Staying on top of many things in life isn’t always as easy as it seems, especially when it comes to taking care of your vehicle. Let’s face it, owning a car and taking care of it are two completely different things. If you want your car to remain in top driving condition, then regular maintenance is a must! Here are a five easy car maintenance tips every vehicle owner should remember.
1. Regular Scheduled Maintenance
Our vehicles won’t always be in showroom condition, but they will last for many years as long as you take care of them. That’s why it’s essential to take your vehicle in for all recommended maintenance. Check out your car’s owner manual to find the list of recommended maintenance and stick with it. If you don’t, not only will you spend more money in the long run, you may wind up without a working car!
2. Emergency Items Ready To Go
While nobody wants to break down, get stuck in bad weather, or have an accident, these things do happen. That’s why it is absolutely crucial that you be prepared. Invest in an already-made car emergency kit or create your own. These kits come with a variety of items including:
- Jumper Cables
- First Aid Kit’
- Flashlight
- Flares
- Water
- Non-perishable food
- Blanket
- and more
3. Braking System
Your car’s brake system is one of the most important systems. As such it should always be taken care of. Make sure you have your brakes inspected on a regular basis – at least each time you have an oil change. Luckily, some of this you can do on your own. For example, checking the level of brake fluid and checking your brake pads. Also, pay attention to any warning signs that you need new brakes or brake pads. This includes unfamiliar sounds, poor braking time and even pulling to one side.
4. Tire Pressure Levels
A lot is riding on your tires, so make sure you take care of them. Keep an eye on tire pressure, low tread, and any obvious signs of wear. To find the proper tire pressure, either check for a sticker inside the driver’s door, or look in the manual. Don’t go by the numbers on the tires themselves. And be sure to check the spare too. Last, but not least, don’t forget to have them rotated, balanced and aligned on a regular basis so they perform better and last longer.
5. Windshield Cracks
Nothing is more aggravating than driving down the road and having a rock fly up and hit your windshield. Windshield cracks are more than just an irritating eye sore, they are dangerous. While it is tempting to wait as long as possible before fixing a chip or replacing it due to a crack, don’t. You run the risk the chance of your windshield completely shattering altogether.
In Conclusion
No one is perfect when it comes to taking care of your vehicles. Especially since there are so many things to attend to! Just remember, with proper care, your vehicle can last you for many years to come. For more insight, run over to Zeigler Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for loads of information.