5-Minute Guide To Basic Car Maintenance
The key to your vehicle’s longevity is applying basic maintenance on a regular schedule. That includes checking the fluids, cleaning the battery, and taking a close look at your tire treads. Properly maintaining your car is not only simple, but quick. Fifteen minutes each week is sufficient for making sure important parts and systems, such as your engine and transmission, are in good condition. And that pays long-term dividends in performance, fuel efficiency, and less-frequent repair bills.
Unfortunately, most drivers neglect the basics. And of those who address automotive maintenance, many approach it haphazardly. For example, they watch for the indicators on their dashboard to flicker on, or wait until their tires are so bald, they’re hydroplaning on the road. Below, I’ll give you a 5-minute crash course on maintaining your vehicle so it will keep you on the road as long as possible.
Maintaining The Exterior
Consider your vehicle’s exterior a priority. Over time, the environment can break the paint down, allowing air and moisture to creep in and cause oxidation. If left unattended, rust will spread. Washing, waxing, and when necessary, applying touch-up paint, not only improves your car’s appearance, but it also prevents rust from settling in. Also, your car’s exterior will likely sustain small chips, scratches, and dents due to road debris or unmindful passersby. These, too, can set the stage for oxidation, and thus rust.
While you don’t need to wash and wax your car every week, doing so periodically will help protect the exterior.
Check The Fluids
Your car depends heavily on a number of fluids to ensure major assemblies under the hood operate efficiently. It’s important to check the levels of these fluids regularly, and replenish them when they decline. For example, your engine depends on motor oil for constant lubrication of its moving parts. If the level declines too far, these parts will create friction and heat, and cause your engine to seize.
Your engine also relies upon coolant to transfer heat away from the assembly. If the coolant level is low, your engine will overheat, causing damage that will be expensive to repair.
You’ll also need to check your transmission fluid. Your transmission needs an ample supply of fluid in the same way your engine requires oil. Starving the assembly of this fluid will cause damage. Expensive damage.
Clean The Battery
You’ll notice corrosion accumulating on your battery’s posts. This corrosion affects the connection between the posts and the connector cables. It can become so problematic that the connection is unable to conduct the battery’s voltage. For this reason, take the time to unhook the cables and clean off the corrosion. You can buy a simple wire battery post and terminal cleaner at most auto supply shops for less than $5. Cleaning the posts and terminals only takes a few minutes.
Check Your Tires
As you know, your treads wear down with use. They also allow a tiny bit of air to escape over time. Hence, you’ll need to check the tread depth and pressure on a regular basis (usually, every two or three weeks is sufficient). You can purchase a digital tread depth gauge for less than $20, and a digital tire pressure gauge for another $10. Both are worth the investment, and you’ll use them (hopefully) for the life of your vehicle.
Keeping your car’s exterior in good condition, checking the fluids, cleaning the battery, and inspecting the tires are all critical maintenance items. If you do these four things on a regular basis, your vehicle will last much longer than otherwise. Given the cost of repairing your engine and transmission, the time spent maintaining them is one of the best investments you can make in your car.