Modern cars are complex machines that require quite a lot of maintenance to keep them running smoothly. Many people only think about car maintenance when it’s too late and they’re already facing a costly repair!
If you’re a new car owner or new to car maintenance, you might feel overwhelmed with where to begin. In this guide, we’ll go over some dos and don’ts of car maintenance to help keep your car looking and feeling its best.
1. DO – Get regular oil changes
You should always keep an eye on your car’s oil levels. Studies suggest that even newer cars need to have the oil topped off between changes. Checking your oil at least once a month will ensure your car remains in good running order.
Getting a regular oil change doesn’t have to blow your budget. If you shop with a coupon code, you can enjoy a major discount on your next oil change. Valvoline offers a number of free coupon codes that will allow you to save on all their services. Enjoy a Valvoline promotional deal while the savings last!
2. DO – Check your tire pressure
Topping off your tires with air is an important part of regular car maintenance. Your car’s tires lose air naturally and even more so if you regularly drive over bumps or potholes. When tires aren’t properly inflated they wear down faster and will need to be replaced more often.
To avoid these problems, learn how to properly check your tire’s pressure. By learning how to do it yourself you can save a lot of money on costly repairs.
3. DO – Break gently
Every time you brake harshly, you will gradually wear out your brake pads. When you suddenly break, you generate a lot of heat which can wear out your brake pads sooner than normal. Most brake pads last for around 50,000 miles, so make sure you get them regularly inspected and replace them when they become worn out.
4. DON’T – Use automatic car washes
Removing dirt and debris from the exterior of your car is important for protecting the paintwork and preventing further wear and tear. While regular car washes are important, you should always wash your car by hand and avoid automatic car washes. When the brushes at a car wash run over your car, they leave behind micro-cuts that you can’t see with your bare eye. Over time, these can damage the paintwork.
If your car does need to be cleaned, always wash your car by hand and dry it well with a drying cloth to avoid water spots.
5. DON’T – Hit too many potholes and speed bumps
Whenever you drive, you should always try your best to avoid potholes and speed bumps. Hitting too many of them with your car can cause your wheels to buckle, crack your alloys or throw off your wheel’s balancing/tracking.
Speed bumps are even more dangerous for your car than potholes since they can damage the front and rear bumpers of your car or even its underside and exhaust system. To avoid problems, always match the speed limit of the road before driving over a speed bump.
6. DON’T – Overload your car
If you’re heading out on a vacation, you might be tempted to overload your car. You might want to reconsider since overloading your car can cause your tires to overheat and lead to extensive tire damage.
If your insurance company finds out you were overloading your vehicle, they could even deny any accidents that occurred while you were driving! Check your owner’s manual and you’ll find the exact maximum load weight for your model.