Having a basic maintenance program for your vehicle is essential
in order to keep your car running efficiently for a long time. In these
tough economic times, most people are trying to get the most out of all
their purchases. Automobiles are one of the largest purchases people
will make and it is important to take care of your vehicle to ensure it
lasts for many years. However, it has become increasingly difficult for
the do-it-yourself mechanic to take proper care of today's automobiles.
Twenty-first century cars are complex machines for which problems can be
difficult to diagnose and repair. It has become almost impossible for
the average backyard mechanic to keep a vehicle in optimum running
condition.
There are some very important things you can do to ensure a smoothly running vehicle for as long as you own it. The first step is to find and get acquainted with a trusted and competent mechanic in your area. Having someone you trust, who has a good reputation, and fair pricing is like having a trusted family doctor. Once you have found a good mechanic, here are some important regular checks for the health of your vehicle.
1.) Every time you fill up your tank, check your oil level. Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle and checking it on a regular basis will ensure that it never drops below proper levels.
2.) Every 3000 miles you should change your oil and check your belts, hoses, and fluids (brake, power steering, and transmission).
3.) Every two years you should check your engine coolant, spark plugs, fuel filter, air filter, and all fluids and hoses.
4.) In addition to these regular checks, it is essential to read your owners manual and follow the basic checks and maintenance guidelines outlined by the manufacturer.
The basics of vehicle safety include an awareness of some of the important components of an automobile. Checking these vital components on a regular basis will ensure that you notice problems quickly and can get them fixed before them become larger (and more expensive) issues.
5.) Tires. Make sure they stay inflated to the proper pressure. Check tread depth and look for any uneven wear. Your spare tire should also be checked occasionally.
6.) Lights. Every month or so, you should walk around the car at night and make sure that all lights, including the turn signals and the emergency flashers, are working properly. You may need some assistance to check the brake and back up lights.
7.) Brakes. When stopping, notice any chances in the feel of the brakes. Also listen for any noises.
8.) Suspension and steering. While driving, if you notice any looseness or hear any rattles, get your car checked immediately.
9.) Warning Lights. If any warning lights come on, find out what it means immediately by reading the owners manual. You should have your mechanic check out any problem indicated by a warning light.
There are some very important things you can do to ensure a smoothly running vehicle for as long as you own it. The first step is to find and get acquainted with a trusted and competent mechanic in your area. Having someone you trust, who has a good reputation, and fair pricing is like having a trusted family doctor. Once you have found a good mechanic, here are some important regular checks for the health of your vehicle.
1.) Every time you fill up your tank, check your oil level. Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle and checking it on a regular basis will ensure that it never drops below proper levels.
2.) Every 3000 miles you should change your oil and check your belts, hoses, and fluids (brake, power steering, and transmission).
3.) Every two years you should check your engine coolant, spark plugs, fuel filter, air filter, and all fluids and hoses.
4.) In addition to these regular checks, it is essential to read your owners manual and follow the basic checks and maintenance guidelines outlined by the manufacturer.
The basics of vehicle safety include an awareness of some of the important components of an automobile. Checking these vital components on a regular basis will ensure that you notice problems quickly and can get them fixed before them become larger (and more expensive) issues.
5.) Tires. Make sure they stay inflated to the proper pressure. Check tread depth and look for any uneven wear. Your spare tire should also be checked occasionally.
6.) Lights. Every month or so, you should walk around the car at night and make sure that all lights, including the turn signals and the emergency flashers, are working properly. You may need some assistance to check the brake and back up lights.
7.) Brakes. When stopping, notice any chances in the feel of the brakes. Also listen for any noises.
8.) Suspension and steering. While driving, if you notice any looseness or hear any rattles, get your car checked immediately.
9.) Warning Lights. If any warning lights come on, find out what it means immediately by reading the owners manual. You should have your mechanic check out any problem indicated by a warning light.
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