Regular car care is imperative to the longevity of your vehicle. Without regular maintenance, any vehicle will break down much quicker than necessary. Cars are built to last much longer now than ever before, but vehicle owners must pay close attention to the vehicle’s maintenance schedule to keep their vehicle on the road for years to come.
Many car owners are blissfully unaware of the long list of things that can impact the health of their car, and often think that the car will last them a long time. While this is, indeed, true, neglect and a lack of awareness could reduce the reliability of the car and cause it to break down eventually.
Electronic components, such as air conditioners, for instance, are completely powered by the battery. If it does not run well, it can cause strain on the battery. They also run on Refrigerant fluids, which need to be changed from time to time so that the car air conditioning system works properly.
There are, similarly, other things that you, as a car owner, should know about even if vehicle maintenance is not one of your strong suits. So, it may be beneficial to take a moment to read through this short summary, highlighting a few helpful hints for regular car care maintenance.
Monthly maintenance suggestions
Checking a vehicle’s tires is one of the most important suggestions, as they greatly affect the vehicle’s safety. Improperly inflated tires can lower a vehicle’s fuel efficiency and cause undue wear and tear.
Those who own older vehicles should check their engine oil levels at least once per month, as older vehicles are bad about developing oil leaks. It also helps to wash the vehicle at least once per month, as continued exposure to natural elements can break down the paint and cause the metal to rust.
Check these items every three months
The oil in the engine of every car slowly degrades over time. It is important for the vehicle’s performance to change the oil every 3,000 miles or three months (whichever comes first). Running an engine on old oil can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the vehicle’s motor.
Every six months owners should
While it is true that every vehicle should have its tires rotated regularly, this maintenance tips is most important for two-wheel drive configurations. With proper tire inflation, and regular rotation, tires will be safer and last longer. Regular maintenance will save you money, in the long run.
The vehicle’s battery integrity should be evaluated every six months. Though car batteries can last up to seven years, it is important to properly maintain post corrosion and voltage regulation.
Once a year there are a few checkups to be done
Once a year, it is ideal to perform a full flush on the vehicle’s coolant system. Keeping the coolant system free flowing and clean will assure that the engine never gets too hot or too cold to function. A 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water will safely maintain the internal integrity of the radiator and other elements of the cooling system.
Two-year vehicle maintenance tips
Every couple of years, it is best to get a full tuneup of the vehicle. A modern tuneup is nothing like it was year ago. Now, mechanics simply check over the engine’s valves, hoses, belts, and ignition components. They then change the spark plugs and wires and replace the fuel and air filters.
