Whether your car is brand new or a few years old, regular maintenance will make it last longer and bring you more money for trade in. The average American’s car is 11.4 years old. Routine maintenance not only brings in more money when you trade it in, but it also saves you the price of costly repairs and expensive gas. A proper tune-up on your vehicle can improve your gas mileage by as much as 4%.
Tread Depth
The tread depth on your tires is more important than many think. Bald and slick tires are not good on the road. They do not handle well in the rain and increase your chances of hydroplaning. Perform the penny test on your tires. Place a penny head down in the tread of your tires. If you can see all or part of Lincoln’s head then it is time to have an automotive repair shop replace your tires. Majority of auto repair facilities are known for rotating your tires when replacing one or all.
Oil
Check your oil level often. Checking the oil level is something simple that almost anyone can do. Check the oil level when the car is parked on level ground and when the car is cool. Pull the dipstick out and clean it, then replace it and pull it out again to read it. If it is low, add oil to replenish it. Many automotive repair shops will place a sticker on your windshield reminding you when to have your oil changed again.
Coolant Levels
Checking coolant levels is another thing that majority of people can do on their own. Proper coolant levels keep your car operating at the optimum temperature without getting too cold or too hot. The outside of the coolant reservoir has two marking labeling high and low. Make sure your coolant level is in between the two marking. It is recommended to have your cooling system flushed and the coolant changed at least once per year. Many times when getting your car serviced automotive repair shops, they will check your coolant levels and top them off if needed.
Battery
Though many newer batteries are advanced, you must still perform visual maintenance of your battery periodically. Locate your battery terminal and periodically check for leaking fluid and ensure that it has adequate water. Most automotive repair facilities will include your batter in their list of things to check when performing engine maintenance or any other type of auto repair service.
Air Filter
Air filters need to be replaced about every 12,000 miles or 12 months. Replacing your air filter improves performance and gas mileage depending on the year model of your car. Older model cars get better gas mileage with a clean filter, and newer cars will experience better acceleration. Ask your automotive repair facility to check and replace your air filter if needed.
When the time comes to sell your car keeping up with general maintenance will pay off in the end. Neglecting these most common car maintenance routines is like sending money down the drain. You can easily avoid expensive repairs and increase the amount you get in return for your car by remembering even the smallest maintenance procedures.
