When it comes to car maintenance, the cars we drive and their parts need to be checked in order to keep them working. With routine checks, we can ensure that your car will work great for a long time. Let’s look at the different parts of the car and how often you should check them to ensure your car works properly.
1. Windshield And Car Windows
Windshield and car windows can sometimes experience cracks that you cannot see. These little cracks and chips should be checked and fixed as soon as possible to make sure it doesn’t turn into a larger problem. A simple windshield chip can become a full crack with exposure to the sun’s heat, plus they reduce vision which is very dangerous when driving.
Of course, how often this happens will depend on how often you drive your car and where you live, but a good estimate is to check the windshield once a month. Certified technicians that work with American Windshield Replacement & Auto Glass stress that another important factor when it comes to these parts is also the type of glass your car has. Installing something just because it’s cheap can seem like a good idea if you’re in a pinch.
However, getting the highest quality isn’t as expensive as you may think. It can actually be pretty cheap if you have someone who knows the ins and outs of the industry.
2. Brakes
The brakes of your car are very important for slowing down and stopping. If you don’t want to get in an accident, this is the most important part of your car to check once a month.
You can tell when it’s time to bring your car in for repairs if the pedal starts sinking lower than normal or if the pedal starts pushing way higher up than it should. If this happens, have someone from a car maintenance service come take a look at your car to ensure that everything is in order and that you can drive safely and without worrying about an accident. The most common brake repairs are brake pads and rotors.
Generally, you should check yours twice a year. It will, of course, depend on how you drive your car and how hard you press on the pedal. Different cars also have different brake lives. So if you notice anything different about them, don’t hesitate to take your car to the shop and see what the verdict is.
3. Tires
The tires of your car not only keep it grounded and ensure you don’t lose control, but they also help to maintain traction for safe driving.
Cars will sometimes experience problems with their tires because of how hot they get from usage on the road. If you notice that your tire seems a little more worn down than normal for its age, make sure to get it checked and replaced if necessary. Cars with suspensions will need new tires more often than cars without them because of the extra strain.
On average, you should check your tires once a month and replace them every six months or so depending on how they look. An easy way to tell if you need new tires is to look at the treads. Professional car service members suggest that you replace your tires when there are less than 3/32nds of an inch of tread left, or else you risk having them wear out faster.
4. Oil And Transmission Fluid
The transmission fluid and oil in your car keep it going smoothly. The oil lubricates while the transmission fluid keeps the gears from grinding together.
Cars generally need their fluids changed every 7,500 miles or once a year depending on how much you drive them. If you go to change these parts yourself, make sure that if there’s an oil seal, you get a new one of those as well to help prolong the life of your car. Oil and transmission fluid should be checked every month and changed at least once a year. There are some cars that need more regular changes than others, but it’s good practice to check them on your own or with an auto repair specialist because that will also give you a good idea of how your car is doing.
5. Air Filters
The air filter for your car helps clean the air going into the engine, which makes the whole car run more smoothly. If your air filter is clogged up and dirty from getting into a lot of stuff going onto the road, then it could be time for a replacement. Cars need their air filters replaced once every six months on average, depending on the model and how you drive your car. It’s best to check with a professional or look at the owner’s manual for your specific car.
Car maintenance is an important part of ensuring that your car can run smoothly and safely for as long as possible. If you notice any changes in how your car feels or sounds, you should always bring it to the shop because it could be something minor or major, but either way, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Different cars have different needs, so it’s best to look up how often your car model should get maintenance and do it regularly. If you don’t know where to start or if you need help with something specific about your car, consider hiring a professional for help.