Your car’s overall durability and performance will depend entirely on how well you care for it. Having a good car maintenance culture is essential to guaranteeing your vehicle always operates at its best, regardless of how long you owned it.
In this guide, we will explore the 9 most important car maintenance tips that should be known by every car owner.
The most important tips for every car owner
By adhering to these car maintenance tips you are about to read, you can keep your car in excellent driving condition, preserve its resale value and prevent having to pay for expensive repairs down the road.
Below is a list of essential car maintenance tasks that every car owner should know and adhere to:
1. Regular Oil Changes and Fluids Monitoring
Just like your body requires specific nutrients to function well, your vehicle needs oil to function optimally. Since oil is your engine’s lifeblood, it is imperative that you check and replace it regularly.
- Checking and Topping Up Engine Oil
The engine oil facilitates the smooth operation of several machine parts. Ensuring the engine oil is at the appropriate levels is the most crucial item on the car maintenance tips. You should regularly check your oil levels and either top up or drain them to replace them with fresh oil as instructed by the manufacturer.
Here is how to check your car’s oil:
- Find a balanced spot to park your car (i.e a spot that isn’t slant)
- Let the car’s engine cool off
- Take off the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel (or any cleaning material) while the engine is still warm.
- Once the dipstick is clean with no visible residue, re-immerse the dipstick back into the engine. To get an accurate reading, ensure the dipstick goes in all the way.
- Lastly, wait for a few minutes. Remove the dipstick once more and observe the oil level. The dipstick has markings between high and low. The oil on the dipstick marking ought to indicate the current level of your car. As soon as you see that your oil is low, top it right away to keep your engine from seizing.
Ideally, you should check your engine oil at least once a month as driving with low or dirty oil can result in expensive damage to your engine. Ensure you adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations about the type of oil and how often it should be changed. This way you reduce the risk of using the wrong type of oil for your car when you know what kind is ideal.
In most cases, an oil’s viscosity determines its quality but you should stick to the one recommended by the manufacturer.
- Importance of Regular Oil Changes
Routinely changing your oil is like giving your car a new lease on life. It helps keep the engine of your car running in smooth condition. Fresh oil keeps the engine’s moving parts lubricated and helps significantly reduce wear and tear that may result in expensive repairs later on.
If you are skilled and handy, changing the oil in your automobile doesn’t take much time. Change the oil at a convenient mechanic workshop or do it yourself. Before doing anything, make sure you fully understand how to change the oil in your engine
- Monitoring Other Essential Fluids
In addition to the engine oil, a combustion Engine vehicle requires several fluids to function properly. Fluids such as coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, gearbox oil and windshield washer fluid need to be checked and topped up regularly to ensure your perforce optimally.
Failing to monitor these other fluid levels and topping them up when due can result in issues like overheating of the engine, poor braking performance and reduced screen visibility. These fluids are also essential to the overall impact on the overall performance of your vehicle and such should be kept in good condition.
There are instances whereby these essential fluids drain out more quickly than usual. This could be the result of leaks, therefore you should always keep an eye out for them. If leakages are ignored, they can quickly deplete the vital fluids in your car’s engine, leading to poor performance.
Whenever leakages are detected, have it professionally inspected and fix it immediately. Do not let these fluids drop to the point where it could interfere with the car’s ability to function optimally.
Note: Ensure you are following the manufacturer’s recommendations whenever you are replenishing your car’s fluid or cleaning out and replacing it with new fluids. Avoid endangering the smooth performance and well-being of your car by using fluids that aren’t meant for it.
2. Tyre Maintenance
Your tyres have a wider range of applications than just something to be admired. Adopting a proper maintenance routine for them further guarantees the general safety of your car.
- Regularly Check Tire Pressure
To improve vehicle handling, extend tyre lifespan and sustain maximum fuel efficiency, make sure you routinely check the pressure in your tyres. When your tyres make noise while turning corners or navigating narrow small streets you likely have a low pressure. You run the risk of blowouts and fuel inefficiency when you don’t routinely check your tyre pressure.
Always ensure that your tyre inflation is balanced in other to maintain control of your vehicle. When the tyre pressure drops, it needs to be inflated to meet its normal level and vice versa. Also, have your personal pressure gauge in your car for accurate measurement.
The tyre placard, which is often positioned in one of the front doors, normally indicates the proper tyre pressure for your vehicle. Alternatively, you can refer to your user manual to find the correct tyre pressure for your car
- Inspecting Tread Wear and Alignment
In addition to regularly checking your tyre pressure, always be on the lookout for unusual wear and damage on your tyres such as cracks or bulges which could be indicative of a suspension issue.
Keep an eye on tread wear and alignment to ensure safe handling and a smooth ride
- Importance of Tire Rotation
Tyres have a very demanding duty and as such regularly rotating them gives them a little break. It ensures even wear and extends their lifespan and overall durability. This in turn helps you save money in the long run
Note: At least-once a month, or before starting any lengthy trip, check the pressure in the tyres including the spares. Additionally, tyre rotation should be done at approximately every 8000 miles or every six months, or as recommended by the user’s manual.
3. Brake Inspection and Maintenance
Your automobile brake system works mainly by generating pressure when fluid travels through the brake line, pushing the brake pad against the rotor causing the car to halt. The brake system is an essential safety feature for every vehicle.
There is no established number of how often you should inspect your brake. You can have it done every time you rotate your tyres i.e. every six months according to industry experts.
- Brake Fluid & Pad Maintenance
Break fluid transfers the force applied to the brake pedal to the brake calipers, allowing a car to slow down or halt. To maintain optimal brake performance and your safety while driving, check the fluid level frequently and replenish it when necessary.
In addition to this, the importance of a healthy brake pad cannot be overstated. The brake pad creates friction against the rotor, which brings a car to a stop. To ensure quick and efficient halting of your vehicle when needed, you have to replace worn-out pads on time.
Note: When applying break, listen for odd sounds, vibrations or squeaking, If you notice any of these issues, have them checked professionally or at a service center.
4. Exterior and Interior Maintenance
So far, we have talked about routine maintenance as it relates to your car’s efficiency and functionality which is just one aspect of proper car maintenance
Your vehicle’s body needs to be taken care of, just like we do with ours. Maintaining the exterior and interior regularly keeps them in good working condition and preserves their resale value.
Waxing your automobile occasionally is a good idea if you want to maintain its colour and shield it from corrosion.
- Washing and Waxing Exterior
Everyone loves a clean car. Washing your car shouldn’t be viewed as a chore but an essential aspect of car maintenance. Frequent washing of your automobile helps eliminate impurities that damage your paint job, and cause rust on your car’s body or underside. Also, it helps ensure safe driving conditions by cleaning windows and mirrors, which improves visibility.
Similar to how individuals enjoy getting treatments at spas, you should give your vehicle special occasional care. Waxing your automobile produces a thin, protective coating that shields it from dirt, protects the paint job, shields it from UV rays, stops corrosion in the undercarriage, and, most importantly, gives it a sleek appearance.
If you can afford it, you should schedule a full thorough detail for your vehicle twice a year (i.e. six six-month intervals). This will include waxing, sealant and leather treatment. When an automobile is properly waxed, its colour is brought out and it has a mirror-like gloss. To save cost, you can also do it yourself if you can.
- Interior Cleaning
Don’t disregard the interior of your car, it deserves to be maintained as well. Once a month, set aside some time to have the interior of your car thoroughly cleaned. You should have it thoroughly cleaned at least once a month.
Regularly cleaning the interiors of your car not only keeps it spotless and clear of debris, it also prevents surface wear and tear. The air quality in your vehicle is improved by having a clean interior which enhances the driving experience.
Having a clean interior improves the air quality in your car which enhances the driving experience. Furthermore, maintaining a clean interior can help prevent the development of harmful allergens and bacteria.
In any case, you want to maintain the best possible appearance for your car so that it won’t negatively impact its worth when the time comes to sell it.
5. Healthy Battery Maintenance
The battery is responsible for powering your car’s engine and powering all other electrical components in your vehicle. A dead battery is tantamount to a dead car and as such, make sure it receives the necessary maintenance.
- Testing and Charging the Battery
You should routinely test and charge your battery and ensure it is holding charge. Your car may fail to start if your battery terminals are not kept clean and free from corrosion.
Inspect your battery regularly, prevent battery corrosion by keeping terminals clean and use a battery protector spray to prolong your life. Replace it when necessary to avoid being stranded with a dead battery when you least expect it.
- Battery Replacement
Sadly all good thing comes to an end. Your car batteries will not last forever as there comes a point where you will have to replace them. To avoid a situation where you find yourself stranded unexpectedly with a flat battery, replace it when need be.
6. Regular Engine Tune-Ups
Regularly scheduling your vehicle for tune-ups is another important car maintenance aspect that should not be over looked. During tune engine tune-ups, a professional mechanic will inspect and replace various crucial wear and tear components in your engine. In other to optimize performance and improve fuel efficiency, parts such as spark plugs, oxygen(O2) sensors, engine air filters, and fuel and cabin filters are swapped out.
- Replacing Spark Plugs and Engine Air Filters
Although small in size, the spark plugs play a very important role in ensuring optimal engine performance and reliability. The Spark plugs ignite the air and fuel mixture, which then allows your engine to run smoothly.
If the spark plugs are not regularly inspected and swapped out, the engine may misfire, which reduces fuel efficiency, causes loss of power, and may even cause engine damage.
On the other hand, the engine air filters ensure only clean air enters inside the engine by keeping out dirt and debris. Regularly inspecting and replacing the air filter in your engine maintains efficiency engines, reduces emissions, and improves its overall longevity.
Experts recommend you should replace your filters when necessary, usually about every 12000- 15000 miles
Replacing these components optimizes the performance of your engine and keeps your engine breathing easy.
- Ignition Timing & Fuel Systems Inspection
Ignition timing is the synergy between your car’s spark plugs and fuel delivery systems to produce output.
During tune-ups, the expert technician inspects and makes necessary adjustments to the ignition and fuel system.
Proper ignition ensures that the spark plug ignites the air and fuel mixture at the right time, it produces the best combustion and power output.
The fuel system in your car, on the other hand, is responsible for supplying the engine with the right amount of fuel, it balances the air and fuel ratio for efficient combustion.
Mechanical issues can be avoided by ensuring the ignition timing and fuel systems are working in good working conditions. Regular maintenance and tuning of these systems are crucial to keeping your car’s engine running efficiently.
7. Lights and Wipers Maintenance
A critical component of safety is adhering to indicator warnings, functioning lights and wipers.
It is important that your lights are in proper working conditions for your safety and that of other vehicles. Make sure all your exterior lights are in good working order. Examine exterior lights such as the headlight, signal, brake, fog, and taillights periodically.
Replace any of the exterior lights that you find to be non-functional immediately with the appropriate kind. It is not only about your safety and that of others but also a legal issue. You can ask a reliable professional for the correct part or refer to the user manual.
- General light Inspection
Several indicators are installed in modern cars to alert you of a possible problem. Do not disregard anything, including the dreaded check engine light. Consider it an attempt by your car to let you know that something is wrong. These indicator lights alert you when your car requires maintenance in addition to helping you detect issues.
Have your car inspected by a reliable professional, who can identify and fix the problem.
- Windshield Wiper Maintenance
Similar to your lights, the wipers on your windscreen seem nearly little, but they are crucial to your safety. Their role is to clean your screen of any precipitation so that you can see clearly. Make sure to give your wipers a thorough cleaning after each standard car wash
Ensure your windshield wipers are in good working order by paying constant attention to them as they could be worn out or broken at any time. A worn-out wiper is indicated when you hear strange noises from them or if they are not properly touching your screen. Try your best to replace them right away in this scenario. When you discover your wipers are making odd noises or not making proper contact with your screen, it is a sign that it is worn out. In this case, make an effort to replace them immediately.
When you’re replacing your worn-out or damaged wipers, only use the appropriate parts. Please consult your owner’s manual or a professional technician when you intend to replace your wipers.
Experts recommend changing your wiper blades at least once a year or the moment you notice a change in your driving visibility
By routinely inspecting and maintaining these parts, you can guarantee visibility in all circumstances and stay safe.
8. Emergency Kit Maintenance
Emergency kits are essential items every car owner should possess in their vehicles. Just like we have first aid kits in our homes, emergency kits are just as important in our cars.
Nobody plans on being stranded in the most unexpected place but unfortunate circumstances arise and we have to move on. Keep an emergency kit containing essentials like flashlights, jumper cables, first aid kits, and many more gadgets that can come in handy in an emergency.
- Updating your Emergency Kit
Emergency kits have expiration dates too. You can quickly look over your car maintenance kit items and make the required changes. This way, you are always prepared for any emergencies that may arise. Maintaining your car goes beyond calling a technician to solve a problem; it also entails safety.
Regularly checking and updating your kit ensures that all items are in working order and relevant to your current needs. It guarantees that your car receives the greatest possible care possible when in or out of an emergency and saves you a ton of stress.
9. Skipping Scheduled Inspections and Maintenance
Finally, the most important tip is to follow the manufacturer’s recommended scheduled Inspection and maintenance.
Scheduled maintenance should not be skipped, just as it is not advisable to skip doctor’s appointments. Consider it your car’s day with its doctor, where an expert technician runs checks to catch any potential problems.
The recommended routine maintenance schedule for each vehicle is determined by the number of miles driven. You can consult your user’s manual or an expert technician. Unlike regular tune-ups that can be done every 12000 miles, manufacturers’ scheduled maintenance has 30-6-90 interval maintenance.
Most car manufacturers recommend 30-60-90 maintenance scheduled. This implies that some parts will require inspection or replacement at 30,000-mile intervals, i.e., 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles.
If you often get tune-ups(Link) with a reputable service provider, you can forego the manufacturer’s maintenance plan.
You can avoid future expensive repairs, by adhering to your vehicle’s suggested maintenance schedule.
You can guarantee that your car stays in top shape, and avoid future expensive issues by following the manufacturer’s schedule maintenance plan.
In conclusion
By following these important car maintenance tips, you can take proactive steps to keep your vehicle in top condition, avoid costly future repairs and avoid unexpected breakdowns.
Car owners may have a smoother driver experience and peace of mind knowing that their vehicle is well-cared for with a little time and effort put into maintenance
Staying on top of these car maintenance tips is essential for every driver to guarantee their car’s longevity, optimal performance and safety.
