Our cars are one of our most important investments. We rely on them to get us to work, to get our kids to school, to run errands, take trips and more. We want and need our cars to drive well, remain in good repair, and last a long time. In order for that to happen, we need to maintain everything, including these commonly overlooked or forgotten car maintenance checks.
Are you guilty of neglecting one of the following common car maintenance checks?
The Gas Cap
If a tank of gas doesn’t last as long as it used to and you have checked all the likely culprits such as filters and fluids, perhaps the gas cap is the cause. Over time gas caps will lose their seals. This, in turn, causes gas loss and can even cause air to get into the fuel system. Luckily replacing the gas cap is an easy fix!
Filters
Speaking of filters, your car’s fuel and air filters are working anytime that the vehicle’s engine is running. Over time these filters can become dirty and clogged. A fuel filter can’t do its job when it is clogged up with gunk and debris, therefore causing the car to get less mileage per gallon of gas and costing you more money. Experts recommend checking it once or twice a year or every 24,000 miles, though this can vary depending on make and model. A good rule of thumb is to check your owner’s manual to see their recommendations. Depending on its location and your know-how, it’s possible that you can change it yourself. If not, you can always take it to the dealership where you bought it.
Almost all dealerships, like Premiere Cape Cod, have a service department with licensed and/or experienced mechanics who deal with your vehicle’s make and model on a regular basis.
Your vehicle’s air filter is just as important. If your car isn’t getting enough clean air, it could cause the engine to run poorly and overheat – which we all know costs much more to fix than a new air filter. This is another filter that depending on location and know-how you could change yourself.
Less Common Fluids
We have all heard how important it is to check and change a car’s oil, transmission fluid and brake fluid, but what about the other fluids? A dirty windshield is dangerous, so make a point to check the wiper fluid. You also need to check your power steering fluid. If it becomes harder to turn the wheel, or you hear a high-pitched squealing when you do turn the wheel, most likely you need more fluid. Checking and adding more to both of these fluids is as simple as popping the hood, locating the correct reservoir, and checking the level or dipstick. Filling them up is just as easy – just make sure you use the fluid recommended for your vehicle.
Continue reading about some of the most neglected common car maintenance checks HERE.