Maintaining a car isn’t exactly the most glamorous job, but it’s also one of the most important. It’s easy to ignore small problems when they first arise, but ignoring them for too long can result in much bigger and more expensive issues down the road. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing how to keep your car running like new with just a few simple maintenance tips! Keeping up with your vehicle’s maintenance schedule is the best way to ensure that it stays healthy for as long as possible. Even if you don’t necessarily plan to keep your car forever, you should still take care of it while you have it. With just a little bit of time and effort, you can make sure that your car lasts for many years to come.
Rotate your tires
Tires are the single most important part of your car. Unfortunately, they’re also the most abused, which is why many people don’t make it past 100,000 miles. If you want to extend the life of your tires, you should rotate them every 7,500 miles. Having your tires rotated can increase their lifespan by up to 50%, which is a huge difference! Rotation is also a simple process that can be done at any tire shop. A typical rotation costs around $30, and it’s well worth the cost if it extends the life of your tires by a year or more. If you’re driving in bad weather conditions, you should also consider getting snow tires. Snow tires are made with a different rubber compound than regular tires, which makes them much better at gripping slippery surfaces like snow and ice.
Get an oil change
Oil is the lifeblood of your engine. It’s used to lubricate and cool everything inside the engine while also helping to clean out dirt and grime. You should get your oil changed every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first. Neglecting to change your oil could result in serious damage to your engine. It’s a relatively cheap maintenance task that will keep your engine running smoothly for a long time. If you notice that your engine is making strange noises, you may need to change your oil more frequently. This is because the engine is wearing down dirt and grime from itself, which the oil is supposed to clean. If you don’t change the oil when this happens, the dirt and grime will build up in the engine, causing serious damage.
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Check your battery and cables
Your battery is one of the most important parts of your car. It’s responsible for powering all of your electrical systems, including the starter. If your battery is dying, it could cause your car to refuse to start, or it could shut off while you’re driving. This can be incredibly dangerous, so you need to make sure that your battery is in good condition. You can test your battery at home with a simple device that you can buy at any auto store. If it shows that your battery is below average, it’s time to replace it. You can also test your cables to make sure that they’re not faulty. If your cables look corroded, it’s a good idea to replace them. Corroded cables can cause power shutoffs and other electrical issues.
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Check your hoses
Your hoses transfer important fluids like coolant and oil throughout your car. They do this while also taking the brunt of the pressure from the engine. After a few years, hoses become worn and brittle, which can lead to leaks. At first, you may only notice bubbles in your radiator, but if left unchecked, the bubbles could turn into giant holes, causing your car to overheat. It’s a good idea to periodically lift up your car and visually inspect your hoses for signs of wear and tear. If you notice any bubbling, crumbling, or other signs of wear, it’s time to replace the hose. You can also use your hands to feel for any abnormalities in the hoses. If you feel something abnormal, it’s time to replace the hose. It’s a good idea to inspect your hoses at every oil change.
Check your brakes
Brake pads are a necessary evil. They’re what helps you stop, but they also wear away with time. You can tell when your brake pads are wearing out because they’ll squeal while you’re braking. Your brake pads will usually last anywhere from 20,000 – 40,000 miles, depending on your driving style. If your brake pads are close to the end of their life, you may notice that your car is harder to stop. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to get them replaced before they wear down entirely. Additionally, you may also be fined for driving with excessively worn brake pads. It’s a good idea to visually inspect your brake pads once every few months to make sure that they’re not too worn. If you’re unsure, you can always take your car to a mechanic to have them inspected.
Conclusion
Maintaining a car isn’t the most glamorous job, but it’s also one of the most important. If you want to extend the life of your car, you should make it a priority to perform these simple maintenance tasks. Rotating your tires, getting an oil change, checking your battery and cables, checking your hoses, and checking your brakes are all things that you can do at home in your driveway. Following these easy tips can help you keep your car running like new for many years to come.
