filter. These do not require repplacement but they do need regular cleaning.

Tires

Tires are often quite expensive. To make yours last, have them rotated regularly. Tires also have a tremendous impact on your car's fuel economy. If you check the driver's side door jamb, you will probably find a sticker which should tell you the best pressure for your front and back tires. Check your tire pressure often. Keeping them properly inflated will improve your car's mileage.

Routine maintenance is a must for a reliable car. Setting up a maintenance schedule helps you keep track of what needs attention at any given time. Even if your vehicle is not under factory warranty, using the factory recommended maintenance schedule as a guide is a great way to make sure you or your mechanic do not miss anything. Invest a little time and money now and save yourself costly repair bills in the future.

Basic maintenance is crucial to getting the most out of your car