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April 21, 2023Car maintenance is an essential aspect of owning a car. It involves routine checks and repairs that ensure your car is in top condition, runs smoothly, and lasts longer. Proper maintenance will also help to minimize the risk of costly repairs and breakdowns and improve fuel efficiency.
At Baldwin Motors Subaru, we realize an existing distrust in the auto industry. This is simply unacceptable for us, as we also realize that you want to be able to secure automobiles that provide the utmost safety, drivability, and excellent overall value. In this article, we will talk through some of the car maintenance tips that will help to ensure your car has higher longevity.
Regular Oil Change
A constant oil change is one of the prime things you can do to ensure your car’s longevity. The engine oil lubricates the engine’s moving parts, which reduces friction and prevents them from wearing out quickly. You should change your car’s oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or as the manufacturer recommends.
Check and Replace Air Filters
Air filters help to keep your car’s engine free of dust and debris, which can bring about wear and tear on the engine components. You must regularly check your car’s air filters and replace them when necessary. Dirty air filters can reduce your car’s fuel efficiency and performance.
Inspect and Maintain Tyres
Your car’s tyres are crucial in ensuring your safety while driving. Regularly inspect your car’s tyres for wear and tear, punctures, and proper inflation. You should also rotate your tyres every 6,000 to 8,000 miles to ensure they wear out evenly and have a prolonged lifespan.
Check Tyre Pressure
Examine your car’s tyre pressure at least once a month or before embarking on a long journey. Properly inflated tyres improve fuel efficiency and handling, reduce wear and tear, and prevent blowouts. To check the tyre pressure, use a gauge and refer to the recommended pressure in your car’s owner manual or the driver’s side door jamb.
Inspect the Tyre Tread Depth
The tread depth refers to the grooves on your car’s tyres. The grooves are designed to provide traction and grip on wet or slippery roads. Over time, the tread depth wears down, reducing the tyre’s ability to provide adequate grip. Inspect your tyre tread depth regularly using a tread depth gauge. The recommended minimum tread depth is 2/32 of an inch; if the tread depth is less than that, it’s time to replace the tyres.
Check for Signs of Wear and Tear
Regularly inspect your car’s tyres for indications of wear and tear, like bulges, cracks, or cuts on the sidewalls or tread. These signs indicate that the tyre is damaged and needs to be replaced. Also, check for uneven wear, which can indicate misalignment or suspension issues.
Check Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment mentions the angle of your car’s wheels relative to the road surface. Misaligned wheels can cause uneven wear and tear on your car’s tyres, reduce fuel efficiency, and affect your car’s handling. A professional mechanic must check your wheel alignment if you observe your car pulling to one side, steering wheel vibration, or uneven tyre wear.
Check the Brakes
The braking system is one of your car’s most important safety features. You must check your brakes regularly for signs of wear and tear, such as squeaking, grinding, or vibration. If you notice these signs, take your car to a mechanic immediately.
Replace Worn Out Belts and Hoses
Belts and hoses are crucial components of your car’s engine that help to transmit power and fluids throughout the system. Over time, they can wear out and develop cracks, leading to leaks and engine failure. It is essential to regularly check your car’s belts and hoses and replace them when necessary.
Keep Your Car Clean
Keeping your car clean is not only aesthetically pleasing but also helps to prevent rust and corrosion. Constant washing and waxing of your car’s exterior will help safeguard the paint from UV rays and other environmental factors that can cause it to fade and peel.
Check Your Battery
The battery is responsible for providing power to your car’s electrical system, which includes the starter, lights, and other accessories. It is essential to check your car’s battery regularly and replace it when necessary.
Maintain Fluid Levels
Your car’s engine relies on various fluids, such as oil, transmission, brake, and coolant, to function correctly. It is essential to check these fluid levels regularly and top them up when necessary.
Check and Replace Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are in charge of igniting the fuel in your car’s engine, which provides the power to move your car. Over time, they can wear out, which can cause misfires, reduced fuel efficiency, and engine damage. It is essential to check your car’s spark plugs regularly and replace them when necessary.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Maintenance Schedule
The best way to ensure your car has higher longevity is to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. This schedule outlines the recommended maintenance tasks and intervals for your car’s make and model. This schedule will help ensure your car runs smoothly and lasts longer.
Bottomline
Car maintenance is an essential aspect of owning a car. Regular maintenance checks and repairs will help to ensure your car has higher longevity, runs smoothly, and minimizes the risk of costly repairs.
You can contact Robin Baldwin Automotive for the best mechanic, near your area in Australia. Our friendly and experienced staff are ready to provide service with a smile. We also aim to ensure that we give you a satisfying car shopping experience while helping you find the car that meets your needs and budget.