Your car is one of the most expensive items you will buy, and it’s essential to look after it and carry out regular maintenance. A well-maintained vehicle will run better, be safer, have a longer life, and save you money. Each season brings different challenges for your car, with extremely hot or cold temperatures that are particularly tough on many components.
In this article, we’ll look at the routine vehicle maintenance you should carry out throughout the year. From changing the oil to rotating the tires, these basic tasks will provide you with wide-ranging benefits.
What Are the Benefits of Regular Car Maintenance?
Increased Safety
One of the most important aspects of regular maintenance is keeping your car in the safest condition. Many road accidents are caused by the failure of parts on a poorly maintained vehicle. Your tires, brakes, and suspension need to be in good condition for your car to operate correctly and for the safety of you, your family, and other people on the road.
Additionally, poorly maintained cars are more likely to break down. If that happens at night on a quiet stretch of road, it could leave you or a family member stranded in a vulnerable position.
You’ll Save Money
Regular car maintenance will save you money in several ways. When your car is running at its best, it is also more fuel-efficient. A poorly tuned engine, for example, can increase fuel consumption by up to 50%. The condition of your engine oil, filters, and tires can all affect your vehicle’s fuel economy, so following the recommended service schedule and getting regular engine tune-ups will mean fewer visits to the gas station.
Regular inspections under the hood can also prevent unexpected repairs. Each time you check the fluid levels, look for leaks, cracked or leaking hoses, worn belts, or components showing excessive wear and tear. Inspect your brake discs and pads for wear when you check your tire pressure. Catching and rectifying problems early can save you expensive repairs or replacements later.
Providing a full-service history can increase value when selling or trading your car. Keep all the receipts for maintenance work and any parts you replace so that a prospective buyer knows the vehicle has been well cared for.
Extend Your Car’s Life
Another important benefit of regular maintenance is that your car will last longer. If you neglect simple things like changing the oil, your engine will suffer from increased wear and tear, as less lubrication means more friction. Taking care of your engine, transmission, drivetrain, cooling system, brakes, and tires will prolong the life of these components.
Routine Maintenance
You’re always advised to follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. However, you should carry out routine maintenance between inspections to monitor things. How often you perform the maintenance tasks might depend on how much you drive and the type of driving you mostly do, but bear in mind that sitting idle can also be hard on your car.
Generally, you should check your fluid levels and tire pressure every week. If your daily commute involves stop-and-go driving in the city, you might want to check your brakes every week. A monthly inspection may be enough if most of your driving is on free-flowing highways. A lot of off-road driving can take its toll on your vehicle, so if your driving style involves off-roading, you should have your suspension and shocks inspected regularly.
Check Your Fluid Levels
Your car depends on several fluids to keep it running smoothly. Your local service center will check and change them as necessary during a scheduled service, but you should monitor the levels between maintenance appointments. Be sure to check the following:
- Engine Oil. Your engine needs oil to lubricate the metal parts and absorb heat as the components move against each other. The oil needs to be at the correct level to work efficiently, so check it with the dipstick. It’s recommended to have an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
- Transmission Fluid. Like your engine, the automatic transmission has parts that need the proper fluid to work smoothly together. If the fluid runs low, it can become contaminated and reduce the life of your transmission.
- Coolant. Keep your radiator topped up with the correct mix of antifreeze and water. The coolant prevents freezing and helps prevent rust from forming.
- Brake Fluid. Your brakes are operated by a hydraulic system, and brake fluid is essential for efficient braking. The liquid doesn’t evaporate, so if it runs low, a qualified technician may need to check for a leak in the system.
- Power Steering Fluid. If your steering fluid is low, your car could become challenging. Check the level and have the fluid changed as required.
Have the Brakes Checked
Efficient brakes are essential for safe driving. Over time, the brake pads wear down, and if they’re not changed in time, you will end up with metal grinding on your discs. You will then have to replace the rotors and pads. Regularly check the thickness of the pads and change them before it’s too late. If you brake and hear a grinding noise, shuddering, or the pedal feels spongy, you have a brake problem that needs to be checked out.
Tire Checks
Your tires are the only connection your car has with the road, and they must be in good condition and at the right pressure. If the tire pressure is too low or too high, your car’s stability, braking, and cornering can all be affected. When you check your tires’ air pressure, inspect the tire tread for wear, and check the sidewalls for any cracks or bulges that could cause a blowout.
Performing these routine maintenance tasks will help keep your car running smoothly and safely and save you money. At Huffines Hyundai McKinney, we can help you with all your servicing needs, so get in touch today.