5 tips for vehicle maintenance

Incorporating routine car maintenance into your schedule can help you achieve a longer lifespan, improved safety, and better peace of mind. Though most of us drive, not everyone feels comfortable performing standard car maintenance. We listed a few critical car maintenance steps to spread knowledge about caring for cars.  

1. Regular oil changes 

For a vehicle to work well, several components need to run smoothly. Car oil is necessary for lubrication and cleaning processes and must be changed regularly to keep everything up and running. Routine oil changes keep engines clean, preventing the build-up of dirt that might disrupt normal functions. Furthermore, engine efficiency is improved when drivers check the oil and change it when needed. When oil needs replacing, its lubrication capabilities are limited. This can cause damage when car parts move against one another, creating another key reason to change oil consistently. 

2. Regular tire checks 

If you don't own a tire pressure gauge, buying one now will be well worth the investment. That's because poor tire pressure increases the risk of tire blowouts. When this happens, it can cause you to lose control of your vehicle and get into an accident. Insufficient tire pressure can also lower the lifespan of your tires, causing inconvenience and extra costs. By adding "check tire pressure" to your list of car maintenance responsibilities, you'll be keeping yourself up to date on the state of your tires. This will help you identify when they need extra pressure, replacement, or repair. Another aspect of car maintenance is tire rotation. This is the process of periodically adjusting the alignment of your car's tires. This ensures that tire wear is evenly distributed, and it can make driving much smoother and safer. Tires are a crucial component in getting you from point A to point B, so checking and adjusting them regularly is good for your car as well as your well-being, 

3. Regular interior cleaning 

When you take pride in your belongings, you want them to look as good as possible. Though cars endure natural wear and tear, consistent care can help them age more gracefully. Though the outside of a vehicle is vulnerable to scratches and dents, the interior is susceptible to damage as well. No matter who goes in and out of your car, they're likely to leave behind at least some evidence that they were there. Whether your kids are tracking in mud or your friends are leaving behind stray fast food trash, clutter and mess can accumulate quickly inside your car. To combat this, make interior car cleaning a part of your routine. Be thorough when cleaning your vehicle's inside, and ensure every crack and crevice is covered. To avoid the spread of germs, use disinfectant wipes on the steering wheel, cup holders, seats, and other services. We also recommend taking out floor mats and cleaning them separately before allowing them to dry and placing them back where they belong. Keeping your car's interior clean removes excess dirt, germs, odors, and other lingering grime.

4. Air filter checks

Most cars contain two air filters: one in the cabin and another in the engine. Dust and debris are unhealthy for engines and human lungs alike, so both filters should be regularly checked and emptied. Try looking behind your car's glove box to locate the cabin filter. Engine filters are generally found under the hood. To decide if a filter needs replacing, just extract and study it. If a filter is too clouded by debris to be seen through, this is a sign to purchase a new one. Air filters may not seem like a big deal, but switching them out is one way to protect your engine and passengers.

5. Check brakes

It's easy to get into a groove when driving, but you never know when an unexpected event will occur. If a deer runs out in the road, or the car in front of you switches on their brake lights, you'll likely have to bring your vehicle to a sudden halt. To do this safely, you need brakes you can rely on. Maintaining the quality of brakes involves keeping brake fluid at an appropriate level and changing brake pads when they're worn. Odd squealing, squeaking, or screeching noises often signal that brake pads need changing, but switching them every six months is a good rule of thumb. 

Shop Transwest

If your car is prone to breakdowns, it may be time to find a worthy replacement. Start your hunt at Transwest, where we have many options, experience, and knowledge. Please take a look at our inventory online or visit the nearest Transwest location today.