For most Americans we depend on our vehicles to get us from place
to place. Yes, we can walk, take a train, bus or other form of public
transportation but for many situations having a vehicle means the
ability to get from one place to another. However, that mobility is
seriously hindered if our vehicle is in need of repair or if proper
maintenance is overlooked. Consequently, it is necessary to plan on
frequent car service appointments to ensure that your vehicle is in top
working condition.
Of course, it is not always needful to take the car to a shop to be serviced. There are many actions you can take to help maintain your vehicle's reliability. Here are a few to get you started.
· Don't ignore the check engine light. When the light first comes on, it can be easy to overlook it or think you will get to it later. However, whenever this light comes on, it is best to go ahead and see a mechanic. These lights are designed to come when there is a problem. Early discovery can mean spending a little vs. spending a lot.
· Check the tire pressure. Take time on a regular basis to see that your tires have the correct amount of air. Tires lose 1 to 2 pounds of air for every 10 degrees the temperature drops. Know what the proper air pressure is for your tires and see that they stay at optimum levels in order to get better gas mileage and give you better traction.
· Get the oil changed. Motor oil and car engine technology has advanced so much over the years that, depending on the recommendations of your vehicle's manufacturers, it may no longer be necessary to get an oil change every 3,000 miles - the average oil change interval is around 7,800 miles for today's cars. However, just because the time frame is longer, it doesn't mean that you don't need to change the oil! If it is left too long, then it will affect the engine's performance.
· Check the fluid levels. Take time at least once every couple of weeks to check fluids such as transmission, brake fluid, power steering fluid coolant and other fluids are topped off, as doing this will help your vehicle to run at its best.
· Don't drive if the vehicle is overheated. When the engine is overheated, it will affect how it performs. Pull off the road, turn it off, and call for a tow.
· Use the right filters. There are specific filters designed for your car's systems. Use the correct ones, and be sure to change them according to manufacturer's instructions.
Having your car serviced is an important part of extending the life and reliability of your vehicle. If you take the time to see that these and some other, vehicle maintenance steps are taken then you can depend on your vehicle to last for many years. If you have questions about car servicing talk to a local garage. But, whatever you do, don't ignore your vehicle! Being proactive is much better than having to be reactive.
Of course, it is not always needful to take the car to a shop to be serviced. There are many actions you can take to help maintain your vehicle's reliability. Here are a few to get you started.
· Don't ignore the check engine light. When the light first comes on, it can be easy to overlook it or think you will get to it later. However, whenever this light comes on, it is best to go ahead and see a mechanic. These lights are designed to come when there is a problem. Early discovery can mean spending a little vs. spending a lot.
· Check the tire pressure. Take time on a regular basis to see that your tires have the correct amount of air. Tires lose 1 to 2 pounds of air for every 10 degrees the temperature drops. Know what the proper air pressure is for your tires and see that they stay at optimum levels in order to get better gas mileage and give you better traction.
· Get the oil changed. Motor oil and car engine technology has advanced so much over the years that, depending on the recommendations of your vehicle's manufacturers, it may no longer be necessary to get an oil change every 3,000 miles - the average oil change interval is around 7,800 miles for today's cars. However, just because the time frame is longer, it doesn't mean that you don't need to change the oil! If it is left too long, then it will affect the engine's performance.
· Check the fluid levels. Take time at least once every couple of weeks to check fluids such as transmission, brake fluid, power steering fluid coolant and other fluids are topped off, as doing this will help your vehicle to run at its best.
· Don't drive if the vehicle is overheated. When the engine is overheated, it will affect how it performs. Pull off the road, turn it off, and call for a tow.
· Use the right filters. There are specific filters designed for your car's systems. Use the correct ones, and be sure to change them according to manufacturer's instructions.
Having your car serviced is an important part of extending the life and reliability of your vehicle. If you take the time to see that these and some other, vehicle maintenance steps are taken then you can depend on your vehicle to last for many years. If you have questions about car servicing talk to a local garage. But, whatever you do, don't ignore your vehicle! Being proactive is much better than having to be reactive.
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