Effective Car Care Tips to Keep Your Vehicle in Good Shape

Your car is made up of many moving parts that require regular maintenance. Many of the fluids and components listed below need to be regularly checked and changed to keep your vehicle running smoothly.

Here are 10 car care tips to keep your vehicle in good shape

1. 1. Oil

      Changing your oil every 3,000 miles (regular oil) or 7,500 miles (full synthetic oil) prevents wear and tear on the internal components inside your engine. This is one of the most important steps in vehicle maintenance.

   2. Sludge Build-up

      Sludge build-up is a common occurrence in vehicles that are driven in the city. The constant starting and stopping and changing of speeds can cause sludge to form inside the open areas of the engine block. This can have an adverse effect on how it runs and the mileage you get for a tank of gas.

   3. Power Steering Fluid

      Your power steering fluid doesn’t have to be changed often, but it does need to be checked often and topped off occasionally. It should be checked every time you have your oil changed to ensure the levels are sufficient.

   4. Timing Belt

      The timing belt is what keeps your engine running smoothly. Over time, the belt can begin to wear out. This can pose many problems. Your car may have trouble starting or keeping a stable rhythm. You will notice that it tends to bog down or act like it is going to die when you slow down.

   5. Radiator Coolant

      Checking your radiator coolant every time you change your oil is also important. Most vehicle manufacturers recommend flushing your coolant system every 50,000 miles or so. Keeping your engine cool is the key to ensuring your car’s long life.

   6. Transmission

      Your transmission fluid is meant to keep the gears in your transmission moving quickly. Check the fluid at every oil change and flush the transmission every 50,00 miles or so to get the most out of it.

   7. Brake Fluid

      The brake fluid is part of the hydraulic system that stops your vehicle. When the fluid level drops, it can cause your brakes to fail and result in an accident. Check your brake fluid every time you change your oil and add more whenever necessary.

   8. Transfer Case

      Check and replace the fluid in your transfer case as recommended by the manufacturer. If you own an all-wheel-drive vehicle or one that has four-wheel drive, maintaining the transfer case is of the utmost importance. Look in your owner’s manual for further details on how often the fluid must be changed.

   9. Tires

      Your tires are what keep you on the road. Take a few minutes once a month or so to check the air pressure in each tire. Newer vehicles offer a digital display, but it’s still important to manually check them for accuracy. If your tires are low, you may want to add a little air.

   10. Air Filter

       The air filter in your vehicle is what keeps the fuel burning efficiently. As air cycles through the air filter and then into the chambers to be ignited, impurities are removed that can cause soot and other types of residue to build up in the cylinders and other engine areas.

Keeping your vehicle in good working order requires maintenance and care. So be diligent and get to know your vehicle’s maintenance schedule. Meanwhile, also make sure to have adequate auto insurance coverage to protect yourself and your vehicle in the event of an unfortunate accident. Contact us today at The Reardon Agency to get started on your customized coverage!