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 function properly, several components must work together smoothly. Car oil is essential for lubrication and cleaning processes, and it must be changed regularly to keep everything running smoothly. 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 to be replaced, its lubrication capabilities are limited, which 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 reduce the lifespan of your tires, resulting in inconvenience and additional 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, making 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 beneficial for both your car and 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. 

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 prevent the spread of germs, use disinfectant wipes on the steering wheel, cup holders, seats, and other frequently touched surfaces.

We also recommend removing floor mats and cleaning them separately before allowing them to dry, and then returning them to their original position. 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 both engines and human lungs, 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 determine if a filter needs replacement, simply extract and inspect 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 significant issue, but replacing them 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.