Owning a car is a big responsibility, but it's easy to forget how much maintenance goes into keeping a vehicle in its best condition. As a car owner, you should take the time to regularly inspect and maintain various parts of your car, especially if you want to make sure it can handle the road for years to come. Here are 10 basic car maintenance tips that every vehicle owner should know.
Tires
You should regularly check your car's tire pressure, especially before a long drive or road trip. Making sure you have the right PSI according to your make and model will help you get the best gas mileage possible. Inspecting your tires daily will help you identify any issues that could lead to a flat tire. Along with checking your tire pressure, you should have your tires rotated every 5,000-10,000 miles.
Brakes
Your brakes are absolutely crucial to your safety in your vehicles, so they should be inspected regularly. Professionals can inspect your brake pads, and if you notice any vibration as you apply pressure onto the brake pedal, you should let them know. This could be a sign of a more serious issue.
Windshield Wipers
Nothing's worse than that screechy squeak as worn-out windshield wipers streak across the glass. Blades that are disintegrating or slipping out of place can be easily replaced without any need for professional assistance. Replace them as soon as possible, too, or the blade could scratch your windshield.
Air filter
A dirty air filter will allow dirt and allergens to pass through and is entirely inefficient. Generally, a vehicle's air filter should be inspected once every year, but feel free to replace it if it needs it sooner.
Fluids
Along with the engine oil, check the transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and coolant. If you are unsure of where to look or what you're looking for, take your vehicle to a professional for assistance.
Belts and hoses
Belts and hoses are critical components that keep your car running. They connect different parts of the engine, so a problem with them could quickly become costly. It's a good idea to have your belts and hoses inspected when you take your car in for an oil change. If you do your own oil changes and don't know how to check belts and hoses, you might need to take an extra trip to the mechanic for assistance.
Washing
Cleaning your car isn't just for aesthetics; making sure debris from the elements is removed from your car will keep it resistant to erosion. Organic debris from trees, bird droppings, and even salt from winter de-icing can cause aesthetic damage, of course, but can also damage the paint. This damage leaves the metal underneath vulnerable to rust. Whether you wash at home or have it professionally cleaned, make it a regular thing.
Oil
You should check your oil every month. That may sound like a lot, but making sure your car has enough oil is vital for good engine condition. You should also change your oil as often as recommended for your specific vehicle.
Lights
A regular check of your lights will not only make sure that you are driving safely, but it could also prevent any unnecessary tickets. A burnt-out light bulb can be easily changed at home with the right part, though a good mechanic will always help, too. Even if your lights are working well, take some time to make sure the covers are clean and the lights break.
Checkups
Even if you're confident about your car maintenance abilities, it's still a good idea to have your car taken to a professional mechanic. They'll be able to look at things that aren't as common but might yet prove to be problems. They'll also have access to more tools that can help the job get done quicker and more efficiently
Schedule a Service at German AutoSport
For owners of German-made cars, maintenance is of the utmost importance. If your BMW, Volkswagen, or other German car needs a checkup, give the experts at German AutoSport a call today at (978) 388-1288for professional repairs and maintenance.