Most car owners want to avoid expensive repairs that they could have prevented. Keeping a vehicle well-maintained also reduces the risk of collisions.
The United States Department of Motor Vehicles is quick to point out that driving is a privilege to the public. Plus, safety organizations remind drivers that everyone must share the road including pedestrians.
Even though a driver isn’t involved in a collision, they can cause one and not know it.
Car maintenance helps keep drivers and others safe on the road. For example, you should test your vehicle’s turn signals and lights before heading out on an errand. This ensures that vehicles behind you know that you plan to turn or stop.
Let’s look at seven car maintenance tips to keep your vehicle in good shape.
1. Check the Brakes
Cars have several important components that depend on each other. When you drive on the road among others, you must ensure that the brakes remain in good condition.
Vehicles that cannot stop accurately pose a hazard to the driver, its passengers, and drivers on the road.
All drivers should practice defensive driving. When you leave one car length for every 10 miles of speed, you give yourself enough time to stop. The realities of the road prove that drivers don’t always leave enough space.
Plus, faulty breaks can easily lead to collisions. It’s too easy to crash into the car in front of you.
Brake pads last 10,000 to 20,000 miles. The rotors have a longer life at 50,000 to 70,000 miles.
Therefore, all drivers benefit from paying attention to their vehicle’s brakes. Audible noises when pressing on them, signal that it’s time for maintenance.
2. Change the Oil
The vehicle’s oil keeps the engine lubricated. It also keeps the engine from overheating.
Changing the oil regularly also ensures that the engine remains clean.
Car manufacturing is seeing several changes. Thus, take a look at your owner’s manual to find out when your vehicle requires oil changes.
Whether you change the oil yourself or take it to the professionals, check for leaks.
When the first rains fall or your area receives a spritzing, the roads become slick. The slickness comes from the combination of the water, the dust particles that roads accumulate, and car fluids.
Car maintenance keeps you safe while driving on the road. It keeps other drivers safe too. Nonetheless, vehicle accidents with Lyft and Uber drivers can still occur. This guide helps you navigate a vehicle accident.
3. Replace the Windshield Wipers
An easy way to keep vehicles in good shape is to replace the windshield wipers annually. Those who drive in severe weather consistently should replace them once every six months.
Windshield wipers keep drivers safe by improving visibility. The wipers clear rain, dust, and snow from the windshield.
4. Rotate the Tires
Rotating the vehicle tires ensures that they wear out evenly. Tires can last four to five years or 60,000 to 75,000 miles.
The tires serve an important secondary purpose; they help the car come to a complete stop.
Worn-out tires prevent the vehicle from stopping suddenly. Plus, they can leave debris on the road.
5. Test the Turn Signals
Vehicle turn signals date back to the early 1900s. The feature became standard in the 1950s.
Turn signals help drivers warn others and give them a heads up that they plan to turn or change lanes. Therefore, those behind and next to you can slow down, make room, or change lanes too.
The highway patrol will pull over drivers whose vehicle turn lights fail to operate as intended.
6. Check the Fluid Levels
In addition to the car oil, vehicles have other fluids too. They include the:
- Transmission fluid
- Coolant
- Power steering fluid
- Brake fluid
To help the vehicle function properly, check the fluids at regular intervals. You can also request the service during the oil change appointment.
7. Wash the Vehicle Regularly
To prevent people from writing silly notes on your vehicle with dust, wash it regularly. Keeping the exterior clean keeps the paint job in good shape. It also ensures that you have optimal visibility.
Your wipers keep the front windshield clean. You also need to ensure that the windows, mirrors, and lights remain clean too.
Conclusion
You’ll notice several of the car maintenance tips listed above incur a minimal cost. The tips also help you avoid incurring expensive repairs sooner rather than later. Moreover, they keep you and other drivers safe on the road. Happy driving.
