Regular car maintenance and simple service can greatly reduce the cost of your car ownership. Hence, you should always consider having all your auto systems maintained. Among the basic considerations that you should think of are the maximum fuel efficiency and safe driving. To ensure these, you should keep your engine in tune while keeping the brakes, steering and suspension systems in A-1 condition.
Car maintenance does not need to be costly, as it may not require even a single cent at all. Moreover, they can save time, money and inconvenience. It is important that you always refer to your manual when performing any maintenance task on your vehicle. You can even bring your car for periodic inspection by a qualified technician. If you want to do the maintenance yourself, I have some researched basic tips to share (which include some of the things that I have done with my roadster and crossover).
First, you need to check the antifreeze/coolant level weekly. If your car has transparent reservoirs with level markings, you should fill to level marking with 50/50 solution of antifreeze and water. Remember not remove the pressure cap when engine is hot.
Second, inspect belts and hoses monthly and have the worn, glazed or frayed belts replaced at the soonest possible time. If your car has a spring loaded belt tensioners, then no adjustment is required. If there are bulging, rotten, or brittle hoses and tighten clamps, make sure to have them replaced at once otherwise, leaks will be induced on them. See if the hoses look bad, or feel too soft or too hard. If they are, have them replaced at once.
Third, check the transmission fluid monthly with engine warm and running, and parking brake on. Shift to drive, then remove dipstick, wipe dry, insert it and remove it again. You should add the appropriate type fluid whenever necessary. Remember not to overfill.
Fourth, check oil every other fill up. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and insert it fully then remove again. If it is low, you need to add oil. Maintaining the peak performance of your vehicle requires oil change every 3,000 miles or 3 months. You also need to have the oil filter changed with every oil change.
Fifth, check the air filter monthly and have it replaced when it is dirty. You can also do it during tune-up. This is easy to reach, right under the big metal "lid" in a carbureted engine or in a rectangular box at the forward end of the air duct hose assembly.
Sixth, check brake fluid monthly. In doing so, you have to wipe the dirt from the brake master cylinder reservoir lid. Then, you need to pry off the retainer clip and remove the lid or unscrew plastic lid, depending on your vehicle type. If you need fluid, you must add the approved type. Don’t forget to check possible leaks throughout the system. Fill to mark on reservoir.
Seventh, have the windshield washer fluid reservoir filled all the time. When topping off, you can use some windshield washer fluid on a rag to clean off the wiper blades. During winter, consider the freezing point of the washer fluid.
Eight, beware of the proper handling of a battery for it can produce explosive gases. Do not smoke, create a spark or light a match near your battery and make sure that you are wearing protective glasses and gloves. Have it checked with every oil change. Cables should be securely attached, while being free from corrosion. If battery contains filler holes, you should add only clear, odorless drinking water.
Ninth, inspect the power steering fluid level monthly by simply removing the reservoir dipstick. If the level is down, you must add fluid and inspect the pump and hoses for leaks.
Tenth, inspect the windshield wiper blades whenever you clean your windshield. The rubber should not be worn or brittle. Have the wiper blades replaced at least once per year, or when smearing or chattering occurs.
Eleventh, inspect the condition of your all your lights. Make sure that they are clean and working.
Twelfth, the tires should be inflated with the necessary pressure. Check for cuts, bulges and excessive tread wire. If you discover uneven wear, make sure that you’ll do something about it. Keep a record of tire rotation, which can be initially 5,000 miles and every 7,500 miles thereafter.
Thirteenth, make sure that there are no oil seepage on shock absorbers. Check shock action by bouncing the car up and down. The bouncing should stop when you step back. Once you realize the occurrence of leaking shocks, carry out an immediate replacement.
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