subject: How To Keep Your Car Alive [print this page] During today's hard economic times, it is more important than ever to keep your car running in tiptop condition. A car is an investment that you would like to last as long as possible. Keeping your car running like new involves visual inspection, scheduled maintenance, and a keen ear towards any weird or strange sounds coming from your vehicle. Whether you drive a mini-van or compact sport car, maintaining your vehicle can lead to miles and miles of pleasurable driving.
One of the easiest things to remember to do is keep up with scheduled motor oil changes. Many oil change places suggest changing the oil every 3000 miles, but your owner's manual will tell you the specific oil change intervals of your vehicle. Be sure to use the recommended oil type specified for your vehicle. Some cars require different oil during cold and hot weather seasons. Vehicles that are driven in dusty environments will need more frequent oil changes opposed to a vehicle driven in a relatively clean environment. Lack of oil changes can result in engine sludge, which causes premature engine failure. Over time, engine oil traps contaminates and the additives used in the oil thin out with use. Be sure to not let your oil level drop below a quart low on the oil dipstick. Simply pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean of any oil with a rag. Reinsert the dipstick and check the oil level on the stick while engine is off.
Another fluid that needs to be checked is the antifreeze level. Keeping the antifreeze level at an optimum level prevents the engine from overheating and the stops the formation of rust in the coolant system. Also keep an eye on the transmission and power steering fluid levels. These fluids typically do not have to be changed as often, but are subject to leaks and getting burned within the respective systems. Fluid leak spots beneath the car and very dark coloration of the fluid are tell-tale signs that these fluids need to be checked. Never use gas below the required octane level. It will cause engine pinging and premature valve damage.
Visual inspection of parts and using your ears to listen for any odd noises are important in car maintenance. Check your tires on a regular basis. The proper inflation pressure will be on the side of the tire and in the car's owner's manual. Look for any strange lumps or odd tread patterns on the tires. These could be signs of an unbalanced tire, the car being out of alignment, or bad shocks. Check the air filter to be sure it's not too dirty. Gm parts and accessories include air filters if they need to be replaced.
Always take time to listen for weird noises coming from the car. These are clues to failure of a car part. A weak hum could mean a failing fuel pump and a screeching sound may be a weak accessory belt in the engine. Gm parts and accessories are available for these issues. The check engine light will narrow down the source of a problem through diagnostics.
Another often forgotten aspect of car maintenance is the inspection of engine hoses. Weak or damaged hoses will cause fluid and air leaks. Lastly, check your charging system including the battery and alternator each month to prevent being stranded in the middle of nowhere. Keep that car happy!
