Having a car is a lot of responsibility. You should do regular car check-ups and maintenance to ensure that it is always in top condition. Doing so will lessen the probability of unexpected mishaps along the road and, most importantly, accidents that may harm you and other people surrounding you. 

If you are still yet to learn the basics of car maintenance, this article will give you a checklist that can help you out. It includes everything from changing tires, headlights, car tune-up, change oil light, and synthetic oil change. 

Why is car maintenance essential?

Your vehicle’s worth is not a joke. You invested thousands of dollars on it, so it is just appropriate that you maintain it. Moreover, there are also other factors why car maintenance is essential.

Prolongs the Life of Your Vehicle

Doing regular car maintenance will help you see the issues early and prevent them from becoming worse. Moreover, you can also keep those several issues at bay. Preventative car care will help with the wear and tear of your car and prolong its life. 

Improved Safety

Imagine driving at night on a quiet road, and suddenly your car breaks down. Wouldn’t that be a dangerous and frightening situation to be in? You cannot predict what will happen to you every time, so it is best to come prepared. Regular maintenance lessens the possibility of your car breaking down. 

Reduces Repair Costs

Car maintenance can prevent issues from becoming worse. We all know that the bigger the problem is, the more expensive the repair cost will be. Thus, if you can address it while it’s still tiny or prevent it from happening, then that would mean more savings for you. 

What should you check? 

As a beginner who is still learning about car maintenance, there are basic things that you must know. Here are some things in your car that would require regular check-ups:

Short-Term Check-Ups

• Oil and Coolant Levels: It is best that you look under the hood every few months to inspect your oil and coolant levels. Low levels of these things can cause engine problems if unnoticed. 
• Air Filter: The air filter regulates the air that flows into your engine. It has an important role to play, keeping out particulates and debris that may clog your engine. It helps if you check it more often and clean it to decrease your emissions, improve your fuel efficiency, and prolong the life of your engine. 
• Tire Pressure and Tread Depth: Your tires are what take you to places. It is also crucial for your safety. You must check your tires every month, especially before you go on a long trip or when you will carry heavier loads than usual. 
• Headlights, Turn Signals, Parking Lights, and Breaks: The lights on your vehicles are also crucial to your safety. Lights help you see at night, and it also signals other vehicles about your movements. Check them before you ride your car to make sure that they are always properly functioning. 
• Oil and Filter: Oil is indeed very essential to keep your car running smoothly. It has a myriad of functions. First, it lubricates the moving parts of the car. It also acts as a sealant to prevent the debris from penetrating the insides of your car parts. Moreover, it also helps cool the engine and avoid corrosion, reducing its wear and tear. With this, it is essential that you change your oil and filter at least every three months or after every 3,000 miles. 
• Rotate Tires: Your tires may become uneven depending on your vehicle alignment, usage, and other factors. When they become uneven, you will notice some noise and vibrations while you’re driving. To prevent this from happening, it would be helpful if you could rotate your tires to balance the tread’s wear and tear. Doing so may even extend the life of your tires. 
• Wax: After washing your car, it is important to apply wax. Doing this will not only keep it shiny but will also keep its paint in good shape and prevent rust. Aside from that, waxing is also helpful in minimizing other irritants like sand, dust, and salt. It can also prevent environmental factors such as too much sun and rain from damaging your car by forming a protective seal. 

Something to Ponder On

Doing regular car maintenance may sound tedious, but in reality, it can actually save you from more work. This is because it allows you to spot issues while it’s still small and prevent them from becoming worse. Also, doing car maintenance is integral to prolong the life of your car.

Your car is your investment, so you must protect it. To do that, you must conduct regular car maintenance.