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In order to keep your car running at its best, it’s important to keep up with routine
maintenance and inspections. By properly maintaining your vehicle, you’ll reduce future
repair costs, optimize your car’s performance, maintain its value and extend its life. Here
are some regular maintenance needs to keep in mind for your vehicle:
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The Engine
Oil is essential to your engine. And for most people, changing it every three months or
3,000 miles is the first thing you should do to keep your car in good shape. But sometimes,
your oil needs some extra attention. If you tow a trailer, drive in dusty conditions, or
frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, you should change your oil more often. Short trips
without letting your engine warm up can contaminate your oil and require more oil changes
than average too. So, to keep your car running smooth, make sure you have the following
engine-related services done regularly:
- Change the oil.
- Change the oil filter, air filter and fuel filter.
- Check the PCV valve for proper operation.
- Check the spark plugs and spark plug wires.
- Very Hard - 10.5 and higher gpg.
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The Transmission
Your transmission makes your car move by bringing power from the engine to the wheels. A
regular checkup of the transmission fluid will keep your car shifting smoothly.
The Battery
Batteries store the energy that’s needed to start your car’s engine. And once the engine is
running, the alternator starts re-charging the battery for the next start. Maintenance
includes keeping the battery clean and secured so it doesn’t vibrate, keeping connections
clean and tight at the terminals, and checking the water level (if necessary).
The Emission System
Your emission system runs almost the entire length of your vehicle. And in the process of
moving exhaust away from the engine and passenger cabin, it analyzes the gases, refines
them into water vapor and less-harmful gases, and directs them through dampers to reduce
noise. Your emission system does all of this important work while hanging from the bottom
of your vehicle – and as you can imagine, it can take a lot of abuse down there. So to keep
your car running smoothly, quietly and efficiently, you should have your emission system
inspected every year.
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The Brake System
Many of today’s cars have disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in back. And all brakes
rely on friction, which is supplied by either a brake pad or a brake shoe to slow and stop
your car. To stop a wheel, a disc brake uses a caliper fitted with brake pads to grab a
spinning disc, or rotor. A drum brake has a wheel cylinder that pushes a brake shoe against
the inside of a spinning drum.
When brakes need a mechanic’s attention, they give certain warning signals. For example, a
low or spongy pedal can mean that there’s air in the hydraulic system. A red brake-warning
light that stays on could mean that there’s an imbalance in your hydraulic system. And while
some brake noises are normal, chirps, continuous squeals and grinding sounds almost
always mean that it’s time for new brake pads or shoes. But anytime you notice something
irregular about your brakes, it’s a good idea to have them checked out.
Your car’s owner’s manual will provide a maintenance schedule designed to keep your
brakes in good condition. Following it is the easiest way to avoid expense repairs and the
potential for catastrophic brake failure. But at the very least, you should have your brakes
inspected every year.
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Climate Control
You may not know it, but in many of today’s cars the heating and air conditioning systems
are integrated so that some parts of your climate control system are working hard all year
long. Your driving comfort improves greatly when your heater or air conditioning is working
properly.
Your air conditioning system works like a refrigerator, pumping freon through an evaporator
under the dashboard. The freon absorbs the heat from the passenger compartment,
circulates it through the condenser and releases it through the front grill of your car. When
running right, this is a constant process that results in a cool and comfortable driving
environment for you. If your air conditioning system isn’t keep you cool, it’s usually due to a
leak in the system. You should have your full climate control system inspected regularly to
ensure it is working properly.
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The Cooling System
The cooling system keeps your engine at the optimum operating temperature by pumping
coolant between the engine and the radiator. Your mechanic can help you keep your cooling
system in good condition by checking the coolant levels in the reservoir tanks, checking the
hoses for wear and tear and providing a flush-and-fill service, which drains dirty fluid and
replaces it with clean coolant.
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The Suspension System
Your shocks, springs, struts, steering and tires are all part of your suspension system. They
all work together to keep you comfortable and in control on the road.
But sometimes, a problem in one area can be a symptom of a problem in another area. For
instance, if you notice that your tires are wearing unevenly, it may just be your tire
pressure. Heavier wear in the middle means the pressure is too high. Heavy wear on the
edges means the pressure is too low. But if you notice excessive wear on just one edge, it’s
usually a sign that you have an alignment problem that a mechanic should handle. For that
and other symptoms – like steering vibrations or pulling – you should have your steering
and suspension systems inspected. That inspection should include: checking the power
steering fluid, listening for unusual noises while the vehicle is in motion and a visual
inspection of all major suspension components including the shocks. struts and springs.
Following a regular maintenance schedule is an important step in keeping your car safe and
running for years to come. Consult your owner’s manual or mechanic to see when your car
should have its next maintenance checkup.
Click here to find a Midas store near you.
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