If you don't want to shell out your cash for car repair, the best way to keep your vehicle out of the garage is to keep it well maintained. There are lots of little things you have to do, but they all add up to make one well running machine. Here are some things you should make into regular habits.
Check And Change Oil Regularly
This is the easiest thing to do but we often forget it. At least every time you fuel up, you should check your oil. Dirty oil will keep your vehicle from functioning at its best, and running with too little oil can cause lasting damage.
Once the engine has cooled down, find the dipstick. Pull it out, wipe it and then re-insert. This time when you pull it out, it will tell you what your oil level is. The proper oil level should be clearly marked. Getting an oil change is a simple car repair you should get done regularly too.
Check Your Coolant Level
The coolant is what keeps your car from overheating. You'll find it in a little whitish bottle. The bottle will be marked "high" and "low." Make sure it's between those and if it's low, add more. Always check this bottle and not the radiator cap, because touching the radiator cap can burn you.
Tire Pressure
Once a month you should check your tire pressure. You usually won't feel it if there's too little or too much; it has to be checked. You can do it at any gas station. If your tires don't have enough air, the treads on your tire will wear out more quickly and you'll burn more fuel driving. If they're overinflated, you'll lose traction.
Check And Replace Engine Air Filter
This is a simple car repair job that should be part of your maintenance routine. The air filter makes sure there's enough air for the engine. It's essential for the proper functioning of the engine, and it ensures more power and better gas mileage. It's easy to do yourself; just check your vehicle's manual and follow the instructions.
Check Engine Belts
There are lots of belts in the engine that serve various functions. These are rubber belts that are stretched around pulleys. Open your hood and take a look once in a while. It doesn't take a certified mechanic to see that one is starting to wear. Get worn belts replaced as soon as possible; it's much better than having one break while you're driving.
Clean Your Battery
If the contacts and terminals get dirty around the battery, this will make it hard for the electrical current to move through. To clean your batter, first disconnect it. Always disconnect the positive before negative to prevent shorts. Take out the battery and clean the contact posts and terminal caps with a wire brush until the metal shines through.
Wash Your Car Regularly
Cleaning doesn't just make your vehicle shine, it can also fight corrosion. It's also a great way to keep your eye open for any scratches or dents.
Whenever there's a problem, don't let it go. Get it fixed as soon as possible. Most car repair problems are simple if handled before they cause problems. Keep your vehicle in good shape, and you won't need to spend your hard earned cash on car repair.
No comments:
Post a Comment