Do you wait to take your car for a service only when your car causes you some trouble? Well, you should always live with the smooth hum of your engine in its youth and not with annoying noises, clanks, rumbling, grinding sounds or anything else. This situation only arises when the engine of your car isn’t at its best. Most probably, it is burning more gas than it needs to and in the worst-case scenario – doing more damage to the engine itself.
Such situations happen only when you constantly overlook your car’s regular maintenance. It could be due to pure negligence and out of forgetfulness.
Why you shouldn’t skip?
If you skip them, you might have to deal with one or more of the following potential problems such as:
- Shortened vehicle life
- Expensive repairs
- Poor mileage
- Reduced resale value
- Oil sludge build up in the engine
- Mechanical failure while driving which could cause fatal accidents
How would you know that your car needs a service?
Well, this is simple. Just listen to your car. It will give you potential warning signs as follows:
- Reduced breaking capacity
- Warning lights
- Weird noises
- The car doesn’t start in a go
- Leaks
- Leaning steering
- Rattling sounds when you accelerate
- Loss of power when you accelerate
- Sluggish acceleration
- A surge in the engine’s speed
Listening to the cry of your car before it completely breaks down can save you from a lot of trouble. Also, NEVER ignore the symptoms.
What all must be regularly taken care of?
Maintenance is a necessary pain that you must endure if you want to get your money’s worth out of your car(s). Following 4 are the most critical car maintenance services that each car owner/driver must stay on top of.
1. Oil Change
- Getting the oil changed on a regular basis is one of the most important things to ensure that your car lasts a long time. It is essential as it reduces the risk of damaging the engine or its parts. Oil changes are relatively inexpensive in comparison to the cost which can be incurred when you have to replace a seized up engine. Every car should be taken for an oil change roughly every 3,000 to 7,500 miles.
2. Tire Rotation
- Undoubtedly, replacing the tyres can be an expensive event, especially of an SUV or a sporty car. But the importance of proper tyre maintenance can’t be ignored. In order to make smooth cuts and to get the best mileage, your tyres must be healthy and they must wear off evenly. Keeping the tyre pressure at the recommended setting cuts back on drag and helps you get better gas mileage. However, please ensure that your tyres aren’t overinflated. It’s dangerous. You must check the air pressure monthly, and have your tires rotated every 5,000 to 10,000 miles.
3. Brake Checks
- Not even a tiny sign can be ignored when it comes to brakes. It could simply be fatal. The brakes of each car should be replaced after every 20,000 to 30,000 miles on an average. But even if you aren’t at the mark, doesn’t make it less important to get them checked. This must be followed regularly and religiously. Car’s braking system should always be at its perfect state. It is the number one safety essential when you’re driving. Any weird sounds such as squealing sounds or vibrations which are not usual should be considered as an indication. Get them checked as soon as possible. A tip here is that you should always ask your mechanic to check the remaining depth of your brake pads every time you have your tyres rotated.
4. Fluid Checks
- The fluids that exist under your hood are present to ensure that your car runs smoothly and if they dry off, you might have to pay a huge bill to boot. There are many types of fluids that exist in your engine. It could be transmission fluid, engine coolant, brake fluid, etc. each of them should be checked regularly and topped off every single time you take your car for any maintenance work.
Just like each human being must have regular check-ups. So is a car! It is mandatory to get them checked at regular intervals. Ultimately, the more you’ll care, the happier you will be. And in return, your car might fall in love with you just like Herbie falls for Maggie and reward you with a huge smile!
