Properly taking care of your vehicle involves more than just filling up the gas tank. Failing to give your car the necessary maintenance compromises its overall performance and longevity. Here are the five most critical aspects of car maintenance.
Engine Belts
The engine belts are vital engine components. Over time, the engine belts are susceptible to becoming weak and brittle. If any of these belts suddenly break while you are driving the vehicle, you may find yourself in need of a tow. Changing each engine belt at the recommend interval will prevent any problems.
Car Battery
Often times, some car batteries are touting as being “maintenance-free”. This misleads some drivers to believe that the battery does not need to be inspected. The truth is that all car batteries are prone to corrosion. If you notice a greenish buildup on the battery terminals, this is a sign that corrosion is present. This toxic buildup can be easily cleaned by scrubbing the terminals with a mixture of baking soda and water or using a specialized abrasive tool designed for the job.
Regular Motor Oil Changes
Your engine is not going to last very long if the motor oil is not changed on a regular basis. The motor oil serves many purposes including cooling the engine, lubrication, cleaning the internal parts of the motor, and protecting against rust. As the person continues to drive their vehicle, the oil’s additives weaken and the oil becomes saturated with contaminants. Oil changes are perhaps the easiest, most significant maintenance you can do, as an engine replacement on older cars may cost more than the current value of the vehicle itself.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is one of the most neglected aspects of car maintenance. Not only does a misaligned set of wheels diminish the driving dynamics of the vehicle, but it also jeopardizes your personal safety. A good rule of thumb is to get a wheel alignment at least once a year. However, you may need to get one sooner if your vehicle is veering off its intended path. If your steering wheel pulls to one direction or another while driving down a straight road, you may need to have it checked.
Brakes
Far too many drivers are involved in a car crash due to faulty brakes. Auto shops such as Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centres in Chilliwack actually inspect the braking system at every oil change. This ensures that the braking system is always in tip-top condition. If your brakes are making an odd noise or screeching sound, have them inspected by a service station as soon as possible. This noise is a built-in feature to signal the driver that they need their brakes replaced.
Giving your car the required maintenance is not as hard as it may seem. Routine maintenance will ensure that your car remains reliable and safe enough to drive on a daily basis. Make sure to take advantage of these five aspects of car maintenance to keep your ride smooth.
