(If you aren’t sure how to change your car’s oil, take it to the appropriate dealership near you for a quality oil change.)
5. Check other car fluids.
This includes coolant, power steering fluid, windshield wiper fluid, brake fluid, and transmission fluid!
If any of these fluids appear discolored or milky, it is likely that you have a leak somewhere.
So call your local mechanic to see if you need to have your car towed or if you can drive to their shop without damaging your engine.
If your fluids are not discolored, simply top them off as needed by purchasing the corresponding fluids at your local auto parts store!
Some of these fluids, like windshield wiper fluid, can commonly be found at gas stations as well.
6. Keep battery terminals clean.
Caring for your car maintenance is important.
Car batteries are naturally corrosive and tend to accumulate corrosive buildup at the terminals.
This corrosive material will sometimes prevent your battery from working properly, which may leave you high and dry.
This can easily be cleaned by loosening the terminals and cleaning them with sandpaper.
Or a cheap wire brush; this simple step saves you a lot of headaches and takes under 10 minutes to do right!
7. Check your air filter.
Especially if you live in an arid, dusty place, it’s crucial to regularly check your engine’s air filter.
By replacing spent filters, you will keep your miles per gallon higher while eliminating undue ignition problems and other issues.
8. Have your brakes inspected.
It’s true that even the best brake pads wear out over time.
So regular brake pad inspections are a key part of driver safety and vehicle longevity. Ideally, this should happen once every six months.
Or so to ensure everything’s in optimal condition.
While it may seem like an added headache to bring your vehicle into a shop to have the brakes checked, the whole process can take 30 minutes or less.
Though any necessary repairs will take longer.
9. Have your tires rotated.
Did you know that all four of the tires on your vehicle wear in different ways?
What this means is that by regularly rotating your four tires, you will be able to even out wear which protects all four tires from blowouts.
This should be done every 3,000-5,000 miles, which is why many people opt to have their tires rotated and their oil changed at the same time!
10. Check engine spark plugs.
Chances are you’ve heard of a spark plug; this essential piece of your vehicle’s motor provides the spark necessary for the combustion required to move your car down the road.
Spark plug problems can lead to major engine failure down the road if left unchecked.
But the good news is, for $30 or less every 30,000 miles, you can avoid any spark plug-related issues!
Replacing your spark plugs regularly can save thousands of dollars in accumulated engine damage.
And is easy enough that a beginner with a toolbox can do it themselves!
Love Routine Car Maintance?
So do we.
Not only does properly caring for your car maintenance through regular inspections, oil changes, and tire rotations prevent costly mechanic fees later down the road.
But it also improves engine efficiency and mileage, driver experience, and safety as well.
While it can seem like a hassle at first to take these 10 steps to care for your car maintenance…
The rewards for doing so bring quantifiable results as well as the simple pleasure of caring for one of your biggest investments.