Five Useful Car Maintenance Tips for the Automobile Amateur
by Yello Jul 29, 2019
Whether you’re a first-time car owner or have been driving for years, regularly maintaining your vehicle is essential to its longevity.
Here are five useful tips for the automobile amateur.
Find a Reliable Mechanic
Find a professional you trust to get the job done. Your vehicle may require a mechanic that specialises in your make or model; some garages work best with specific brands and regularly carry their parts.
Ask your friends or family which mechanics they rely on, and shop around for the best prices, customer service and experience before you commit.
Get It Serviced Regularly
It’s important to have it serviced every twelve month or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first to keep your car in tip-top shape.
The mechanic will check your vehicle for regular wear; this includes changing the oil and filters, topping up standard fluids like brake fluid and steering fluid, and doing a visual inspection.
Don’t Wait
If you notice an issue with your car, don’t wait to have it looked at.
While it may be tempting to let that knocking sound go unchecked, it could be indicative of a more serious issue. You could make the problem worse by pushing your car through it or worse, end up stranded if it eventually breaks down.
Be Smart with Gas
The cost of gas can be a pain for many drivers. Spend less on fuel by following these tips:
- Don’t Idle: Leaving your car running is a waste of gas (and money).
- Monitor Braking: Excessive braking causes wear to your brakes and uses up extra gas.
- Buy gas early in the week: Prices typically rise Wednesday to Saturday.
- Don’t wait until the tank is empty: It’s not necessary to fill up every few miles, but waiting until your tank is completely empty means you’ll have to purchase whatever gas is closest, and that may not be cost-efficient.
Learn the Basics
If you end up with a common issue, it’s good to know the basics so you can troubleshoot until a professional can properly deal with the problem. Paragraph
Learn how to do basic fixes like putting air in your tyres, pumping your own gas, checking your oil levels, and adding windshield wiper fluid.
Always have spare tyre and toolkit on hand for emergencies.
Keeping your car functioning well means regular maintenance. If you’re a rookie when it comes to automobiles, heed these five useful tips!
Sources: Pep Boys,Money Crashers, Car Used, and My Car Needs A.