Maintenance is a crucial part of vehicle ownership. The safety of you and your passengers is entirely dependent on the state of the machine. Cars and trucks are equipped with buttons, levers, signals, and other features that were designed to keep people safe on the roads. These, in addition to the primary driving functions, require a bit of upkeep. Even if it’s only testing your lights or changing the windshield wipers, do your part to make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape and ready for the road.
- 1) Test the lights. This is the first and perhaps the most simple automobile check you can do. The best part is you can accomplish it yourself at home without any professional knowledge. We use lights to signal other drivers, to let them know we’re changing lanes or turning or braking. If these lights are broken or the bulb is burnt out, you pose a threat to the people around you, especially at night. To check your lights, engage the various functions (brake, blinker, yield, etc.) and see if the bulbs behave as expected. If you find that one or more of your lights is not lit, identify the problem and replace as needed.
- 2) Maintain appropriate tire pressure. The weight of your entire vehicle rests on its tires. Without the proper amount of air pressure, the entire vehicle could be thrown off balance and cause the tire to wear out faster than normal. Not only does this ultimately cost more money to replace, but it is dangerous and can lead to flats and blowouts.
- 3) Replace windshield wipers. Wiper blades wear out after some time of use. When it seems like your wipers are no longer efficiently removing the water from your windshield, it may be time to replace the blades. You want to avoid getting caught in a torrential downpour with subpar windshield wipers.
- 4) Get the brakes inspected. Needless to say, this is one of the most important maintenance operations. The inspection itself will likely have to be done by a trained professional. Brakes also wear out after an extended period of use. If you notice that your brakes are not as effective or responsive, it may be time to get them checked. For your safety, be sure to do this as soon as possible.
- 5) Change the oil. Motor oil helps the engine run smoothly, removing and transferring heat and dirt to ensure smooth operation. As the oil gets older, it becomes less effective. It is recommended that you change the oil in your vehicle roughy every 3000 miles traveled. This will help keep your engine running smooth and clean.
Your safety is important, and maintaining your vehicle will keep you from unnecessary cost or injury. Take it in for regular check-ups to get a professional inspection and more detailed analysis of your vehicle’s overall health.
