Auto Maintenance

Cars are like electric lights. We often do not appreciate until they go on the blink. Regular maintenance checks and simple service can greatly reduce the cost of car ownership and keep you a much happier traveler!

Do not let the thought of car maintenance intimidate. There are actually several car maintenance tips you can do – even if you completely mechanically challenged!

For example, you want to keep your windshield washer fluid reservoir full. This involves unscrewing the cap and pouring windshield wiper fluid in the right place. You can quickly check the fluid levels when refueling at the petrol station.

While you have the windshield washer fluid out, pour some on a cloth and clean the bug guts, etc. off the wiper blades.

If you have a colored fluid leaking from your car, get it checked.

If you smell a strange odor coming from your car, take it to the nearest gas station. Fragrances mean something inappropriate going on under the hood of your car!

Every fall, go ahead and replace your wiper blades. You need new once a year – might as well get in before winter and you’re wiping away that ice and sleet!

Make sure all your lights are clean and working, including brake lights, blinkers and emergency lights. You can quickly check while filling your gas tank.

Check your tires once a month – to give a glance over cuts, bulges or nails or other foreign objects to stabbing.

Take your car to your friendly mechanic once a month and have pressure in your tires checked. This service should cost you less than five U.S. dollars if anything.

Every three months have your oil and oil filter changed. Many times an inspection is done during the oil change. It is worth a little extra to pay and if you have done this. Ask for your battery checked, even.

Have you changed the air filter when dirty. You can ask the people who change your oil on the filter check. They are happy to change it for you.

No matter how non-car savvy you may have felt in the past, finding you a few simple maintenance checks to put you in the driver seat. You’re likely to discover in advance if your car has a problem that must be addressed immediately.