Kelley Blue Book is the gold standard for car valuation. If KBB says car maintenance is crucial, then it’s a fact.
Not only does regular car maintenance impact the value of the car, but it keeps it safe for everyone on the road.
To prevent an expensive trip to the mechanic, there are 4 key aspects of car maintenance to keep in mind. Read more about them below.
Contents
1. Change the Oil
Engine oil to a car is like blood to a human. The car can’t survive without it.
The main job of engine oil is to lubricate the parts of the car and prevent friction. Without oil, the car parts will rub together, cause damage, and even cause more heat. As the oil moves around these hot parts, over time, it loses its efficacy.
Oil today has many useful chemical compounds in it to improve the performance of vehicles. There are corrosion inhibitors, dispersants, and viscosity index improvers. The older the oil gets, the less active these compounds become, and the more contaminants the oil picks up.
Some cars, especially older cars, may also burn oil. As the oil moves around the engine, some of it may enter the combustion chamber and burn away. It’s important to not only monitor the color of the oil but how much is in there.
2. Check the Tires
If oil is the blood of a car, then the tires are its arms and legs. The car needs tires in good condition to get around safely. That’s why tire maintenance is one of the biggest safety concerns for a vehicle.
Maintaining the tires concerns tire pressure, alignment, and rotation. Although alignments and rotation should be done by a professional mechanic, monitoring tire pressure is something any car owner can do. Every month, stop by a gas station to check the psi of the tires and refill them as necessary.
Some car owners don’t see the point of tire rotation, but it is essential to ensure even wear of the tires. Without tire rotation, one area of the tires will wear faster, leading to rough, uneven, and dangerous driving conditions.
3. Monitor Belts and Hoses
Checking the belts and hoses sounds complicated, but even a car novice can master it. Once every 3 months, take a look at the belts and hoses and make sure they don’t look worn out. You can also check hose connections to make sure they’re not loose.
If you’re up to the challenge, it is possible to replace belts and hoses yourself. You can see more here for the average cost of purchasing your own belts and hoses.
4. Examine the Brakes
Like the tires, brake maintenance is a serious safety concern. Specifically, checking the brake pads for wear and tear. If the brakes are making noises or vibrating with use, it’s time to take the vehicle in for car servicing.
Routine Car Maintenance
Keeping a schedule for regular car maintenance is the best way to prevent an expensive repair bill. Write down a schedule of maintenance for the oil, tires, belts, hoses, and brakes. Keep this schedule in the glove compartment or posted somewhere visible around the house.
If you found this guide helpful, take a moment to browse the other automotive articles on our page.
