Preventative maintenance is the key to making your car last longer. The proper maintenance schedule will also help you avoid major issues, so you won’t have to pay top dollar to fix problems. Go over some preventative maintenance tips you can follow to optimize your vehicle’s performance, minimize expensive repairs, and keep it on the road for years to come.
Conduct Regular Inspections
Cars provide lots of warning signs when something is wrong. Without thorough inspections, though, you could miss those signs, leading to expensive repairs. Inspect your car at least once a month, looking for signs of problems. Conduct a visual inspection of the lights, tires, and components. Also, turn on your vehicle and check for any strange noises or vibrations. Fixing these problems can help you avoid major issues.
Keep an Eye on the Fluids
Running out of fluid is bad for your car, and it’s also easily avoided. Get in the habit of checking your fluids regularly and topping them off as needed. Keep in mind that if you’re regularly topping off the same fluids, you might have a leak. Simply adding fluid isn’t enough. Take your car to a mechanic to fix the leak before it damages your vehicle.
Get Regular Oil Changes
Your owner’s manual will tell you how often you should get your oil changed. Change the oil as recommended and check it between oil changes. If you are burning an excessive amount of oil, have a mechanic check it out, as this could be a sign of a problem, and it’s best to address it early.
Check and Change the Spark Plugs
Open up the hood and check your spark plugs. You need to change them if they are covered in buildup or look worn out. Your owner’s manual explains how to change the spark plugs, and your vehicle likely came with extras that you can use for this job. You can also take it to a mechanic if you don’t want to change them yourself.
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Change the Engine Air Filter
Your owner’s manual will also outline how often you need to change the engine air filter, but you might need to do it more often. While some people choose to get it replaced during oil changes, you can do it yourself at home. Take it out and inspect it. If it’s dirty, replace it with a clean air filter to prevent debris from getting into the engine.
Preventative maintenance will extend the life of your vehicle, but that doesn’t mean you want to keep the same car forever. It’s hard to beat the joy that comes with driving a new vehicle, so visit Limbaugh Toyota in Birmingham, Alabama, to look at the lineup of new Hondas and pre-owned vehicles we offer. We will help you pick one with the features and extras you want. After you buy a car, consider using our service center to ensure your ride is running at optimal performance.
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