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It’s easy to assume that our cars are equally reliable and carefree. We’re used to phones, TVs, and computers that don’t need regular maintenance and that work until they stop. We’re just busy all the time.
Modern vehicles are not electronic. They’re incredibly complex mechanical devices made up of thousands of moving parts. They roll on inflatable rubber tires.
Some components require periodic maintenance to keep them working correctly. Others will eventually need replacement.
You have many reasons to maintain your daily wheels. Major repairs can be expensive, but regular maintenance is easy and inexpensive. You can also feel more secure knowing that your vehicle, whether an SUV or truck, is in great shape, regardless of mileage or age. This means you don’t have to worry about breakdowns or delays on long journeys or during your commute. A well-maintained vehicle will last longer and retain more value for resale or trade-in. Take care of your vehicle, and it will look after you.
You don’t need to be an auto enthusiast or even slightly mechanically inclined to maintain your car. It takes very little time. Check out this list of six simple things to prevent expensive problems and keep your vehicle running smoothly for years. You can use the illustrations below to find the parts under the hood you need to check. It’s a good idea to consult your owner’s guide to find these components on your vehicle and know what the manufacturer recommends for their service.
How is the oil level?
Oil is essential to your engine. Oil is necessary for lubricating all moving parts of your machine. Most modern cars have engines that use so little fat that the oil changes manufacturers recommend are unnecessary. You won’t be able to tell if your vehicle is an exception unless you do a check. You may have an older vehicle that uses oil. Check your oil by following these steps:
Ensure that the engine is turned off. Open the hood. The safety catch is located under the hood lip.
Pull out the engine oil dipstick (usually labeled). It’s generally yellow to make it easy to spot. Replace the dipstick completely into its sheath and then pull it again.
Look at the tip. The markings will indicate the range of oil levels, from one quart to full. The end of the dipstick will have a thin layer of oil. You’re fine if it’s in between the minimum and max lines. Add a quart if it is at minimum or lower. You can find this information in your owner’s guide.
Add oil by twisting the cap with the oil-can icon (often marked “oil”) on top of the engine. Pour in one quart.
It’s more than enough oil that your engine needs, but clean oil. Change the oil and filter at the recommended mileage intervals in your owner’s manual.
Be Sure to Have Windshield Washer Fluid
The season and weather will determine how often you check the data-vars-ga-call to action=”windshield washer” data vars ga ‘outbound link’ https://www.roadandtrack.com/car culture/buying maintenance/videos/a32313/alfa romeo-4c’refill wiper fluid’/. The season and weather determine how often you should check the washer fluid reservoir. Check it out:
The pool for the windshield washer is located underneath the hood.
Translucent plastic is often used to make washer tanks, allowing you to check their level visually. Many are hidden, making it impossible to see how full they are – except when you’ve filled them up to the brim.
The reservoir cap should be removed. The icon for windshield-wiper fluid is on the lid. Fill the reservoir up with washer fluid.
Do NOT use pure water. Freezing temperatures will cause your wipers to become useless. Commercial washer fluid contains alcohol that prevents it from freezing in temperatures other than Alaskan winters.
Check tire air pressure
Older cars don’t have a tire-pressure warning lamp to alert you when your tires need air. Buying a tire pressure gauge at an auto parts store is always best. What you should know is:
The driver’s door pillar sticker lists the correct inflation pressure when the tires are still cold.
After driving a bit (more than just a few kilometers), you should raise the pressure by 3 pounds per square inch because tires will warm up as they drive, and their forces will rise.
You should check your tires every month for the next couple of months. You can check the tire pressures quarterly if they remain constant.
Is your radiator full?
Do not attempt to fill the cooling system by removing the radiator cap. When the engine is hot, loosening this black cap on top of the radiator (as shown above) can cause the water to splash back. Never refill the cooling system through the radiator cap.
Recheck the coolant monthly if it is low at your first check. If the coolant keeps disappearing, you must take your car to a repair shop or dealer.
You can drive for a long time if the coolant is in the right zone. Coolant can last for many years but only for a while. It is best left to a repair shop. You can check your owner’s guide to find out how often you are recommended to replace the product.
Brake-Fluid Check
You push brake fluid into the brake system when you press the brake pedal. The brake fluid reservoir on most cars is made of translucent plastic so you can easily see when it is complete. Like most systems today, brakes are tightly sealed and rarely leak. Almost. How to check brake fluid level
Your brake system is in good condition if the brake reservoir is filled when you inspect it.
Purchase brake fluid to refill the reservoir if it is low
It is worth checking weekly. Take the vehicle to a shop if the fluid level continues, even slowly decreasing. Your car has a problem that can make driving hazardous.
Brake fluid, like coolant, has a limited lifespan and should be replaced regularly at long-term intervals. Consult the owner’s guide to determine when to return it. This should be done in a shop.
The brake pad is another item that can wear out. The pads can last 20,000 miles, or even more, depending on the car and driving conditions. This is not something you can quickly check at home. Inspection of brake pads is usually included in routine maintenance when a vehicle is covered by warranty.
You’ll need to consult a mechanic (or ask a mechanically inclined friend who knows brakes) if you have an older vehicle. Knowing the remaining life of your brake pads is essential because you can anticipate when they will need to be replaced. The pad linings will wear down to the metal backing plate if you wait too long. This can cause severe damage to your car’s brakes. Get a grip on the remaining brake-pad lifespan.
