Car Maintenance Tips
Automobiles are tricky piece of machinery. While the vast majority of problems with your car's electrical system may warrant a visit to the local mechanic, there are some less serious issues that you could fix yourself. Here are four of the most common maintenance procedures that you can perform in order to extend the life of your car and lessen the chance of expensive car repairs.
The Engine Coolant
One of the most dangerous problems that you could be faced with is an overheating engine. This is something to prevent as much as possible, otherwise the repair costs may be more than just buying a new car. Make sure that you regularly check the coolant and see that it is filled up to the specified line on the container. If you notice a leak in the coolant system, visit an auto repair shop right away.
Air Filters, Spark Plugs and Timing Belts
A dirty air filter can cause a huge loss in terms of engine power, which will lead to a reduction in gas mileage. Your air filters must be replaced periodically. If you don't want to visit a mechanic's garage for such a simple task, you can check the owner's manual of your car for instructions on how to replace your vehicle's air filters by yourself. Just like your air filters, the vehicle's timing belts and spark plugs must also be changed regularly in order to maintain the efficiency of your engine.
Oil
Your vehicle's oil is also another important aspect that determines the well-being of your engine. You should generally check your oil levels at least every month. If you notice that the oil is below the line drawn on the container, refill it to that line and check for any leaks. If no leaks are present, you don't have to worry about anything else than regular oil refills.
Brakes
Your vehicle's brakes are also extremely important. Not only do you put your life in danger when driving a vehicle with unstable brake pads, but you endanger the life of other people on the road as well. You should never drive a car whose brake pads haven't been changed in a while and that start showing signs of wear. Changing your brake pads is a relatively inexpensive process, but can lead to brake binding if not fixed.
Tyres
You should check the pressure of your tyres at least once every couple months. You will find the proper amount of pressure in the owner's manual or online. You should also rotate the tyres every time you change the oil in order to make sure that the amount of wear is even. Car tyres have a fixed limit on tread wear; once you pass that limit, it's time to replace the tyres.
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