Keeping your car properly maintained can save you a lot of stress and money. If you’re someone with a busy schedule, it can be easy to skip over some essential tips that can prevent long-lasting damage to your car. With the year ending, you should keep on top of all your car’s needs.
Here are some of the latest car care tips for 2024 that will not only prolong your car’s life but also keep your worries at a low!
9 Important Car Maintenance Tips
Tip #1: Check your tires
Your tires are arguably the most safety-critical part of your car. Having faulty tires can put you and others on the road in grave danger. Every month, get a tire checkup done by an expert mechanic. Some things you should look out for are:
- Treadwear
- Uneven wear
- Lumps or bulges
- Cuts or abrasions
- Tyre age
On average, you should change your tires every 6 years. However, if you’re prone to more adventurous drives, you might need to change them faster. Getting your tires rotated regularly can increase their lifespan as well.
And don’t forget: always keep a spare tire in the trunk for emergencies.
Tip #2: Check your engine oil
One important aspect of vehicle maintenance is keeping a regular check on its oil. The engine components work at great speeds and temperatures. Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle as it smoothes the engine’s operation by minimizing wear and tear. Dirty or low levels of oil in the car can damage the engine and incur great costs for repair.
Keep an eye on:
- The oil level in your car
- Getting regular oil changes
- The right quality and grade of oil used
Tip #3: Check the brakes
Brakes are another critical part of car maintenance that should never be ignored. Failing brakes can put your life in extreme danger. If you hear any strange sounds or feel vibrations, that’s a cue to get the brakes checked.
As a rule, you should test brakes every 3 months. If you’re noticing extended stopping distances every time you press on the brakes, it may indicate potential issues that should be checked.
Many local garages offer free brake checks that will state the thickness level of your pads and discs. This can help assess the damage.
Tip #4: Check the coolant
As mentioned, engines work at extreme temperatures and need to be cooled down effectively to ensure long-term functioning. A good quality coolant dissipates the heat from the engine, preventing overheating. It is also responsible for the heater, air conditioner, radiator, and water pump.
This makes its maintenance essential. As a rule of thumb, check your coolant twice a year – once before the hot weather hits and once before it gets cold.
When you’re getting your coolant checked, make sure this is on your list:
- The level of coolant in the reservoir – top up if needed
- The color of the coolant – it should be a bright color, not brown or black
- How often do you have to fill the reservoir
- What grade and make of coolant is best for your car
Tip #5: Check your lights
Your headlights, taillights, and signal lights are important safety measures when you’re on the road. If you drive at night or on busy roads, these lights can keep your journey protected. Moreover, broken lights can cause expensive tickets you don’t want.
As the driver, you can’t always check if all the lights are working. Get a friend to check them for you at least once a month.
Tip #6: Check your screen wash
Even if you regularly wash your car, you should keep the screen wash fluid full at all times. Oftentimes, unexpected dirt and other grime can accumulate on the car glasses. This can act as a safety hazard, especially if you’re on a busy road or driving at high speeds.
Insufficient screen wash fluid is grounds for fines as well in many states. Avoid fines by keeping the fluid full.
Tip #7: Check your filters
Both the engine and the people inside the car need to breathe. Air and cabin filters are designed to keep the air within the car breathable.
The engine requires air to create power. The air filters the incoming air and stops debris such as leaves, dust, and insects from entering the engine. With time, the filter will become clogged with debris. This reduces engine performance and fuel economy.
Similarly, cabin filters filter all the air that’s inside the car to keep it clean for humans. It helps to filter our debris and pollen. If your air conditioning or heater begins to smell strange, it may depict a broken air filter.
Get your filters checked bi-annually to keep your engine and lungs healthy.
Tip #8: Do an emissions inspection
Many states and countries require you to pass an emission inspection. This inspection covers whether your car emissions are safe for the environment and people. If you get routine service and maintenance done, the report should be clear. Get an inspection done at least once a year to learn more about your car.
Tip #9: Clean your car regularly
Schedule routine wash and wax treatments for your ride once every six months. Regular car washes help to preserve the paint job and prevent corrosion from road salt on your vehicle’s undercarriage.
Keep the inside of your car clean as well. The more weight your car carries, the more fuel it burns. Not only does extra weight in your car cost you money, but in the event of an accident a half-empty water bottle can become extremely dangerous flying around the cabin
Schedule your car maintenance appointment
Get a professional opinion on your car’s healthcare and customized car care tips from experts at Bluestone Automotive. We’ll make sure your car is in its optimal shape for the new year!