Did you know that you can extend the life of your vehicle by just keeping on top of routine maintenance? I know it seems simple enough. However, not everyone knows exactly when you should get your oil changed or breaks checked. I know I didn’t. Besides, who really reads the owners manual? I know the only time I ever check the owners manual on my car is when I need to figure out how to replace a headlight or taillight. Therefore, in order to save money and make your car last longer, you should follow these tips and you will make sure that your car is always ready to go when you are.
Your Cooling System
The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended. However, if you live in a cold climate never put water into your cooling system because it can freeze. When you are adding anti-freeze always pour it into the anti-freeze reservoir. Remember, if you do have to add coolant directly into your radiator, always let the car cool down completely before removing the radiator cap. Keep in mind that using your A/C & rolling all of your windows down puts an added burden on your engine and its fuel efficiency.
Your Engine and Oil
The tightness and condition of your drive belts, clamps, and hoses should always be checked by a professional like Lexus Auto Shop Services middlesex county ct. Furthermore, By keeping your engine tuned, you can prevent a bad spark plug or restricted fuel injector from reducing your fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent. Also, you should change your oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles if you make frequent short trips or long trips. Don’t forget to replace your air filter because by allowing your engine to breath properly, you will improve your fuel efficiency and avoid engine problems such as hard stops, rough idling, stalling, and diminished power.
Your Windshield and Tires
Did you know that a dirty windshield can cause eye fatigue and can pose a safety hazard? I know that I personally never really thought about that before. Also, don’t forget to replace your worn windshield blades and maintain the proper windshield washer levels. Moreover, make sure that you have your tires rotated about every 5,000 miles and check your tire pressure once a month or when the weather changes. Why? Because under-inflated tires make it harder on your engine and it decreases your fuel efficiency. Also, make sure you get your brakes checked when you get your tires rotated. If you don’t make sure your brake drums are in proper working order you can add extra wear and tear on your tires and have to replace them sooner because the tire treads will wear unevenly. As you can clearly see, keeping your car on a routine maintenance schedule you will extend your engines life, increase your cars fuel efficiency, and prevent costly repairs down the road.
