Have you invested in a car and are now feeling overwhelmed about how to care for it? Or perhaps you’ve been driving for some time and want to learn tips and tricks to bolster your mileage?
If there are gaps in your car maintenance knowledge, you’re exposing yourself to expensive repairs. Remember, preventive vehicle care is always easier and cheaper than sitting with a “patient” at the mechanics.
This article explores a few simple steps you can take today to improve your car’s health. Let us help you with these five vehicle maintenance tips you need to know.
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1. Tire Pressure
Check your tire pressure regularly. Incorrect tire pressure can lead to premature tire wear, decreased fuel economy, and even flats. You should check your tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips.
Use a good quality tire pressure gauge to get an accurate reading. For Asian cars, the recommended tire pressure is usually between 30 and 35 PSI. However, it’s always best to consult your owner’s manual or the tire placard on the doorjamb for the specific pressure rating for your vehicle.
2. Fluids
Constantly monitor your car’s oil level and change it when necessary. Keep your car’s gas tank at least half full to avoid condensation and damaging the fuel system.
Regularly check your car’s coolant level and add more if necessary. Finally, if your car has a manual transmission, it’s essential to check the transmission fluid level and top it off when required.
3. Battery
Regularly check your car battery to ensure longevity and avoid being stranded. Looking for corrosion on the posts or terminals is a good indicator of whether or not your battery needs to be cleaned. If you see corrosion, you can use a wire brush to clean it off.
Check your car battery regularly and note any changes to keep your car running smoothly.
4. Filters
Changing your car filter regularly is essential to maintain optimal performance and fuel economy. A dirty filter can cause your engine to work harder and use more fuel.
You should check your vehicle owner’s manual to see how often to change your filter, but a good rule of thumb is to change it every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. When changing your filter, use your car’s correct type of filter.
5. Serpentine Belts
One of the most important things to keep up with is regularly changing your serpentine belt. This is especially important if you have an Asian car.
The serpentine belt is responsible for keeping all of the engine’s pulleys moving in sync. Over time, it can become stretched or damaged, which can lead to a whole host of problems.
If your car starts making strange noises or the engine starts overheating, it could be a sign that the serpentine belt needs to be replaced. If you need help changing a serpentine belt or other maintenance services, check out this Asian car repair shop.
Follow These Vehicle Maintenance Tips
If you’re not regularly maintaining your vehicle, you could set yourself up for some expensive repairs down the road. These simple tips help keep your car running smoothly and avoid common issues.
So ensure you’re checking your oil level and tire pressure and making any necessary repairs as soon as you notice an issue. Your car will thank you in the long run!
Do you need more information on vehicle maintenance? If so, check out our blog posts today!
