Simple Car Maintenance Tips To Keep Your Vehicle in Optimal Condition – Part 1

Name: Miller Brothers Auto Repair
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Jul 7, 2023 | Auto maintenance

Car maintenance keeps your vehicle in top shape. It’s not only easy but also a smart way to save time and money. In a world filled with electronic gadgets that require no regular maintenance and are easily replaced when they malfunction, it’s easy to overlook the fact that cars are intricate machines with numerous moving parts.

Unlike our other modern devices, cars require occasional attention and care to ensure their smooth operation and longevity.

Car Maintenance Tips

Taking care of your car has multiple benefits. Regular auto maintenance is quick, and affordable, and prevents the need for costly repairs down the line. It also provides peace of mind, knowing that your vehicle is in excellent condition, regardless of its age or mileage, reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns during your daily commute or long trips.

Well-maintained cars also retain their resale and trade-in value better than neglected ones. Simply put, when you take care of your car, it takes care of you.

The good news is that you don’t have to be a car enthusiast or mechanically inclined to keep your vehicle in top shape. It requires minimal time and effort. To help you get started, here are six easy things to check regularly that can prevent expensive issues and ensure your car runs smoothly for years to come.

We recommend consulting your owner’s manual for specific information related to your vehicle and the manufacturer’s service recommendations.

Check the Oil Level:
Oil is vital for your engine’s health, as it lubricates all the moving parts. It’s crucial to ensure that your car never runs low on oil. Most modern cars are designed with well-built engines that don’t consume significant amounts of oil between recommended oil and filter changes.

However, it’s essential to check to be sure. Follow these steps to check your oil level:

Make sure the engine is off, then open the hood using the release usually found under the driver’s-side dash.
Locate the engine oil dipstick, usually labelled and often yellow for easy spotting. Pull it out and wipe the end with a clean cloth.
Fully insert the dipstick back into its sheath and pull it out again.
Examine the tip, which has markings indicating the oil level range from full to one-quart low. If the oil is between the minimum and maximum lines, you’re good. If it’s at or below the minimum, add a quart of the recommended oil for your vehicle (refer to the owner’s manual).
To add some oil, twist the cap off, the one that’s marked with the oil-can symbol, usually visible on top of the engine, and pour in a quart of oil. Remember to wipe the drips off the engine to prevent smoking when it gets hot.

Remember, it’s not just about having enough oil; it’s also crucial to have clean oil. Follow the recommended oil and oil filter change intervals specified in the owner’s manual.

Ensure Sufficient Windshield-Washer Fluid:
Running out of washer fluid is never pleasant, especially in winter when road grime and salt impair visibility. The checking frequency for the windshield-washer reservoir will be according to the weather condition and season. Follow these steps to check and refill the washer fluid.

Locate the windshield washer reservoir under the hood.
Most washer tanks are made up of translucent plastic, allowing you to visually check the fluid level. However, some reservoirs may be hidden from view, making it difficult to determine the level unless you fill them completely.
Open the reservoir cap marked with the windshield-wiper spray icon and fill it with washer fluid. Avoid using pure water as it can freeze in low temperatures, rendering your wipers ineffective. Commercial washer fluid contains alcohol, preventing it from solidifying except in extremely cold conditions.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your car stays in optimal condition, saving you time, money, and unnecessary headaches. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll cover more easy tips for maintaining your vehicle.