Proper car care takes more than keeping gas in the tank and changing the engine oil regularly. It doesn't take too long to check the basic maintenance items in your car like engine oil, transmission fluid or tires. Use a car maintenance checklist to streamline your car's upkeep.
Check Brakes
The most obvious indicator that your vehicle's brakes need attention is an incredibly high pitched squeal when you come to a stop. Brake pad manufacturers include a little piece of metal called an indicator on the pad itself. Have the brakes checked.
Check Tires
Know the correct tire pressures for your car and check them at least every two weeks using a good-quality gauge or garage air line. Keep tires inflated to recommended pressure. Check for cuts, bulges and excessive tread wear. Uneven wear indicates tires are misaligned or out of balance. Rotate tires regularly and keep a record of tire rotation.
Check Coolant
Visually check the engine coolant level in the overflow tank. The level should be between "Low" and "Full" marks. If the coolant level is low, you can top it up using recommended type of coolant mixed with water. Add coolant only when the engine is cool.
Check Belts
Check the engine belts by turning them sideways with your hand so you can see the friction surface. Replace worn, glazed or frayed belts.
Check Spark Plugs
If your spark plugs are worn out or covered in buildup, your engine isn't working efficiently and fuel consumption increases. Refer to you owner's handbook for the correct type of spark plugs and recommended replacement intervals.
Check Fluids
Check brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid. If there's a dipstick, make sure to wipe the dipstick first and reinsert to check the level. Add fluid if needed.
Check Air Filter
Getting to the engine air filter may be a little trickier depending on the vehicle you have, but replacing it regularly is important. Your owner's manual will give you a mileage estimate for how frequently you should replace it. Remove and check air filter and replace if dirty. Make sure no dirt falls into the intake when removing the old filter.
Check Batteries
Most batteries these days don't require much in the way of maintenance, but you should know where it is and check it to make sure it's not leaking and there's no mineral or other buildup on the contacts. If there is, clean it off with a battery cleaning brush.
Check Oil Filter
To maintain peak performance, change oil every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first. Replace oil filter with every oil change.
Car Safety Tips for Women Driving Alone
Women drivers are at risk when driving on their own, especially at night. Women who drive alone, no matter if it's at night or in the day, need to take a few extra precautions. If you drive alone on a regular basis, it's important that you follow these tips for keeping yourself safe.
The Three Basic Methods of Car Pinstriping
Car pinstriping is one of the best ways to make your vehicle very unique. Pinstriping has been used commercially since the 1800s, and is a definitive style for the decoration of style. Pinstriping can be as plain or as fancy as your patience and level of skill allows.
How Long Will Your Car Last?
The life of a car varies according to several factors, and increasing it is achievable, if proper care is practiced. Understanding the factors that affect its life is beneficial for people who are planning to get a car of their own. Proper knowledge of cars is like putting your money to good use. With that, below are some tips about car life expectancy.
