Between oil changes and tire rotations, keeping up with your car maintenance can be a nuisance. However, staying on top of it can help avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your vehicle. Here are some vehicle maintenance tips, from the experts at Express Auto Repair, that can help save you money in the long run.
Oil Changes
Since oil involves many of your car’s functions, delaying oil changes can often lead to the costliest car maintenance issues to fix. It’s well-worth it to spend a little extra money to get the oil changed regularly to avoid wearing out your engine.
Tip: It is recommended to change the oil every 5,000 miles or follow your car manufacturer recommendations.
Check Spare Tire
Your spare tire should always be inflated, along with the other four tires on your car. The last thing you want is discovering your spare is flat and needing to call a costly tow truck. It’s much better to spend some money on an air pump and ensure your spare is always ready to go.
Tip: Check the air pressure of all your tires once a month.
Replace Brake Pads
If you hear a squeaking sound when you hit the brakes, the brake pads could be worn out. Not replacing the pads can cause further damage to other components and lead to more expenses. It also extremely important to able to stop before rear-ending another vehicle in front of you.
Tip: Have an expert at Express Auto Repair check your brake fluid every time the oil is changed to ensure it’s not dark in color.
Inspect the Battery
Corrosion can form on the terminals of your battery and appear as a white or bluish powder. Not keeping the terminals clean could cause the battery to crack or not function properly. Using a wire brush to keep the terminals clear of corrosion is money well-spent.
Tip: Inspect the battery for corrosion and have it tested twice a year.
Replace Air Filter
The air filter prevents pollutants from coming in through the vents. Not changing it can lead to major problems and can cost thousands of dollars to replace the full AC unit.
Tip: Replace the air filter at a reputable shop, like Express Auto Repair, every 12 months or 12,000 miles.
Rotate Tires
The life of car tires can be extended just by rotating them regularly. All four tires wear down differently, depending on the car, speed, and the roads you drive on. Rotating your tires can extend their life and delay having to spend money on a brand-new set of four.
Tip: Tires should be rotated every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
Check Coolant
An important maintenance item you don’t want to skip out on is changing your coolant. Otherwise, you may run the risk of serious corrosion inside your car. This can affect the heater, air conditioner, radiator, and water pump.
Tip: The coolant should be checked twice a year-before warm weather begins and before the cold weather comes.
Replace Windshield Wipers
A new set of windshield wipers can make a huge difference in keeping your windshield clean and is a necessity when you’re out on the road. This is important because dirt can build up over time with old worn wipers and can even cause the glass to break down.
Tip: Check the wipers each season and change them if necessary.
Inspect Belts and Hoses
Worn-down belts can cause damage to other essential components of your car. Having a weak radiator hose could also cause your engine to overheat and stop running.
Tip: It’s recommended that hoses should be changed every four years or if there are signs of wear.
Affordable Maintenance Services at Express Auto Repair
Keeping up with the above car maintenance tips can save you money on major repairs in the future. If your car is due for any maintenance services, call Express Auto Repair today! Our certified mechanics will ensure your car is running at peak performance!
