Check the exhaust system.Įxhaust leaks are extremely dangerous. These inspections could prevent you from ending up stranded on the highway shoulder while you wait for roadside assistance. Visit a qualified mechanic when your vehicle’s owner manual recommends it to make sure that none of your car’s hoses and belts, like the timing belt, are cracked, brittle, or loose. You can have the procedure done at most places that offer oil change services. Removing the old antifreeze by flushing your radiator system each year will help remove rust and scale buildup and other contaminants. Something simple, like replacing the brake pads, can make a big difference. One good tip is to have them looked at when you bring your car in for a tire rotation. You’ll want to have the brake system checked regularly, generally every six months. Check your owner’s manual to find the recommended grade for your vehicle. Switching to the right grade of motor oil could improve your gas mileage by up to 2 percent. You can also learn how to change your oil by yourself to save some money. Check your owner’s manual to see how often the manufacturer recommends an oil change and stick to that schedule. There are a number of reasons to get your oil changed regularly, and doing so can help prevent you from paying for costly repairs later. It’s also easy to replace your own headlights to improve visibility. However, some headlights may require a more traditional headlight restoration kit. Has your nighttime visibility decreased? When your headlights get too foggy, try cleaning them with baking soda or toothpaste. The engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid should all be checked regularly. You don’t have to be a mechanic to know how to pop the hood and check fluid levels ( and top them off if you need to). You’ll be pleased with the results when it starts to rain! 7. Extend their life and clean them by soaking a rag in your favorite glass cleaner and wiping them up and down. When it comes to driving, there are few things more annoying (or dangerous) than windshield wipers that don’t work properly. Change your air filter.įrom pollen during allergy season to dust from construction sites, you probably spend a good bit of time driving through unclean air. Replacing your air filter will help keep fresh air running through your vehicle. Take inventory of what’s in your trunk and remove any unnecessary items, only keeping the car emergency kit. An extra 100 pounds could reduce your fuel economy by about 1%, according to the U.S. Hauling around heavy items can weigh down your vehicle and decrease your gas mileage. However, when they still look dirty after a good cleaning with soapy water or carpet cleaner and need replacing, buy new ones. Protect them with a protector spray or clear vinyl mats to keep them looking new. Your car’s floor mats can only handle so many rain-soaked boots and muddy shoes. Clean, protect, and refresh your floor mats. A few extra minutes after a carwash can keep your car looking much younger than it really is. It’s a simple step that can go a long way in helping to protect your car’s exterior. This quick cosmetic improvement helps remove unwanted substances, makes your vehicle look better, and helps keep it in good shape. Dirt, grime, and salt from icy roads can damage your car’s paint and corrode the undercarriage. Wash your car regularly.įirst thing’s first: wash your car. Best Vehicle Care and Maintenance Tips 1. Many of them will also help maintain your car’s resale value. You might also extend your vehicle’s life by a few years! So, if you’re trying to hit the 200,000-mile mark (or if you already have and want to keep your car in good shape), here are some general car maintenance tips to keep your vehicle running like a fine-tuned machine. But by being proactive and following basic car care tips, it’s possible to save yourself time, money, and headaches by decreasing the odds you’ll have to deal with a breakdown. Many of us only think about car maintenance when things go wrong and repairs are needed.
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