8 Seasonal Maintenance Steps to Keep Your Car Running Longer

A vehicle is a costly purchase and it is prudent to take good care of it. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your car and keep it on the road much longer. Even if you plan to sell, proper maintenance is a good idea as it can add value to your vehicle and allow you to recoup more of your money.

Preventative maintenance can prevent bigger and more expensive problems. Most importantly, maintaining your vehicle is an issue of safety. It may prevent a critical failure that can lead you to lose control of the car. Keep your car in tip top shape with these 8 auto maintenance tips.

1. Consult The Owner’s Manual

Most vehicles come with an official owner’s manual. It’s worth reading as it contains a plethora of useful information about your car. Not only does it describe all of the car’s features, capabilities, and limitations, it also includes information about proper vehicle maintenance for your specific vehicle.

It’s smart to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations if you want to keep your car running longer. The owner’s manual will give you information about what kind of gas your car takes, how to check all the various fluids and when to change them, when to replace consumable parts, and how to keep your car in tip top shape. If you’re looking for auto maintenance tips, the owner’s manual for your car is the best place to start.

2. Change The Oil Regularly

Keeping up with your vehicle’s oil changes is probably one of the best and easiest ways to ensure it stays in good working order. The oil is what lubricates the moving parts of your car’s engine. Without it, critical components of your vehicle will experience premature wear or even a catastrophic failure.

For most vehicles changing the oil every 10,000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first, is an integral part of vehicle maintenance. The owner’s manual will tell you how to check your oil and when to change it. The manual will also tell you how much oil your car takes and what kind of oil it needs.

Routine oil changes are an essential part of vehicle maintenance. You may perform the oil changes yourself or have a mechanic do it for you. It’s smart to check the oil each month to make sure the oil is in good condition and at the correct quantity.

3. Check Your Alignment

Neglecting the alignment of your wheels can cause uneven wear to your tires, decrease fuel economy, and even cause damage to the vehicle. It’s a good idea to have the alignment checked regularly by a mechanic before there is a problem. If your car starts pulling to one side or there is a new vibration felt in the steering wheel, it could mean your vehicle’s alignment needs to be addressed right away.

4. Inspect Belts And Hoses

You can expect that sooner or later your vehicle will need a belt or hose replaced as these items wear out. It’s important to regularly inspect these parts for signs of damage. A good habit to get into is to check the belts and hoses every time you do an oil change. These are generally inexpensive parts to replace but having them fail while you’re driving can cause bigger issues.

5. Clean Your Car Inside And Out

The exterior of your vehicle is bombarded by all sorts of debris and much of it sticks. Some of the substances that your car is exposed to can be corrosive to paint making it easier for rust to form. Clean the outside of your vehicle regularly and don’t forget the undercarriage to extend the life of your vehicle.

The inside of your car needs maintenance too. Take care of your carpet and upholstery by cleaning up spills right away. Don’t keep unnecessary things in your vehicle and remove any food and clutter that could attract vermin. Some critters can cause substantial damage to the components of your car.

6. Test The Battery

Car batteries can last a while but they don’t stay operational forever. This is another component that you can expect to replace on your vehicle at some point. If the battery fails while you’re driving you will be stranded on the road. Furthermore, a battery that’s past its prime may be putting more strain on the alternator causing it to wear out faster. Have a battery test included as part of your regular vehicle maintenance.

7. Take Care Of The Tires

There are a few simple maintenance items that you should be performing on your tires regularly. Doing so will not only help ensure that your car keeps running but also helps keep you safe. Neglecting your vehicle’s tires can lead to a blowout which can be a dangerous situation.

Some parts of tire maintenance you can do yourself. Use a tire gauge to regularly check if your tires are inflated to the proper PSI. Do this often as there are many factors which can affect the tire pressure. You should also inspect the tire tread to see if the tires need replacing.

Use the right tires for the season. This is particularly important if you live in an area that gets snow in the winter. Swapping out your winter and summer tires at the right time will keep you safe and prevent unnecessary wear to your wheels

You should also rotate your tires as often as your owner’s manual recommends. As a rough guide, tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Maintaining your tires will give you a smoother drive, improved gas mileage, and reduce the risk of a tire failure.

8. Get Your Brakes Serviced

The only thing worse than a car that won’t run is a car that won’t stop. There are several components to your vehicle’s braking system that need regular replacing. Pay close attention while driving and look for any noises or vibrations when you press the brake pedal. Include a visual inspection and adjustment of the braking system as part of your seasonal maintenance.

These simple auto maintenance tips can keep your car running longer and prevent bigger issues both now and in the future. You know how to take care of your vehicle, all you need is a new car. We can help! Compare up to 4 financing options and save on your next vehicle purchase.