Your car is more than just a means of transportation or avoiding unexpected breakdowns. Whether you’re taking your kids to the grocery store down the street, embarking on a cross-country road trip, or driving to work, proper care of your vehicle ensures it provides you with not only a safer ride but also extends its longevity. Here are five essential car maintenance tips every driver should follow to ensure a smooth and hassle-free ride.
Regularly Change Oil
A crucial part of Car Maintenance Oil is an engine’s lifeblood that lubricates its parts and prevents it from overheating. Oil loses its efficiency with time. You should not avoid a regular oil change. An oil change failure can be highly damaging to your car. It can, for instance, trigger a build-up of sludge, which could impede oil flow and weaken your car’s engine over time. Owners who neglect these measures risk costly fixes on their part. Simply read the owner’s guide for your car to remedy this. The indicated period is often about every 3,000 to 7,500 miles, but it can vary depending on your vehicle.
Inspect Tires
Your car’s tires are in contact with the road, making maintenance critical for safety and performance. You must check your tire pressure monthly using a pressure gauge and ensure it aligns with your vehicle’s recommended PSI (found in the owner’s manual or on the driver-side door frame).
Underinflated tires can lower fuel efficiency, increasing the risk of blowouts. On the other hand, overinflated tires reduce traction and can wear unevenly. For example, a 2024 study revealed that improperly maintained tires cause around 11,000 crashes annually in the U.S. Regularly inspect your tires for visible wear, punctures, or cracks. Additionally, you should rotate them every 5,000 to 7,500 miles to ensure even wear and extend their lifespan.
Keep Your Brakes in Check
Your car’s braking system is one of its most important safety features. When your brakes squeak or grind, this is a sign that they need to be replaced as soon as possible. Neglecting these signs may lead to damaged rotors or complete brake failure.
Failure to brake is one of the contributory factors to about 22% of automobile accidents in the United States. Many result in severe injuries and even death. One of the frequent issues faced by drivers is the need for brake repairs. For safety and to avoid potentially costly repair bills, get a brake checkup annually or whenever you notice decreased responsiveness to the braking pedal.
Replace Air Filters and Wipers
Clean air filters allow your engine to receive clean air, increasing fuel efficiency and decreasing emissions. Meanwhile, a clogged air filter will likely reduce acceleration. Be sure to replace your air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or as your manual indicates.
Worn-out windshield wipers can also drastically reduce visibility in bad weather. If you notice streaks or hear a squeaking noise, it is time to change them. You should change your windshield wipers every six to 12 months, especially in extreme weather conditions.
Check Fluid Levels
Your car’s proper functioning depends on various fluids, including coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid. If you neglect these, performance problems or even total system collapse may occur.
Almost 40% of engine failures result from a malfunctioning cooling system, which leads to expensive repairs. Many incidents of overheating occur due to insufficient coolant levels. Make it a habit to check these fluids monthly and top them off as needed. Look in your car’s manual for locations and recommended types of reservoirs. In addition, remember to inspect signs of leaks beneath the vehicle, which may indicate more profound issues.
Endnote
Routine car maintenance is essential for any driver. Setting up an oil change, checking the tire pressure, and replacing air filters will save you time, money, and stress. By staying proactive, you protect your investment and ensure a safer driving experience.