Avoid these Car Maintenance Mistakes
Car maintenance is a necessary part of owning a vehicle. We tend to avoid certain tasks. But if you really love your vehicle, it’s time to prioritize. Here is a list of top 10 car maintenance mistakes you should avoid.
1. Skipping Oil Changes
Every vehicle has a different schedule for oil changes. Check your owner’s manual to make sure that you’re scheduling your oil changes properly. Changing your oil is number one on the preventative maintenance list. It can ensure a long and healthy engine life.
2. Ignoring the Dreaded Check Engine Light
Sometimes your check engine light can come on for something that’s not that urgent. You’re driving along and your car seems to be operating normally, so you ignore it. However, this can lead to major engine damage or failure. The longer you wait, the worse the damage can get. Thus, more costly repairs.
3. Not Checking your Tire Pressure
Looks can be deceiving. Your tires can look like they’re properly inflated, but they can in fact be low or even overinflated. Checking your tire pressure against the recommended PSI regularly can prolong the life of your tires as well as alignment and suspension. It is also essential in preventing a blowout and providing optimum gas mileage.
4. Neglecting Fluid Checks
The longer you’ve had your vehicle, the more likely that there will be a leak. Checking the proper levels of your fluids can prevent a major engine issue in the future. Be sure to check your brake fluid, coolant, transmission fluid and power steering regularly.
5. Driving when the Engine is Overheating
If your engine is overheating, stop wherever you are and call a tow truck. Because if you push it, your car will be toast. Out of all the car maintenance mistakes, this is number one.
6. Not Rotating Your Tires/Ignoring Wheel Alignment Issues
Check your owner’s manual for the perfect time to rotate your tires. Most vehicles require this particular maintenance every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Coupled with rotating your tires is getting your alignment checked. This seems like a minor aspect of car maintenance, but it’s necessary for your vehicle’s performance.
7. Using Household Glass Cleaner on your Rear Window
Regular household glass cleaner can actually affect the defrost wiring on your rear window. The ammonia will break down the heating elements. It’s best to use automotive glass cleaner for this job.
8. Not Inspecting your Brakes
If your brakes are squealing, it’s time to get them serviced. The longer you ignore the squeal, the worse of you are and you could be putting yourself and others in danger.
9. Not Using Filters as Recommended
Air filters prevent particles and other contaminants from reaching your engine, fuel and A/C systems. If your filter is dirty or clogged, it will allow these particles to get through. Check your owner’s manual for a maintenance schedule.
10. Servicing your Vehicle without Knowing How
There are certain car maintenance tasks that you can perform on your own. But, everything has a proper procedure. If you don’t have the know-how or the proper tools, you could be doing some serious damage. If you’re uncertain about a particular maintenance task, leave it to Courthouse Automotive. We would be more than happy to assist you.