Basic Car Maintenance Tips Everyone Should Know

Proper vehicle maintenance is something that every car owner should know. Not only will it help the vehicle to last longer, but it will also ensure you and your passengers are safe while on the road. There are numerous things that you as a car owner can do yourself that doesn’t require a lot of money or much effort on your part. Maintaining your vehicle also means you should check car insurance quotes regularly to make sure you have enough coverage and aren’t paying too much for it.

Change Air Filter Regularly

If you don’t drive your car much, your air filter will last up to three years. The general rule is to replace it every 15,000 to 30,000 miles because the filter will get clogged with debris and become brittle, inefficient, and begin allowing dirt and sand to enter the engine. When your car’s air filter is clogged, it starts restricting air flow into the engine, causing strain. Some signs your vehicle needs a new air filter include decreased gas mileage, strange sounds coming from the engine, reduced horsepower, and the check engine light may come on. You can replace the air filter yourself or bring it to have it done by a professional.

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Check Your Tires

The tires are an essential part of the vehicle and you need them to be in good condition. You should really check them before driving each day just to make sure they’re safe. Some signs of issues include having tread wear on just one side of the tire, over or under inflation, and tread wear in unusual places which could indicate your tires are not balanced. You also want to pay attention to how the vehicle feels when you’re driving. If you feel a pull to one side or vibrations, you might need to have your tires checked. You will want to make sure you have good tires, especially for the winter.

Have the Oil Changed

You should get in the habit of getting your oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or every three months. Many people know it’s important to have this done, but not everyone knows why. The oil in your car has an important job of making the engine run smoothly by carrying heat away from the engine. Oil gets dirty from debris that comes from the engine and can eventually lead to engine failure if it’s never replaced, which can result in thousands of dollars’ worth of bills.

Replace Spark Plugs

It is recommended that you should replace the spark plugs every 20,000 to 40,000 miles, but it does depend on the type of vehicle you drive. A high-performance sports car may need to have new spark plugs sooner. Your vehicle will often give you signs that it’s time to change them. Some signs to look out for include the check engine light coming on, difficulty starting your car, decreased gas mileage, rough idle, and difficulty accelerating. Driving with old spark plugs may lead to engine damage, so get them checked if you have questions about them.

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