Added on November 9, 2016  The News Wheel  
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There Could be Plenty Wrong Under the Hood

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Car maintenance tips to live by

car service professionalWhether you have recently bought a vehicle or are planning to sell your vehicle to cash for cars in Adelaide, it is important to keep up with basic maintenance. While some are able to perform regular maintenance themselves, many of us have to turn to a qualified mechanic who has the expertise and equipment to correctly do the job. Your owner’s manual will provide a basic maintenance schedule for your specific make and model, but make sure you heed these simple checks and procedures if you want to prevent problems and extend the life of your car.

Tires

Bald, slick tires are unsafe so it is important to routinely check them.

  • Check the tire pressure and look for damage and wear. Tire pressure should be checked about once a week. If you have bad tire pressure, it can affect the handling of your car as well as the fuel economy.
  • Clean brake dust off regularly. If brake dust is left on too long, the combination of the heat from your brakes, grime, and moisture will affect the ability of your brakes to work effectively. About once a week, simply wipe the grime away with a damp sponge and clean water.
  • Check tread depth. The easiest way to check the tread depth is with a penny—simply place a penny in the tread of the tires. Lincoln’s head should not be visible; if it is, the tread is worn and the tires should be replaced.

Fluids

At least once every three months, or more frequently if you have an older vehicle or have noticed leakage, you should check all of the fluids. This includes transmission, brake, power steering, antifreeze, and windshield washer fluids. If fluids are low, top them up to reduce the risk of damage to the motor.

Oil and Filters

Dirty oil can damage your engine and can also affect fuel economy. Your owner’s manual will specify how often you should change the oil, but it is generally recommended that you change both oil and the oil filter every 3 months or 3,000 to 4,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Remember, if you do this yourself, be sure to properly dispose of the used oil. When it comes to the air filter, the best way to ensure it is clean and not clogged or damaged is to check it each time you change the oil and the oil filter.

Lights and Warning Lights

At least once a week, check all of the lights, including the headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and taillights. The easiest way to check the lights is to park in front of your garage or another building, turn on the headlights (both the dim and bright lights), and take note of how bright they are and whether they are aimed correctly or not. There is typically a variety of warning lights located on the dashboard; make sure to pay attention to them, and if a warning light comes on, address the problem as soon as possible. For example, if the coolant light comes on, check the coolant level and top off if necessary.

Along with the above maintenance tips, it is also important to routinely inspect the windshield for damage and replace the windshield wipers at least once a year. Remember to keep all of the maintenance records for your vehicle. Keeping the maintenance records will not only help you keep track of when servicing is due, but should you decide to sell your vehicle, showing proof of proper maintenance may help improve your chances of selling your vehicle.

This post contains sponsored links from HS Car Removals.