Mind Your Car Maintenance Habits to Keep your Car Running Smooth

Cogwheel Gear Engine by Pavlovfox via Pixabay (Public Domain)

You spend a lot of time choosing which car to buy and even longer taking care of it over the years, but car ownership is more than just washing it and vacuuming the carpet. Even the proudest car owner can neglect the most important part of owning a car: maintenance.

The Role Maintenance Plays in Car Ownership

A car isn’t going to take care of itself. Day after day of being exposed to various driving conditions will eventually take its toll on your shiny new auto. As the years wear on, fluids will need to be changed and parts will need to be replaced. While some are cheap and easy fixes, others require more specialized help. The professionals are there to take care of maintenance, but you’ve still got to be proactive about knowing when to take your car to the shop. Keep a maintenance log up to date and have your service technician walk you through your invoice so you know what jobs were performed. Pay attention to the alerts you get on your in-dash computer and consult your owner’s manual for maintenance intervals.

Well-maintained Tires Will Keep you on the Road

Some things that need your attention won’t even require specialized tools, just an observant eye and the owner’s manual for reference. Tires are your vehicle’s only contact with the road, so maintaining proper tire pressure is a must. The grooves on your tires help channel away water when you drive on a wet road and it’s important that those grooves are still deep enough to do the job; replace a tire as soon as it gets bald.

Here’s an easy way to check your tread depth: Place a quarter upside down in the tread with George Washington’s head facing you and if the tire tread isn’t touching his head, then it’s time to replace your tires.

Check Your Fluids, Too

Your fluids are the lifeblood of your car and serve various purposes in keeping your car running smoothly: oil keeps the engine lubricated, coolant prevents it from overheating, windshield washer fluid maintains visibility and so on. These fluids are easy enough to check under the hood, just consult your owner’s manual. Neglecting to check them runs the risk of your car failing at a bad time, especially when it’s running.

Make Sure you Can See the Road Ahead

Make sure your lights are in good working order and replace any burned out bulbs or damaged light housings. Improperly working lights can compromise your visibility in certain situations, whether it means you won’t be able to see a hazard or another driver won’t be able to see you.

Keep Your Motor Running

If you experience hard starting more than usual, or you find your engine stalling, it may be time to visit your ignition system. Spark plugs (for gasoline cars) or glow plugs (for diesel vehicles) initiate the ignition sequence for your engine, and hard starts could mean that these need to be replaced. Check your car battery too for buildup on the terminals that needs to be cleaned, or if the battery’s water level is too low.

Be Aware of When to Replace your Windshield Wipers

Windshield wipers keep your windshield clean and clear of obstructions, whether its rain, dust or mud. If you notice that the wipers aren’t doing the job as well as they used to, they might be worn out and in need of replacement.

Technology Can Lend a Helping Hand

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, pinpointing what exactly is wrong with the car can be frustrating. That’s okay, since that only means it’s time for more advanced help. Some choose to install vehicle diagnostic devices such as OBD scanners in their cars to help them monitor the vehicle’s vital functions using their mobile device. Others take the car directly to an auto repair facility, where a competent mechanic can assess the problem and explain what needs to be done. But many problems can be avoided if you observe the car’s periodic maintenance schedule, which is akin to a periodic check-up given by a doctor.

Know When to Seek Professional Help

Neglecting car maintenance, even basic tasks, can lead to disastrous results. The money you save by skipping proper upkeep is nothing compared to the expenses you incur when the situation worsens. When your vehicle’s exterior needs attention, bring it to Yark Body Shop for estimates and expert service. Visit us at 6019 West Central Avenue, Toledo, OH. Call (888) 667-0350 for an appointment with our professional staff!