Here’s a few common sense upkeep habits:
Oil: Checking and changing your vehicle’s oil is a very important habit. Oil helps keep you car running smoothly, by reducing friction between moving parts. You can check the oil level by using your engines dipstick, which will give you a visual indicator of oil level, and the coloration of the oil in your engine. Typically, bad oil will be less transparent, deeper brown, and contain dark particles when you check it. For the specifics of using your vehicles dipstick, how often to have your oil changed, and what viscosity to use, check your vehicle’s owner manual. It’s generally recommended that you change your oil every 3000 miles.
Tires: You car tires do much more than simply roll. Most drivers aren’t aware of it, but tires also grip the road during driving, allowing you to break quickly, make sharp turns, and drive on slick roads. Your car tire can only do these things effectively if it’s properly inflated, and if it’s treads are not worn down. Adding and subtracting air is a simple procedure. Most gas stations have air dispensers with built in pressure gauges and easy to read instructions. Check your owners manual for the proper tire pressure. To check your tires tread, its advisable to consult with a mechanic, or the tire manufacturers website.
Wax: Very few car owners do this, but waxing your vehicle’s exterior after a wash is a very good idea. Not only will the coat of wax give your vehicle a beautiful finish, but it protects your paint job from the elements. Rain, sleet, snow, and even small pebbles have a much smaller impact on the exterior of your vehicle when it’s been given a protective coating.
Lights: Be sure all your vehicle’s lights are working properly. This includes brake lights, head lights, blinkers, and console lights. Replacing a bulb is usually a very simple, and cheap, procedure. I’ve always found that the employee’s of auto part stores can help me locate (and often install) the proper bulb.
Wipers: Nobody wants to get caught in a downpour with ineffective window wipers. The wiper blades can always be replaced, usually for very short money. This is something most car owners can do by themselves. If you don’t feel up for it, your local garage certainly offers this service, and it takes no time at all.
Inspections: Heed the advice of the mechanic who performs your state inspection. Often times they will notice seemingly trivial problems. While you car may still pass the inspection, its a good idea to get those “minor” issues taken care of before they become more severe. With machines as complicated as modern passenger cars, even small problems can become big problems.
While there are certainly many more good ownership habits, this is a good place to start. Always be sure to read your owners manual for your vehicles manufacturer recommendations.
