Car Maintenance Tips
A lot of recently built cars include different features that remind you to service your car. They might have notifications for the driver to check tire pressure, to change the oil, or that different levels in the car are getting low. But not everyone has this. Some of us have to remember to do these things every few months or so. We put together a car maintenance checklist for you to go through and make sure your car is running on everything it needs!
Short Term Maintenance
Oil and coolant levels
Every couple of months, it’s important to check your oil and coolant. If these levels are low, it can lead to engine problems and damage. Be sure to check these levels when your engine is cool.
Tire pressure and tread
After time, your tires will begin to wear down. Driving on tires without proper tread can be a hazard to both you and other drivers. Check your tires tread and pressure every month and especially before road trips. As the weather changes, you might notice a change in tire pressure as well. Refer to your car’s manual on how much your tire pressure should be.
Lights
Lights are often forgotten about, but are very important for safe driving. Make it a habit to check on your brake lights, headlights, turn signals, and parking lights. You’ll need a buddy to check them while one of you drive the car and turn the various lights on.
Long term maintenance
transmission fluid
Transmission fluid is necessary to lubricate your cars transmission so everything functions properly. If the transmission is running on low or empty fluid, it can damage your transmission which can be a costly fix.
Spark plugs
You’ll know if there’s an issue with your spark plugs because your engine will fail to start or lose power. Instead of waiting for that to happen, when you take your car in for a check, ask the mechanic to check the spark plugs.
Spare tire
If you have a spare in your car (which we highly suggest you do), check to make sure it has the proper tire pressure and tread. There’s nothing worse than blowing a tire and knowing you have a spare, only to find out your spare is also not functional.
