Car ownership comes with many responsibilities. Other than the payments and insurance, you must perform proper maintenance on your car. Many people ruin their cars because they do not get regular fluid changes or tire rotations and replacements. It can also be dangerous to ignore the noises that your car makes. Make notes of when your car maintenance is due and visit the mechanic when something does not sound right. There are several things you can do to prevent damage to your vehicle and make it last longer.
Protect your car
You may not realize how much wear your car endures when you have your car outside all the time. Automobiles can withstand many types of weather; however, some things make your car age prematurely. Excessive heat or strong storms can damage your car.
Over time, areas of the car may rust from high humidity or exposure to a coastal environment. Hail can break your windows and dent the body of your car, as well. Heat may also cause the paint to fade.
You can keep your car in the garage or put a cover on it when you are at home to protect it. Be sure to also keep your garage in good working order. A broken garage door can cause problems when you need to get your car inside or out. Call for garage door repair if you are having problems operating the door properly.
Fluids
It is a good idea to learn how to check fluids on your own. Even if you take your car in for regular maintenance, problems can arise that make fluids run low. It is easier than you think to check your oil, water, and anti-freeze. Most cars need an oil change after every 3,000 miles on the road. Transmission fluid only needs to be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. If you use your car for work all day, you may need to get new transmission fluid every 15,000 miles due to extra wear on your car. Check anti-freeze right before the winter season each year.
Tires
You may not think about tires much. Most people do not realize how important they are to the structure of your car. Tires wear unevenly if you do not have them rotated regularly. Check with your mechanic or dealership to find out when your tires need rotation. Every car is different. The mileage ranges anywhere from 3,000 miles to 8,000 miles, depending on the type of car and tire.
Replace tires on time, as well. Tires in poor condition make your car work harder and decrease your gas mileage. Overly worn tires can mess up the alignment of your car, as well. This is especially hard on trucks with lifts. The suspension can be ruined and is very expensive to replace.
Maintenance for your car costs much less than repairs. A car can engine can burn up without oil. This would mean a total replacement of your vehicle. Visit a mechanic for a checkup and get a schedule for routine maintenance. Learn to check your fluids and tires at home, also. Take care of your car and protect it from the elements in your garage. These steps can help your car last longer and run safer.
This is a collaborative article.
The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.