Are you someone who delays car maintenance till your vehicle breaks down? Did you know the wear and tear that comes with normal usage will eventually lower your vehicle’s efficiency? Therefore, regular maintenance is essential for optimal performance of the vehicle and to ensure its longevity.
Here some car parts that should be on your routine maintenance list-
Oil
Oil is what keeps the various parts of the engine lubricated and helps them to function smoothly. With time not only does the oil loses its thickness but also gets contaminated by small broken off metal pieces and exhaust gasses from the cylinders. This reduces its effectiveness.
Getting your oil checked and replaced regularly is important to ensure a smooth working engine and to prevent parts from quickly wearing out. Nowadays, new car models don’t require oil changes as frequently. So go through your car manual to find out your car’s requirements.
Battery
Batteries need to be checked to ensure that there are no leaks or any sort of mineral build up on the contacts. This can be easily cleaned off with a battery cleaning brush.
However, if you have a slow engine crank or a swelled up battery case, it’s time to get you batteries checked and possibly replaced. It is also advisable to keep a jump starter with you at all times, in case you need to jump your batteries.
Brake Pads
There are no hard and fast rules regarding how frequently your brake pads need to be changed. It depends on various factors such as driving style, weight of the vehicle, the quality of the brake pads and so on. Basically, if you use the brakes more frequently and aggressively, it will wear out faster.
If you hear a scraping sound while using the brake, it’s time for an inspection. Most auto shops provide free brake pads inspections. So get it inspected and replaced on time, otherwise it will cost you more than you intended to spend.
Air Filters
If you cabin’s air filter is clogged it can make your car ride unpleasant. Even though it doesn’t really have any impact on the workings of your car, replacing the cabin filter can simply make car rides more comfortable.
You can easily replace your cabin filter on your own. Appropriate filters are readily available in most auto parts stores.
On the other hand, engine air filters actually have an impact on your car’s operation. A dirty and clogged air filter can reduce your gas mileage and horsepower.
So how often do your air filters need to be changed? This basically depends on two factors- how often do you drive your car and in what kind of weather conditions. If you drive for long hours in severe conditions, you will require frequent changes and vice-versa.
Tires
The life expectancy of tires varies from car to car. It is important to get your tires checked every month or so for any wear or tear. Most tires have built-in wear indicators. You can check it yourself by running a hand over the tire and checking the tire’s built-in wear indicator.
Other than this, You can make your tires last longer by making sure they are rotated and balanced. This will ensure that your tires wear evenly for a smoother driving experience.
Hopefully, this list helped you understand the importance of routine car maintenance. There are several other components that would require inspection and replacement over time. This list contains the top parts you need to look out for, for a safe and smooth driving experience. Getting your car serviced on time will not only improve your car’s life, but also prevent you from spending on major repairs in the future. Visit Stanley R Harris Ltd for any vehicle equipment needs.
