Driving is really a distinctive experience. To be capable to hit an open road, feel the wind on your face, and leave all of your troubles behind you is a form of freedom that not many other activities can enliven to. That said, no matter how much you want to push your baby to the limit, driving must be safe first.
You cannot hope for keep your car in mint condition without running regular checks and fixing every problem as soon as possible, so you must keep track of your vehicle’s vitality all the time. Here are five maintenance tips you will want to pay attention to if you want your car to provide you with a safe, enjoyable and thrilling driving experience.
Check tire pressure and replace tires seasonally
When assessing the security of your vehicle for both short and long term trips, tires should be one of the first things to consider. Stick with the same partner all year round, and not only are you looking at hefty fines, but you could even be putting yourself at risk.
Winter with rainy and snowy days can be a death trap for drivers who do not upgrade to winter tires, so let these be your top precedence during the transitional months of the year. Furthermore, you should check tire pressure regularly and refill them to extend their life.
Keep your car fluids under control
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Fluid maintenance is another important task that each car owner must perform frequently. Failing to keep a car’s fluids up can lead to every kind of trouble down the road, and long-term neglect will get you a ticket to the nearest mechanic. To avoid this, you need to monitor your car’s oil, transmission fluid, and engine coolant levels.
Make sure to keep the oil level high to allow for a smooth driving experience, and do not forget change oil every 7,500 miles to protect your machine and make sure the best performance. Maintain proper transmission fluid levels to stop shifting problems and potential hazards, and maintain engine coolant to stop overheating and worse long-term damage.
Give your windshield a scrupulous overhaul
This is where most car owners make a costly mistake. A windshield may not look like something you should spend time inspecting – if it is clean, you can drive, if it is broken, you replace it. The main issue here is that there may be some underlying problem with your windshield that you may not bear in mind of.
It is important to get your car certified windshield professional for an in-depth examination that will uncover hidden hazards such as microscopic cracks and debris that, if treated early, can help you avoid costly problems later. When a windshield replacement is critical, make sure to find a mechanic who will come to you to save you valuable money and time.
Check engine air filter and serpentine belt
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Engine air filter and winding belt are important components of a safe driving vehicle that you should never forget. While snake belts are designed to last a really long time without needing inspection, it never hurts to check the length of the belt yearly for minor problems that you can easily fix.
The air filter, on the other hand, is the part of the engine that needs your attention more often. While it’s designed for lasts up to 30,000 miles, it can only achieve this feat if you clean it regularly. Simply remove it from the air box in your engine and provide it a scrupulous scrub every few months. Keep in mind that you should ideally replace your air filter every three years, as they have a tendency to become brittle with age.
Perform regular brake checks
In a way, the braking system is the most significant part of your vehicle. Without it, you know what can occur. There is no reason not to examine the brakes and braking mechanism in general every six months, to make sure a safe driving experience. You should also take your car to a repair shop as soon as you feel that the braking system is starting to work. This often manifests as a sluggish braking sequence, an unresponsive brake pedal, or a loud, high-pitched sound from the hood indicating a broken line needs repair.
Driving, no matter how fun and thrilling, should be safe by nature. With that in mind, make sure to follow these steps to keep your car in tip-top shape for years to come.
