Most cars require regular maintenance, but how often you should check your vehicle depends on the type and quality of gas. If it’s diesel or gasoline mix with low octane rating like 89 – 93 (ARP), then every 5-10 thousand miles would be best for these types fuel oils because they have lower energy content than petroleum fuels. This can lead to engine wear faster under high operating temperatures in hot weather conditions such as summer months. During the hot season driving habits may become more aggressive due increased traffic density and long commute times.
Keeping your car running smoothly and safely down the road is a crucial part of driving. You might not think so, but in actuality properly maintaining your vehicle can make you more confident behind the wheel. Knowing your car is in tip top shape will make you less concerned about an unforeseen vehicle breakdown while driving.
Make sure to always carry an owner’s manual with all maintenance information outlined for when life throws you unexpected curveballs. A person should know how often their vehicle needs servicing. This varies depending upon whether it has been recently serviced versus sitting unused at home. There are also some cars where owners may find themselves unsure what type service intervals apply. The service manual would have all that type of information.
You can maintain your car on the cheap with a little know how. You may need to pay an expert for some major repairs, but there are plenty of basic tasks that you could handle yourself and save money in the process.
Every vehicle has a manual. It’s typically found in the glove box, but if you can’t find yours then an electronic version may be available online or through your dealer for reference purposes. Once you’ve got yourself some maintenance information like how often you should do oil changes, oil filter replacements, belts, hoses, etc., be sure not to ignore these recommendations from the car’s manufacturer.
Tires are the most important part of your vehicle. They provide you with traction and can lessen any impact during a crash, which is why they need to be inflated properly. It might seem like common sense but many people dont know how much pressure their tires should have or where to find this information. For home use, electric air pressure units are a great tool to have on hand. They come with multiple attachments with one being for inflating vehicle tires. Many will typically have a tire pressure gauge attached. You can always purchase a manual tire pressure gauge which is very inexpensive.
Tires should be inflated when they are cold (driven less than one mile) to get an accurate reading. If that isnt possible, add 4 PSI onto the recommended amount and check your spare tire while you’re at it. You can also verify all pressures with a gauge once resting time has passed for about 20 minutes after inflating them completely with room in between each new set of tires so there is no rapid change in pressure.
Oil is the liquid that keeps your engine running smoothly. It provides a protective layer between moving parts, allowing them to operate with lower friction and reducing wear from occurring as quickly – which means you can use less fuel! As far as the type of oil you should use, experts suggest the type of oil is not so important as long as it meets the service and viscosity requirements listed in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.
The air filter is an essential component of your car’s engine. It helps keep the interior from becoming too dusty, and also prevents small dirt particles from getting inside where they can cause trouble for other parts. It’s best practice to check air filters during oil changes and replace if necessary.
Its important to check your car fluids on a regular basis. Experts recommend that you have the brake fluid, transmission and engine oils changed every 3-4 months. Coolant levels should be checked twice per year in case there are issues in Spring or Fall when water is quickly used before returning back into circulation again. Windshield washer fluid can be checked anytime and topped off when needed.
At any time during your routine maintenance inspection your discover something beyond your level of knowledge, having a mobile mechanic respond to provide an estimate if repairs are needed would be wise. Mobile mechanic services like Mobile Mechanic Pros Reno can come to your location and assess your vehicle’s needs.
Now that you know the basics of vehicle maintenance, your car will be safer on the road and longer lasting.
