You work hard for the money that pays for your car, and you definitely don’t want to waste any of it on unnecessary problems or repairs that could have easily been avoided with just a little extra care. The problem is, so many people often overlook important car maintenance advice. In fact, below are the top 5 specific car maintenance oversights that you really should try to avoid at all costs – or else it’ll end up costing you!
Not Washing Your Car
It’s easy to forget just how harsh conditions outside can be when you’re safely seated inside your clean vehicle, but the truth is it’s downright unforgiving out there. From insects and bird droppings all over the place, to salted roads in the winter and road kill in the summer, there’s never a shortage of things that can attach to every surface and crevice on your car. Worst of all, if not washed and cleaned regularly, as in at least every two weeks, all these “elements” can actually begin to erode your paint and cause other damage to your vehicle’s exterior.
Not Keeping An Eye On Your Fluids
If you’ve been driving around for a long time and you’ve not popped your hood to see what’s underneath at least once, it’s a wonder your car even runs at all. Things like your motor oil, power steering fluid, coolant, windshield wiper fluid, brake fluid, and transmission fluid must be inspected and topped off regularly. Your owner’s manual will have all the information you need about what to use and when for your specific vehicle, you just have to remember to do it.
Ignoring Your Tires
Have you looked at your tires lately? If not, you might not even be aware of any tire pressure issues that could be costing you valuable performance out on the road. The good news is it’s an easy fix. Inside the driver’s side door is a nifty chart that tells you exactly what your tire pressure needs to be so you can adjust accordingly. You may even have a vehicle that tells you when your tire pressure is low so you don’t have to check manually. Bonus Tip: have your tires balanced/rotated regularly as well to ensure even wear!
Not Changing Your Engine Air Filter
Like any other filters, the filters in your car prevent harmful particulates from getting where they’re not supposed to be – in this case, your engine. Not changing them regularly means dramatically reducing your overall engine power and fuel efficiency, so do yourself a favor and make sure you keep an eye out. Changing them is as easy as popping the dirty one out and replacing it. It won’t even take you very long.
Forgetting About Your Belts/Hoses
Isn’t if funny how the biggest car troubles can often be caused by the smallest parts? This applies to your cars belts and hoses. A split serpentine belt can disengage your power steering. A wrecked radiator hose can leak coolant, leading to an overheated engine (like you’ve likely seen on TV when a car engine starts smoking and won’t run anymore). The point is, those are problems you shouldn’t have to deal with, so do your part. Make sure you check all your hoses and belts at least with every oil change. If your car is making weird noises, especially screeching/whirring sounds, get it checked out right away.
While it may not always be fast, or easy, performing routine maintenance on your vehicle is just as important as making sure you see your doctor every so often. There might not always be something wrong, but early intervention is key to preventing real, serious, costly problems later on – which is something you’ll never regret.
If you are looking for the best in auto financing, no matter what your current credit situation is, choose Suburban Auto Finance and learn how we can help you get back behind the wheel in no time. At Suburban Auto Finance, we understand everyone deserves the independence of having a reliable vehicle, and our mission is to work as hard as we can to make that happens for you.