Your car is a reliable source of transportation. But over time and with use, your car needs a regular maintenance checkup to run properly. Otherwise, you’ll end up in the mechanic’s shop.
The good news is basic car maintenance keeps your car running without costly repairs. And most car maintenance is simple, quick, and cheap.
Curious about what car maintenance habits you should keep doing to prolong the life of your car? Here’s a list of basic car maintenance tasks to get you started.
1. Change Your Oil Regularly
One of the most important types of basic car maintenance you need to perform on your car is to change your oil regularly. Your car’s oil is what helps keep its engine lubricated, allowing it to run more efficiently and smoothly.
It’s important to change your oil every 3,000-5,000 miles, or more often if you drive your car in heavy stop-and-go traffic or extremely high temperatures. You should also get your oil filter changed each time you get an oil change to ensure it continues to filter out dirt and other contaminants.
Additionally, you should regularly check your car’s coolant, top off your windshield washer fluid, and inspect and adjust your tire pressure regularly. Doing these basic car maintenance tasks will help keep your car running safely and efficiently far into the future.
To check car oil, park your car on a surface that is flat, then turn off the engine. Next, wait until the engine is completely cool. Once cool, open the hood and locate the dipstick. Pull the dipstick out and wipe its end with a cloth.
Then, re-insert the dipstick and remove it again, making sure to pay attention to its length. Check the dipstick for oil level and color. If the oil is low or dirty, it should be immediately changed.
Lastly, put the cap back on and close the hood. If you are confident in your abilities, you can also choose to do a full oil change in your own garage. If you want to go a little extra, you can even purchase replacement parts like lb7 injectors. These will put an extra boost to your car’s performance and ensure the best car ride you’ll experience.
2. Check Your Batteries
Checking your car’s battery should be done once a year at minimum. This ensures the battery is working properly and should be charged, if needed.
For further signs of trouble, inspect the battery terminals and surrounding areas for rust, corrosion, or signs of leaking. If any of these conditions exist, the battery should be checked by a professional immediately.
Additionally, if you possess skills, you can clean the terminals using a wire brush and baking soda or battery terminal cleaner. Then, replace the corroded cable ends. Ultimately, batteries should be changed every few years as a preventive maintenance measure in order to prevent future issues.
3. Keep Tires Properly Inflated
One of the most basic types of regular maintenance we need to perform on our car is to keep our tires properly inflated. This is an important part of owning a car. It decreases the risk of a flat tire, an increased fuel consumption and even has an influence on the car’s performance and handling.
So check your tires once a month to ensure they are properly inflated and to catch any problems early. The recommended level of pressure can be found in your car’s manual or can be printed in the door jamb of the driver’s side door.
It’s also important to check the tread on your tires to make sure it matches the minimum standard. Tires with too low a thread depth will affect your braking and handling. This can be done easily using a tread depth gauge, and is important for your overall safety.
4. Check Your Lights and Brakes
Basic car maintenance is essential to ensure a safe and reliable ride for yourself and other drivers on the road. One part of this maintenance is making sure that the car’s lights and brakes are working properly.
Lights should be checked frequently to make sure that they are all in working order. They should be bright enough to provide visibility during darkness.
Checking brakes is also an essential part of basic car maintenance. This includes inspecting the brake pads or disks, checking the brake fluid, and making sure the brakes move freely. There should no grinding or shaking when the brake pedal is pressed.
Regular maintenance and upkeep of the car’s lights and brakes can help prevent problems in the future. It can maintain a safe driving experience.
5. Evaluate the Airbag System
Whether you drive a newer car or an older model, you should always make sure that your car is in good condition. One important element of your car to maintain is your airbag system.
To evaluate the airbag system, you should inspect the airbag computer. Look for any loose wiring, and inspect the airbag sensors. If you find any faulty parts, you should replace them as soon as possible.
Additionally, you should replace the airbag module, airbag cushions, and airbag covers every six years. If you perform basic car maintenance, your airbag system can keep you safe in the event of an accident.
When evaluating the airbag system, you should also perform regular airbag inflate tests. This will help you make sure that the system is working properly. These steps are necessary for you to know that your airbag system works when you need it to.
Perform These Basic Car Maintenance Steps Regularly
Basic car maintenance is important for keeping your car running smoothly. Regularly replacing the oil, checking your lights and brakes, and inflating the tires correctly are all essential tasks to keep your car running its best. This way, you’ll have the peace of mind that your car is safe to drive and will last you for years to come.
So take the time to ensure that your car gets the maintenance that it needs. Never miss maintaining any car parts. And you will enjoy the ride.
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