Vehicles are machines, which means they also need maintenance. Regular maintenance for most vehicles usually starts at 5,000 miles, and continues from there onward. Of course, the more you check your car on a regular basis, the better. Of course, checking your car on a more regular basis is even better. Maintenance is what keeps a vehicle running smoothly and safely, especially if you`re going for a long road trip. Keeping up to date with your vehicle maintenance services can help a car run more efficiently while avoiding potential expensive damage that may be too costly to repair later on.
Here`s a list of maintenance services every car needs:
- Wheel Alignment
How the wheels are aligned affects your vehicle`s handles, as well as the longevity of its tires and suspension components. There are several reasons why the wheels can fall out of alignment, such as wear and tear, potholes, and hitting curbs.
If the wheels aren`t aligned, you`ll find that your car pulls to one side or the other. You may even have a problem steering your vehicle as it behaves erratically with just a light movement of the wheel, making driving too risky.
Aside from that, even a slight misalignment can lead to uneven and premature tire wear, and may cause you to replace your tires sooner than you expected. An annual alignment service should be done to ensure that the wheels are pointing the right way.
- Windshield Replacement
Driving with a dirty or broken windshield is annoying and dangerous. The windshield can get coated with a thin layer of dirt, which increases glare and leaves you unable to see clearly through it.
The same can also be said if the wipers are damaged or already worn out. If the blades aren`t working properly as they should, it can drastically reduce your visibility when driving at night, or if there`s a heavy rain or snowstorm. Knowing how to inspect the wiper blades and replace them when necessary is essential to keep you and your car safe when on the road.
If the windshield (particularly the wipers) is no longer working like it used to, don`t let it become an inconvenience for you when driving. Check out windscreenreplacementperthwa.com.au or a similar service provider near you to schedule a windshield repair or replacement the soonest possible time.
- Tire And Air Pressure
Checking the tire and air pressure is essential. Although this may not be the most exciting thing to do, it`s critical for your own safety and the health of your car. Proper tire pressure will extend the life of your tires, improve ride comfort, and increase fuel efficiency.
But, perhaps, the most important reason to check tire and air pressure on cars is to protect your car’s performance and prevent having a flat tire while on the road. The last thing you want is to have a flat tire while driving in the middle of nowhere. You`ll be lucky if you can call a tow truck Perth or wherever you`re stranded to provide you road assistance.
It`s important to remember that low tire pressure puts too much stress on your tires. It can lead to uneven tire wear and premature replacement of the tires. Low-pressure tires can lead to a collision and loss of control of the car. To check tire and air pressure, you should always use the car’s tire gauge. The recommended tire pressure is usually listed in the owner’s manual.
- Oil Change
Engine oil is one of the most critical components of a car that can have a huge impact on its performance. Whether the engine oil you`re using is conventional or synthetic, it`ll eventually break down over time due to heat. This is the time when it loses its viscosity.
Aside from that, as the oil lubricates the engine, it can sometimes pick up tiny metal debris from the continuous meshing of gears inside and are caught by an oil filter. But, as the filter continues to accumulate debris and gets filled up, it loses the ability to capture these contaminants.
If you`re not going to change the engine oil and replace the filter on a regular basis, you can put the car`s engine at risk. It`s a simple and inexpensive maintenance procedure that can save you hundreds of bucks from repairs down the road.
Key Takeaway
Now, these aren`t the only maintenance services that every car owner must monitor and complete, but they`re among the most critical. Keeping your vehicle in good running condition won`t only extend its life, but also ensure your safety when driving it. The above maintenance tasks can be done on your own. But, if you`re unsure about how to get things done, don`t hesitate to call a professional mechanic for help.
