You can’t own a car without encountering a breakdown at some point. That’s part of the reason 47,618 companies and 113,885 workers are active in the car towing industry in the United States, according to Carsurance. Include the following tasks in your maintenance checklist as you plan out your personal finance to lower the likelihood of total failure.
1. Oil Changes
Like blood in humans, oil is your engine’s lifeline. It keeps it cool, prevents corrosion, reduces wear and tear, serves as a sealant against debris, and lubricates moving parts. You must regularly change your car’s oil to keep it clean and ensure your engine works at its best. How often you need to change it comes down to your car and the oil you’re using, but after three months or 3,000 miles should be enough. Some newer vehicles require less frequent changes. Always check your vehicle owner’s manual and ask your mechanic for advice on the best schedule for your vehicle.
2. Tire Check
Proper tire maintenance is key to a safe, fuel-efficient ride whenever you take them out for a spin. Check their pressure at your local mechanic shop every month or before carrying extra loads and embarking on long trips. Remember the spare as well; you’ll be thankful when the need arises.
Tire alignment is another important maintenance task. According to Tire Buyer, you should have your tires aligned once or twice yearly or more frequently if you put them through a lot of wear and tear. This way, you won’t have to tell everyone you give your car to that they have to hold the steering wheel at an awkward angle to keep the car straight.
3. Checking the Lights
If someone was to walk up to you right now and ask when was the last time you had the lights on your vehicle checked, you’ll probably say the last time they malfunctioned. However, this isn’t good for you and your vehicle. They play a key role in your car’s operations.
Once every month, park your car in front of a flat surface, turn on both headlights, and ensure they work properly and in the right position. Walk around your car, inspecting the turn signals and parking lights. Make use of your Sunday evening hangouts by having your friend, family, or spouse stand behind your car while you step on the brakes to confirm if the brake lights are still functional.
4. Check Your Brakes
Your car has several safety features, but your brakes are perhaps the most important on the open road. The number of accidents from brake failure is high, so you should ensure they’re always in optimal working condition. Regularly change your brake pads to avoid finding yourself in a situation where you’re driving fast down the freeway but can’t stop soon enough.
Remember to check the brake disc as well. While this component is typically made from durable iron, you still have to change it annually because constantly using your brakes eventually causes them to reduce in density. You should also check the brake fluid levels; they’re important to their function.
5. Replacing Wipers
Your windshield wipers are a key component of your car’s safety systems. Just think about it, what would you do if they stopped working during heavy rain or snowfall? You wouldn’t be able to see the road clearly, increasing the likelihood of getting into an accident.
According to the Department of Transportation, weather contributes to about 21% of motor vehicle crashes in the United States. So remember to regularly assess the condition of your wipers to ensure they’re working when you need them during extreme weather. Get replacements promptly if they’re faulty.
Purchasing and driving a car off the lot is just the tip of the iceberg of car ownership. You need to keep up with its maintenance needs to get the most service from its useful life. Use this read as a guide for car maintenance tasks to include in your budget.
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