subject: Essential Car Maintenance [print this page] When you buy a car you receive certain instructions regarding maintenance that are recommended by the manufacturer. However, with your busy schedule and the increased cost of car maintenance you frequently put off tyre and oil changes, checking under the bonnet and other similar regular maintenance necessities. Unfortunately, if you put off car maintenance due to schedule and budget you are risking a bigger inconvenience to your schedule and budget by having your car breakdown. Consider the following maintenance tips to help you keep your car in tip top condition.
Oil Change
Your car needs an oil change every 3,000 to 10,000 miles depending on the way you drive, the age, and condition of your vehicles engine, highway driving versus in town driving, and a variety of other factors. Because this is a very wide range in which to change your oil you should probably change your oil every 5,000 miles if you drive like the majority of individuals. Of course, a small percentage of individuals fit into the high and low ranges of the above numbers, but every 5,000 miles is a good round number for an oil change. By following this tip you will spend about 20 minutes and less than 25 euros and keep your car running for a very long time.
tyres and tyre Pressure
You should check your tyres on a regular basis, especially thetyre pressure. Each size tyre has a recommended tyre pressure and maintaining that particular pressure in the tyre will prolong the life of the tyre as well as provide ease of driving, not to mention increase your safety. When the proper tyre pressure is maintained in your vehicle then braking, cornering, and braking are superior which means your safety is increased. Vehicles are not as stable when the tyre pressure is out of whack. You should check your tyre pressure at least once per month. This is really easy and free as long s you invest in a small tyre pressure gauge which is very inexpensive. When you stop for petrol and the tank is filling up, simply check all of your tyres to ensure the proper air pressure.
Brakes
You know your brakes are one of the most important aspects of your car. They slow you down and basically allow you to avoid accidents on a daily basis. Because of this you need to be extra alert to your brakes. Also, if you can tell it is time to change the breaks because they are squealing or not slowing your car as quickly as necessary then dont put it off. Instead, take your lunch break, or whatever time you have and have your breaks changed immediately. Additionally, each time your car has the oil changed have a full inspection including your breaks to make sure the breaks are working properly. If not, you may have them changed the same day.
There are lots of different aspects of your car that need regular maintenance and upkeep. Just make sure you are alert to this fact and always follow the manufacturers suggestions when it comes to your vehicle and your vehicle will last longer and your safety will be increased.
