Owning a private vehicle is one of the best investments you can make for yourself. However, when it comes to having a car that you and your family frequently use, you need to have the knowledge and a sense of responsibility to ensure that your prized vehicle stays in shape. Cars, like other machines, need proper, scheduled maintenance.
Think of cars’ health like your own. When you notice something off within yourself, and you take it for granted, chances are, your health gets worse. Cars are like that too. When you keep using the vehicle, even if you knew that an unfixed problem lies somewhere in there, you worsen your car’s condition.
Moreover, you risk your and everyone else’s safety, driving along the road with a potentially damaged vehicle. Fortunately, some modern machines, like cars, have warning signs that will tell you something is amiss and needed to be checked. But, there are also issues that you might miss unless you get experts to check it out for you.
WHY YOU SHOULD GET YOUR CAR CHECKED
As mentioned, car maintenance is essential to let your vehicle stay healthy. Getting your car checked regularly spares you from unnecessary trouble — it can even help you avoid accidents. You can also save time, cash, and energy when you keep yourself posted on your car’s health.
If your car is specially aged, the more you have to take it on a regular health check, as there may be parts that needed replacement and repair due to wear and tear. It is better to deal with the issue sooner than to deal with more complications later. Indeed, prevention is way better than cure.
TAKING THE VEHICLE ON SCHEDULED CHECK-UP
The frequency of vehicle maintenance largely depends on the vehicle type, model, and make (build). But, if you experience some issues while you ride your vehicle, we recommend that you get your car checked regardless. Generally, experts advise that you mark your calendar for scheduled maintenance and check for red flags on your vehicle.
Every Month
- Check the oil levels and color. If there is a discrepancy in the rate at which the oil level drains, or if the oil color looks filthy and suspicious, you might want to change it.
- Inspect the belts and hoses – there might be some dents and tears there, which means you have to replace them.
- Examine the pressure and status of the tires. You don’t want to use a car with a flat tire on an surprise road trip.
- Lookout for coolants, antifreeze, and other fluids – these are fragile chemicals that needed regular checks to prevent leakage and contamination.
- Check for the cabin air filter – this stuff is essential to make you drive with comfort. It filters harmful pollutants and other dust and pollens from the air you inhale inside the car.
Every Three Months
- Examine the oil and oil filters. Generally, oil and oil filters need to be replaced every 3,000 miles (usually about three months), depending on your manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations.
- Check for the fluids: windshield washer fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid.
- Inspect the battery terminals and cables. These parts may develop rust and corrode over time, so check if they are still in good condition.
- Check the lights. Warning lights serve as your communication while on the road, so making sure that they work (especially the brake lights) is essential for your safety.
Every Six Months
- Examine the wiper blades. If the wiper blades look worn, dented, brittle, or smeary, it’s time to replace them.
- Test the horn if it still works optimally. Just like the warning lights, horns are an essential communication system on the road.
- Check the brakes for any damages and tears. Making sure your brakes work optimally guarantees everyone’s safety when using the car.
- Inspect the spare tire if it’s properly inflated.
- Check for rust, damages, dents, and loose parts on your exhaust system.
- Take a closer look at the shocks of the car. You’d want to check for the wear and tear, as well as oil seepage.
FINAL WORDS
Regularly taking your vehicle on scheduled check-ups and maintenance improves the experience you get while using your car. This schedule generally works on any vehicle, taking into consideration the manufacturer’s recommendations. But, when you use your vehicle more often and more frequently than average, you might want to observe an adjusted schedule that fits how you use your car.
Moreover, modern cars have electronic sensor systems and dashboards that would tell you the vehicle’s health status, but then again, nothing beats the owner’s intuition and feel about the car. So, if you feel something off while driving your vehicle, having it checked might be an excellent idea. It might even save your life for all you know.