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Car Maintenance Tips to Keep It Running Smoothly

• Even though having a car is far more than just function for most people, getting from point A to point B is the primary reason to have one.

• And as with most types of machines, if you don’t treat it right and keep it properly maintained, it will fail you sooner or later.

• It’s wise for all car owners to follow some basic maintenance tips in order to your car running smoothly when you need it the most.

Take It Easy• Driving your car with care on a daily basis

is one tip that more drivers should follow in order to go longer intervals between repairs and have a longer engine life. Some important easy driving tips include:

▫ Accelerating slowly when you first start driving and avoid racing the engine when you first start the car. The most engine wear occurs in the first 10 or 20 minutes of operation.

▫ Shift an automatic transmission to neutral while sitting at red lights. Your engine still pushes to try and move the car when in drive even if the brake is applied.

▫ Obey the speed limits and don’t accelerate quickly or do fast starts, stops or turns to help extend tire life.

▫ Try to combine several errands in one trip to extend the life of your engine and require less frequent repairs.

Fill It Up with Care• Getting gas is another time when you can

help keep your car running smoothly and free of repair.

• Take the time to find a gas station that regularly changes pump filters to keep the gasoline as clean as possible.

• Ask the manager, and if you don’t get the answer you want, go to another station and ask again.

• Although it probably doesn’t happen too often, if you pull in for gas to find the big gas tanker there filling up the tanks, you may want to leave and come back another time.

• Sediment can get stirred up when the tanks are being filled up, and this can lead to clogged fuel filters and injectors for you.

Take Action on Minor Issues• Cars are just like your health or any

household appliance in that if you ignore minor issues, they will eventually become major issues.

• As you use the car on a daily basis, keep an eye on things like the tires, brakes, engine performance and battery.

• As soon as you notice the slightest problem, take action and have it repaired before it grows into something serious.

• This rule applies to sounds and noises, the feel of the car, as well as anything visual that doesn’t look right.

• And it doesn’t mean you have to be paranoid about all the normal car behaviors, just diligent with genuine issues.

Keep the Engine Clean• Keeping a clean

engine is one of the best car maintenance tips you can follow.

• Clean engines don’t heat up as much or as quickly and won’t cause other parts to fail prematurely.

• Have all the necessary filters, coolants and lubricants replaced on a regular schedule that is best for your model of car.

• Since it is the engine that powers the car and makes it possible for all the other parts to do their thing, it makes sense that keeping it clean would be vitally important.

• It can be easy to get focused on the various external parts of the car, but always try to think of the engine first.

 Change Fluids on Schedule• It’s also very important to change your

fluids regularly to maintain optimum engine performance.

• Make sure to have the oil changed on the schedule recommended for your specific vehicle.

• Leaving it for too long will affect the engine and cause the oil to lose some of its lubrication power.

• Other fluids like brake fluid, engine coolant and transmission fluid must also be checked monthly and refilled when necessary.

Know When to Call in the Experts

• It’s no secret that with all the computerized and automated parts, car repair can be pretty challenging these days.

• If you possess a thorough understanding of all things automotive, you may still be able to make repairs when necessary, but make sure you know what you’re doing.

• Following maintenance tips will make repairs less frequent, but they’ll still be necessary from time to time.

 

Know When to Call in the Experts

• If you try to fix what you don’t understand, you’re only inviting more trouble and greater expense.

• Don’t feel bad if you have to defer to the experts for certain repairs.

• Just keep your goal of a smooth running vehicle in mind and honestly ask yourself if doing your own repairs will move you closer to or farther away from that goal.