Every car owner should make routine maintenance a top priority. If you don’t get your vehicle serviced at the recommended intervals, performance will eventually start to decline. Poor upkeep also makes you more likely to be involved in a car crash. Here are the biggest do’s and dont’s of car maintenance.
Do’s of Car Maintenance
There’s no overlooking the importance of regularly changing the oil, which is considered to be the lifeblood of any engine. Motor oil serves several important functions. Not only does this vital fluid lubricate the engine, but it also helps keep the various parts clean. Fortunately, many of today’s newer vehicles come equipped with an oil life monitor. When it’s time for an oil change, a warning light will pop up on the dashboard. At this point, your automobile needs to be serviced within the next 300 miles or so.
Far too many car owners forget to check their tire pressure. When your tires are not inflated to the proper PSI, this becomes a serious safety hazard. Low pressure increases the likelihood of you experiencing a dangerous tire blowout. For less than $15, you can purchase a digital tire pressure gauge to keep in the glove compartment. Although you don’t need to check the PSI weekly, try to do so at least a couple of times a month. Remember, the correct air pressure for your particular make and model can be found in the owner’s manual.
Make it a point to have your brakes inspected every six months. Although your brakes may seem to be functioning perfectly fine, the best approach is to not take any chances. A good mechanic can quickly detect any developing problems by performing a visual inspection. Most modern braking systems are engineered with a wear indicator. When your brake pads become worn out, this feature produces a loud squealing noise. To ensure that your car maintains the necessary stopping power, bring it in for a brake job right away.
If you want your vehicle to stay running in peak condition, plan to get a multipoint inspection every year. This will help you to catch potential issues early, thus avoiding more serious trouble in the long run. Replacing worn parts ahead of time will give you an extra sense of security.
Don’ts of Car Maintenance
Don’t make the mistake of ignoring obvious red flags. If you hear any strange noises or notice your check engine light has turned on, have your vehicle inspected. With the use of advanced diagnostic equipment, automotive technicians can track down the issue. Odd smells deserve even more attention. The last thing you want is to be driving around with a fuel leak. It only takes a small amount of gas to start a fire. Furthermore, always take note of any vapors drifting inside the cabin. A leaky exhaust pipe can cause carbon monoxide levels to rise, thus putting you and your passengers at risk of getting sick.
Don’t trust just anyone to work on your automobile. Always hire the best possible mechanic to keep it in tip-top condition. If you find a dependable mechanic with years of experience, your best bet is to stick with them. Not every automotive repair shop is created the same. While some shops have a proven track record of excellence, others have earned a reputation for poor workmanship. Take the reviews posted by previous and current customers seriously. From forgetting to tighten lug nuts to installing components the wrong way, there are a number of dangerous mistakes that can be made.
If your vehicle happens to need a new part, make sure to look for quality. Although you may save a few bucks by purchasing an off-brand product, quality may not be as good. Spend the extra money on genuine OEM parts. You’ll appreciate the enhanced durability and superior craftsmanship. Interior automotive parts make you more likely to end up stranded on the side of the road. They could also put you in a very unsafe situation. Among the typical replacement parts include brake pads, rotors, oil filters, batteries, spark plugs, and starters.
Many drivers tend to develop a bad habit of running on E. When there’s only a small amount of gas in the tank, this puts unnecessary stress on the fuel pump. This critical component will be more prone to overheating and failing. Don’t wait until the low fuel light turns on before you stop by a gas station. Ideally, you should always keep at least a quarter-tank of gas in your car at all times.
Unfortunately, far too many car accidents occur due to faulty maintenance. If your mechanic was negligent when servicing or repairing your vehicle, they could be held liable for the damages. Contact Buckingham Barrera Vega Law Firm if you’ve been involved in a collision in Albuquerque and believe your mechanic may have been at fault or if you believe your vehicle may have a defective part. We may be able to help you hold the negligent party accountable.
