subject: Maintaining Your Car [print this page] When buying a car, there are many deciding factors that go into the process of choosing which car to purchase. You look at the engine, check for leaks, ensure the brakes and power steering run smoothly, make sure all of the outside lights work, and make sure everything else in the car is working properly.
All of these things are important to check before making a purchase, and they are just as important to check periodically after you purchase the car. Most car owners forget the importance of taking your vehicle in for a tune up every few months to ensure that it runs as smoothly as possible for the longest amount of time.
Appropriate amounts of fluids is crucial if you want to keep your car in proper running order. In order to avoid costly repairs that are a direct result of neglecting to add fluid to your engine, make sure you take care of your car.
One of the easiest things to add to your car from home is anti-freeze and coolant. This inexpensive fluid ensures your engine doesn't over heat in the summer or freeze in the winter.
One of the most important fluids to change on your car every few months is the oil. Without changing the oil on a regular basis, your car's engine may only last a fraction of the time it would have had you taken care of it.
Another easy fluid to add to your car is power steering fluid. Most people pay no attention to this fluid because they don't realize how important it is until they notice how hard it is to turn the steering wheel in their car.
Neglecting to make sure that this fluid is always in your engine can cause some serious safety issues. Without this fluid, the steering wheel won't turn smoothly, and can even stop turning all together, making maneuvering your car nearly impossible.
Since most people do not know how to change the oil at home, and the process could leave a big messy oil stain on your drive-way, going to a mechanic is the best option. Though waiting for your car can be a long wait, this service cannot be postponed.
A common mistake that is unknown to a lot of drivers is the fact that running on an empty or near empty gas tank really wears down the engine. With how expensive gas has gotten, it is almost painful to watch the numbers tick by as you fill your tank.
It makes sense to try to drive on every last drop of gas and postpone going to the gas station again, but this is a grave mistake. Instead the tank should be refilled when there is only about a quarter of the tank left.
This will ensure that you never run out. Beyond that, your engine won't have to work as hard to suck up the last drops left in the tank.
Another maintenance is to check your brake lights occasionally. Most people don't even realize when a tail or brake light is out since it is behind them, and they never really noticed them before anyways.
Forgetting to check your lights and replace the burnt-out ones can result in a traffic ticket,and you'll have to get it replaced after paying the fine anyway. So to save yourself some time and money, just check the lights every once in a while and take car of the burnt-out bulbs.
Brakes are one of the most important features on your car, they need to be working properly at all times. Brake pads and disc-brakes need to be checked regularly, and if you ever feel they don't stop the car well while driving, it should be taken into a mechanic immediately.
Brake pads need to be replaced regularly. Worn ones will not be able to stop your car quickly in case of an emergency or a quickly changing traffic light.
Tires also need to be checked regularly for the correct pressure. Tires low on air can reduce the gas mileage on your car and influence the alignment of your car.
Often times, a nail in the tire can cause a slow leak, making it unnoticeable to the driver, but driving on a tire with a nail can cause a blowout on the highway, endangering the driver and surrounding vehicles. Because of the unnoticeable nature of some leaks, tires should be checked regularly before driving; especially on lengthy road trips.
If living in areas with icy roads, specialty tires should be put on your car to increase traction and allow better handling of the vehicle. Though switching to winter tires is the most safe way to go, if new tires are too expensive, chains can be bought for your tires to increase traction and prevent sliding.
