Car maintenance and keeping up with it is such a drag. You have to take care of the engine. There are tires you need to rotate. You need to get under the car to check the struts and suspension. We get it – there’s a lot of car components you need to look out for! Because of the many components, you need to look after, sometimes you’d find yourself putting off your car’s maintenance needs at a later time. You do so, not because you’re too lazy or find car maintenance a bother. It’s just because you can’t afford it.
Let’s face it. Car maintenance can be a costly thing. Annual car maintenance can cost you several hundred to thousands of dollars depending on the make, model, and age of your car. Unfortunately, there are circumstances that would make it financially difficult for you to bring to an auto shop for maintenance service. Hence, we came up with a list that will help you handle the maintenance needs of your care without breaking the bank.
Change the Engine Oil
Engine oil problems are one of the most expensive car issues you would have to face. It’s because many of your car’s functions are affected by the engine oil. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend on an engine oil change. You only have to spend as low as $20-$25 to get your engine oil changed. Compare it to the risk of damaging your engine and the cost of repairing or replacing it.
Clean Your Car Batteries
Car batteries matter for it is responsible for running various components of your car. In order to prolong the its life, you need to include battery maintenance in your car maintenance schedule. Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to spot battery corrosion. You just have to watch out for bluish or greenish build-up on the battery terminals and cables. With a brush and a few cleaning agents at home, the corrosion build-up will disappear.
Replace Your Brake Pads
Are you hearing an annoying squeaking noise every time you hit your brakes? If so, then perhaps your brake pads are long gone. The brakes are critical for your safety on the road. If the brake pads are long gone, then it’s about time to get your brakes replaced. Yes, you might have to spend a few hundred to replace your brake pads, but it is cheaper compared to the cost of fixing your car and hospitalization after an accident.
Replace Your Air Filters
Generally, you need to replace your car’s air filter once every 12 months or every 12,000 miles, or whichever comes first. It’s crucial to include replacing air filters in your car maintenance schedule because a clean air filter can keep pollutants away. Plus, it can prevent costly air conditioning problems that can cost you several thousands.
Flush Your Radiator
In order for the cooling and radiator system to work efficiently and effectively, it has to be clean. Over time, the radiator would build-up deposits that can negatively affect the cooling system. Fortunately, a simple radiator flush is an easy and inexpensive way to keep the cooling and radiator system in shape. But before you start draining your radiator, make sure the engine has totally cooled down. Suffering extreme burns while doing car maintenance would beat your purpose of saving money.
Rotate Your Tires
Are you rotating your tires regularly? If not, then perhaps you should start doing so! Rotating your tires can easily extend its life. The tires of your car would not wear down equivalently. Sometimes, the rear tires would wear down faster than the front tires or vice versa. They wear down differently because of various circumstances like the vehicle make, speed, roads, and etc. Tire rotation can save you up to $1,000 for a brand-new set of tires.
Check the Suspension System Regularly
When it comes to routine car maintenance, one thing you should never forget to do is to check the suspension system. The suspension system of your car is an intricate system that is easily overlooked by many car owners. However, it plays a huge role in making your ride safe and comfortable. Regularly inspecting the shocks, springs and struts for cracks or damages will help you save a lot trouble in the future.
Always Check Coolant Levels
All your efforts put on regular car maintenance would be wasted if you forget the coolant levels of your car. If you’re not on top when it comes to changing your coolant, then you’re putting your car at serious risk. Low coolant levels can lead to corrosion, which may affect the heater, air conditioner, water pump, and radiator. Because coolant levels play a significant impact to the health of your car, it’s best that you keep a close eye on it.
Check the Belts and Hoses
Did you know that you can save a huge auto repair bill down the road if you regularly inspect the belts and hoses of your car? Worn-out belts can lead to serious damage to your engine, particularly its moving components. If your radiator hose is bad, then your radiator won’t work properly. This could cause your engine to overheat quickly. If both of them are problematic, then your engine is at serious risk. Don’t let this happen! Include the belts and hoses in your car maintenance checks.
Oil change, tires, brakes – your car maintenance list just goes on and on. Well, you can easily ignore them. However, are you willing to face the consequences and the financial troubles it would bring you? Saving money and taking good care of your car is practically easy as long as you put its maintenance at heart.
Just remember, there’s no shame in relying on a professional when it comes to car maintenance. After all, there’s a limit to what you can do and a professional auto mechanic can help you a lot. So, do you have any troubles with your car? Are there any car maintenance steps that you cannot complete on your own? Let us know! Visit our website or check out our Facebook page.