New Car Maintenance – 10 Best-Ever Tips
Car maintenance has come a long way, baby, since the days when your pop unscrewed the nut to release the air filter, held the filter up to the light, and smacked it on the side of his leg to knock out dust.
Back then, just about every time you filled up your gas tank, you checked your oil level. In fact, gas station employees did that for you, cheerfully, right after they pumped your gas and just before they washed down your windshield.
Things have changed, with maintenance schedules easing up over recent decades for two reasons. First, cars stand up to more wear and tear these days. And also, the products we put into them are better made.
But your car still requires some upkeep—so here’s our list for the ten most effective maintenance musts:
- Read your car manual. The manufacturer didn’t print it just to fill the glove compartment. Learn the maintenance schedule direct from the horse’s mouth to stay on track with your new vehicle. And really, your maintenance schedule depends on your car’s age and how you use it.
- Check your oil level monthly. This is less often than in the old days, but many people don’t even realize they should do this. You must learn here and now that your car engine will die forever if it runs out of oil.
- Tire pressure should be measured every month, as well. Look in your manual to learn where the recommended air pressure is posted; usually it’s on the door well. Do not go by the numbers that are printed on the tire. Tires that lose air will wear unevenly, perform below standards, and cause your car to use more gas.
- Rotate your tires every 10,000 miles to keep them balanced. This is a good time to inspect the depth of the tread.
- Check the cooling and heating system each spring and fall to make certain that your air conditioner is working correctly. This also guarantees proper radiator function.
- Change power steering fluid yearly to protect your steering system and maintain your suspension alignment. Ask about transmission, brake, and coolant fluids at this time, as well.
- Clean your car monthly to preserve its finish. If you don’t want to stand in your driveway in your bathing suit, take it through a drive-through. Laser or other non-touch washes are recommended. You’ll thank yourself when the day comes to resell it.
- About every 3,000 miles, get a complete oil change. Some manufacturers allow you can go up to 5,000 miles because today’s oils have a higher quality base, and—just like your face cream—they contain antioxidants. However, oil exposed frequently to temperature extremes as well as oil in cars doing mostly short trips, with the attendant stops and starts, will wear out more quickly.
- Air and fuel filters last approximately twelve months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Changing these is a relatively simple procedure—play some Sixties music if you want to try this yourself while following instructions available on Edmunds.com.
- When you’ve put about 30,000 miles on your car, it needs its first tune-up. Your mechanic will replace the fuel and air filters, clean or replace the spark plugs, check the spark plug wires, check belts, hoses, and lights, and flush and/or replace your fluids—brake, transmission, power steering, and coolant. This can also include other items such as looking at the PCV valve and oxygen sensor. It’s like a day at the spa for your car!
Just about all breakdowns, electrical or mechanical, can be traced back to poor maintenance. Take care of your car, and it will take care of you.
Car maintenance is your responsibility, but an extended car warranty from Warranty Direct will cover wear and tear repairs on your car. Contact us today for a free quote – we offer extended car warranty payment plans to suit your budget.
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Filed under: Maintenance
The only time you are required to return to the dealer is for warranty repairs and recalls. Even then, you may have those repairs done at any repair facility, but the vehicle manufacturer will not cover the cost.
Good tips about the New car maintenance, this should be useful to the car owners….