Keep these maintenance tips in mind if you want to save yourself from having to spend a fortune on car repairs:
1. Regularly check your spare tire.
The last thing you want is to find out that you have a flat spare tire just when you need it. Get it inflated once every few months and be sure to test the pressure monthly – the same goes for your driving tires too.
2. Follow your car manufacturer’s oil change recommendations.
The common practice is to change oil every 5,000 miles but this can vary depending on the car manufacturer so do check the owner’s manual. In any case, it’s important to get the oil changed when needed even if you think it’s going to affect your budget. Oil and filter change is around $40-$70 which admittedly is not small change. But just think about how much you’d have to pay if you wear out the car’s engine?
3. Replace the brake pads regularly.
You’ll know when your brake pads are in dire need of replacement if you start to hear squeaking sounds every time you hit the brakes. You don’t want to get in an accident with non-working brakes. Every time you get your oil changed you should also check the brake fluid. It may cost a few hundred dollars but it’s something you just have to deal with.
4. Use a wire brush to keep your battery clean.
A car battery can cost around $250 or more, plus if you get stranded in the middle of nowhere you’ll have to pay for a towing service. Make sure to clean the car battery regularly using a wire brush to keep corrosion at bay.
5. Replace the air filter in the car’s cabin.
Your car’s cabin air filter has an essential job of keeping pollutants out. You need to change them every 12 months so that it doesn’t cause any significant problems to the AC system.
6. Get new wipers.
Purchasing new windshield wipers should cost no more than $50 so be sure to change yours each season or when they require replacements.
7. Rotate your car’s tires.
You can extend your tire’s life by simply getting them rotated regularly (every 3,000 to 5,000 miles). A tire can easily cost $150-$200 each so imagine how much money you can save?
8. Check the suspension system of your vehicle every 15,000 – 30,000 miles.
The springs, shocks, joints and rods that make up the car’s suspension system should be replaced when necessary as doing so can extend the overall life of your vehicle. Plus, it makes driving smoother.
9. Check your headlights, brake lights, turn signals and parking lights.
Your car’s lights help you see other motorists and people, as well as communicate with them. If they’re not working properly, you could get into an accident. Moreover, you could get ticketed for traffic violations.
10. Check the vehicle’s coolant regularly.
Not checking it can put your car at risk of corrosion. Be sure to have it checked twice a year as it can affect much of the overall health of your vehicle.
You should also make sure you get regular car washes for your vehicle at Car Spa to avoid the build up of dust and dirt which can ruin your car’s paint.
Learn how to check the coolant of your car here:
