Car maintenance basics

Basic Car Maintenance Tips

There are two types of car owners; those who carry out basic car maintenance and car care themselves and those who don't. Obviously, it's better to be someone who does carry out basic vehicle maintenance, but there's often a good reason behind why some people go down the other route, and that's because they're not sure about what to do or how to do it. So, here's a list of basic car maintenance tips to help out.

Tires

Your tires are incredibly important for how your vehicle drives, handles, and stops, and they can also have a big bearing on your fuel economy. Make a point of checking them at least once every two weeks to make sure the pressures are correct and to keep an eye open for general wear and tear, or especially, signs of uneven wear.

Engine Oil

When you check your tires, also make a point of checking the level of your engine oil with the dipstick. Get to know where the level should be on the dipstick, and if you're not sure about what type of oil or how to top it up if needed, check the owner's manual or seek advice from an expert.

Water

Every week or so, while your engine is cold and not when it's hot from running, check that your engine coolant level is between the Min and Max markings on the reservoir. If you live somewhere it gets cold in the winter, get your antifreeze checked and topped up if necessary.

Wipers and Washers

Most people will usually be well on top of keeping their windshield washer topped up with water, but make sure there's a proper screen wash solution in the water too. As well as preventing the water from freezing in the coldest weather, it also cleans your windshield better. The rubber of your windshield wipers needs attention too. If you see some wear and tear such as nicks or cracks in the rubber, replace them yourself or get someone to do it for you to prevent smearing.

Windshield

Check your windshield from time to time to see if there are any cracks or chips that have appeared. Do not under any circumstances leave a chip or crack to be sorted at another time. It only takes hitting a bump in the road or a pothole to turn that small piece of damage into something much bigger that will require a full and expensive replacement.

Lights

Check your lights, including your turn signals, reversing lights, and fog lights about once a week. Look out for bulbs that have blown, cracks in the lenses, and remove excessive dirt so they can be seen properly when they are working.

Drive Belts

There are a number of drive belts in your engine operating everything from the crankshaft to the air conditioning. Have a look at them every time you’re under the hood and look for obvious signs of wear and tear. If you do spot something, get in touch with your dealer right away as a drive belt failure can result in catastrophic damage if not spotted.

Bodywork

Although bodywork problems are unlikely to be a safety issue, spotting damage as early as possible and getting it sorted can prevent things from getting worse and costing more in the long run. When you're going around checking your tires, give the body panels a good once-over at the same time.

Need Expert Help?

For more expert information about car maintenance and to get anything sorted you've spotted a problem with that needs expert attention, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here at North Bay GMC today.