You may think that you only have to spend money on repairs for your car as they’re needed. But more often than not, spending money on proactive maintenance now will save you money in the long run. Here are a few tips!
Read the Owner’s Manual
The Owner’s Manual will be your best resource for understanding which services are the most important for your car, and how frequently each service should be done.
Change the Oil Regularly
This is the #1 basic service of them all. Today, due to advances in engines and oil, auto manufacturers recommend 4,000 to 6,000 miles between changes. Make sure to check your Owner’s Manual for this information or ask your mechanic.
Check the Tire Pressure
You don’t need to check the tire pressure often. If you have a newer car, the light will come on if you need to worry about it. Don’t panic on days when the temperature dips down to single digits. When the outside temperature drops, so does the tire pressure. But it will restabilize when the temperature rises again.
Keep an Eye on Gauges and Indicator Lights
The gauges on your dashboard are the first signals of something that needs attention. Take each signal seriously! Keep your eye on the gas gauge and don’t let it get too low. Driving with low gas may damage the fuel pump. Keep your eye on the temperature gauge. If it goes up to HOT, pull over and call for a tow. It may be only a bad hose, but if you keep driving, the engine will overheat and very expensive repairs will be needed. The check engine light is the most serious signal. Once the light goes on, bring the car in immediately.
Be Battery Proactive
Batteries normally last about five years. After five years, test the battery and replace it if the results are low. If the engine cranks slowly when you turn the car on in cold weather, you should bring it in for a battery check.
The gauges and indicator lights are designed to help you be proactive about automotive maintenance. Checking your vehicle’s systems should not be done only during scheduled maintenance. The better you take care of your car, the longer it will last.