Preventive Maintenance
Car ownership can sometimes come with work. It’s important to keep your vehicle running smoothly to get the greatest return on your investment. Taking a peek under the hood every now and then can also help you avoid a costly breakdown
Even if you bought a brand new car, or if you’re not mechanically gifted, your car will require what is known as preventive maintenance. These are things that should be checked and/or replaced regularly so they don’t fail unexpectedly.
What you need to know
There are some very basics even the uninclined owner can get down.
Read the owner’s manual. Tips and tricks website Lifehacker says start here when figuring out preventative car care. The manual is full of very important information, from what size tires your car needs to what kind of gas to put in.
Replace parts that wear down. Your car’s engine is full of belts, filters, fluids and spark plugs that will break down with use. The oil change is the most obvious maintenance item. If you’re capable enough to do this yourself, make sure you check the air filters, belts, hoses, spark plugs and all other fluid levels (such as anti-freeze and transmission fluid) while you’re under the hood. If you take your car to a garage for maintenance, make sure a thorough inspection is included with the oil change. Get a list of things that have been checked, and if you think something is missing, feel free to ask.
Repeat. Just because you replaced the serpentine belt doesn’t mean you’ll never have to do it again. Most parts have a limit or a “lifetime” stated in either miles or months. Keep track of what you changed and when, and then when you may need to do it again. If you have a smartphone or tablet, you might consider downloading an app that can help you with this task.
Try to remember that an investment of your time and money now can save you both later on. The old saying goes “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” and applies to car care as much as anything.
Need auto body work? Call Great Plains Auto Body 402.334.7100
