How to Properly Care for Your Care

Many people think that car care consists of having the oil changed, rotating the tires and keeping the outside relatively clean. This will get you going down the road, but to keep your car in top shape there are a lot of other areas to maintain.

Changing the oil in your vehicle every 3000 miles is now a thing of the past with all of the new synthetic oils on the market. There are oils that can last from 5000 and up. But for the oil to do its job, you must stick to the schedule of regular changes. Also, when getting your oil changed it is a good idea to have the fluid in your transmission checked. It should be flushed out and refilled according to your vehicle's owner manual.

Filters are another area that should be checked regularly. Oil filters should be replaced with every oil change. Most vehicles should have the fuel filter changed every two years. Air filters should be at least checked at every oil change. A dirty air filter can restrict air which may cause lower fuel economy or worse, cause damage to your engine.

A very important area to keep maintained is your braking system. Brake fluid should be checked at every oil change. You should have your car's entire brake system checked out by a professional once a year. Preventative maintenance is important when it comes to brakes. There are crucial parts like the pads and rotors which can cause expensive damage if not maintained; not to mention that if these parts are worn or broken they can be a major safety hazard.

Having your exhaust system checked is also a safety measure that could possible save your life. If your exhaust is leaking into your car, carbon monoxide may be entering your vehicle. Carbon monoxide has no odor but can be deadly.

Tires are a very important part of your vehicle. Tires that are not properly inflated to the recommended level can cause lower fuel economy. Improper inflation can also cause uneven wear on the tires. Tires that have damage such as uneven wear, nicks, cuts and bumps can cause blowouts. The tread on your tires should be checked regularly. There is a simple tread test you can do yourself using a penny. Insert the penny into the tread with Lincoln's head upside down. If you can see his entire head, your tread is too low and you need new tires. Professionals also have tread testers which gauge the tread life.

Keeping up with all of the maintenance on your vehicle does not have to be complicated.You should keep a calendar in your glove box with all services done to your vehicle. This will help keep track of what was done to your vehicle and also when your vehicle should be serviced next.

Maintaining your vehicle to keep it running smoothly will help keep the value up if you ever decide to sell it, giving you a bigger profit than a vehicle with more maintenance required. Following these steps can also help keep your vehicle safe and dependable for years to come.