Preventative Maintenance Tips Every Car Owner Should Know

No one relishes taking their vehicle in for costly repairs. Depending on the severity of the issue, you may find yourself on the hook for as much as several thousand dollars. Since a sizable percentage of Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck, this type of unexpected expense stands to throw one’s personal finances into chaos. If unreasonably expensive automotive repairs have caused you frustration in the past, it behooves you to make preventative maintenance one of your top priorities. As you’ll find, a little bit of forward-thinking can help save you a small fortune on car repairs. 

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Become Familiar with Your Vehicle’s Needs 

A sizable percentage of motorists know virtually nothing about the needs of their respective vehicles. Sure, they’ll head to a mechanic whenever their cars exhibit noticeable problems, but their vehicles’ regular maintenance needs remain a mystery to them. Needless to say, preventative maintenance can be an uphill battle if you’re unfamiliar with the level of care your vehicle requires. With this mind, make a point of reading your car’s owner’s manual from cover to cover. This will provide you with a solid understanding of the upkeep measures the vehicle needs and how often it needs them. If any lingering questions remain after you’ve processed the information in the aforementioned manual, visit the manufacturer’s website or reach out to them directly. As is the case with humans, every car’s individual health needs are different, and the more familiar you are with your car’s needs, the more effective your preventative maintenance efforts are likely to be. 

Replace Your Battery as Needed 

In many respects, the battery is the unsung hero of your automobile. It provides the essential jolt that your vehicle’s electrical components require to perform their respective jobs, and your car would unable to function in its absence. However, no matter how dependable a battery is, it will eventually need to be replaced. There are numerous factors that determine how frequently a vehicle’s battery needs to be swapped out. Many mechanics recommend getting a new battery every three years, but your driving habits and various climate-related factors may warrant more frequent replacements. 

Fortunately, not only will a good battery last for quite a while, it should prove affordable on even the most stringent budget. So, if your current battery is showing signs that it’s on its way out, don’t put replacing it on the backburner. Driving with a dying battery presents a number of potential safety hazards, and there is absolutely no upside to putting off car battery replacement.     

Change Your Oil and Top off Essential Fluids 

Few things are more vital to a car’s good health than regular oil changes. Oil provides essential lubrication to your vehicle’s most important components. As it absorbs heat and carbons, oil becomes less effective over time and takes on a sludge-like appearance, thereby facilitating the need for fresh oil. To ensure that your vehicle continues running smoothly, you’ll need to have your oil changed as often as the manufacturer recommends. Furthermore, when having your oil changed, make sure the mechanics top off your vehicle’s other essential fluids, too.   

Check Your Tires Every Month 

Many of us place no importance on regular tire maintenance. Unless we suddenly get a flat or a tire is noticeably short on air, we simply assume all is well in the tire department. However, by expending just a little bit of effort, you can extend the life of your tires, prevent unexpected blowouts and help your vehicle ride smoother. With this in mind, make a point of checking your tire pressure at least once a month. Additionally, when performing this task, use a dependable tire gauge and avoid the temptation to “eyeball it.” Upon coming across any tires that are underinflated or overinflated, inflate or deflate them accordingly. If you notice that any tires are consistently short of air, solicit a professional opinion, as they may need to be patched or replaced.

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Expensive auto repairs are the bane of many people’s existence. Not only do they seemingly appear out of nowhere, they can also make a sizable dent in even the most robust bank account. While it’s true that the occasional car problem is an unavoidable part of life, there are numerous steps you can take to lessen the frequency and financial impact of large-scale repairs. Anyone who’s ready to make exorbitantly pricey repair bills a thing of the past would be wise to prioritize preventative maintenance.   

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