Friday 16 April 2021

10 General Car Maintenance Tips Every Car Owner Should Know

 


A car is like a family member for peopldealing with automobiles. People either ride their family car inherited from the parents or purchase a brand new one for themselves. Anyways, taking care of a car becomes necessary if one expects it to run without any performance issues. To get a car running smoothly, one needs to conducfrequent maintenance like auto repair and service in California. This is where general car maintenance tips will be helpful. 

Conducting these car care tips will help you maintain your vehicle without pinching your pocket. 

 

1) Refer to the Owner Manual: 

 

The first and foremost step for you before following car maintenance tips is the user manual. Here you can find item-wise information regarding your car. If you can’t find the hard copy of this manual, you can go online and visit your manufacturer’s website. You may find things like security, child safety, keys and remote control, specifications, fuel and refuelingdriving aid, car care, etc. and much more in the user manual. 

Your car’s user manual is like a bible. 

 

2) Monitor the Tire Pressure: 

 

Car tires are one of the components that keep your car mobile. Inaccurate tire pressure for a prolonged time can decrease their life. It may cause early wear and tear or even tire bursts. So, it is crucial that the suggested amount of air (or nitrogen) is present in the tires.  

 

3) Replace Oil and Oil Filter: 

 

 Here is how you can replace the oil and oil filter of your vehicle without taking it for car repair in California: 

  • Refer to the user manual and find the oil drain plug of your car and remove the old oil.  

  • Change the oil plug as mentioned in the owner’s manual and then remove the oil filter.  

  • Before installing the new oil filter, you have to lubricate it with fresh oil.  

  • Now pour new oil. Ensure that you fill only the required amount of oil and that is suitable for your car type. 

  • Place the cap and power the engine. This will help you find leaks.  

  • In case of no leaks, shut off the engine and wait for a few minutes.  

  • Now check the oil level with the help of a dipstick. 

  • Add more oil if needed. 

 

4) Keep the Engine Clean: 

 

The engine is the heart of your car and you must care for it. While you can do only so much to keep it clean internally, you should also clean it externally from time to time. It is essential to identify an area of concern. For example, leaks, together with dust and debris present on the surface can damage the engine. Thus, apply simple engine cleaners to wipe any gunk. 

 

5) Find a Faulty Spark Plug: 

 

A few instances that will help you identify a faulty spark plug are- 

  • Issues with starting your car 

  • Dip in mileage 

  • Increased noise and vibrations 

  • Uneven acceleration 

 

6) Keep the Interiors Clean: 

 

It is not essential to spend money on car wash every two days. Applying a simple vacuum cleaner to keep the interior dust-free can also be useful. Nowadays, many creative cleaning items are there in the market. 

 

7) Maintain Battery: 

 

Learn the basics of a car battery with the help of the owner manual and if necessary, the internet, instead of rushing to the smog test centers in California. You must know where your car battery is located. You also need to know how to safely disconnect the battery and clean the terminal contacts as needed. Remember to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery first. This will effectively cut off the electrical supply and minimize the possibilities of an accident. 

Cleaning the battery once in a while will help you prolong its life. 

 

8) Check the Brake Fluid: 

 

A car’s brake fluid helps the system to properly function. You can ensure that the brake fluid is not spoilt and is sufficiently present. Check the level of the fluid in the braking system. Check the color of the fluid. If it is dark, you have to change the braking fluid. 

 

9) Maintain Fuel Economy: 

 

 Maintaining the fuel economy is also less pocket pinching. Here are a few general car maintenance tips that will help you achieve the desired result in terms of fuel and mileage.  

  • Maintain average speed  

  • Don’t burden your car with heavyweights 

 

10) Change the Cabin Air Filter: 

 

If the car’s air conditioning system inot up to the mark lately, you may have to change the cabin’s air filter. This will ensure clean flow and proper cooling of the air inside your car.  

If you follow these basic car maintenance tips, then your car is bound to serve you for a longer period of time. 

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