Essential Car Maintenance Steps New Drivers Should Follow
Getting a new set of wheels can be exciting — especially for a first-time car owner! But while there are plenty of enjoyable journeys up ahead, it is vital to ensure that you properly maintain your car so that it can remain in its best working condition for as long as possible. Here are some of the most important maintenance checks that you need to perform on your car, which will not only keep your car at peak performance but also help you to prevent avoidable issues in the future.
Check your tire pressure
Flat tires not only reduce the handling and smoothness of your ride but can also ruin your wheels and decrease your fuel efficiency. This makes checking your tire pressure a simple yet crucial activity when it comes to vehicle maintenance. Refer to your user manual to see the recommended tire pressure for your car and remember to also check the pressure of your spare tire as you never know when you might need to use it.
Inspect the fluid levels
In addition to oil, there are several fluids that play a major role in the operation of your car. These include brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid. Make sure to schedule regular services with your auto shop or perhaps do your own fluid checks. Also, keep a lookout for fluid leaks even when you've already been doing regular maintenance. Most leaks can be identified by their color and texture.
Change your car's oil
Because oil is what keeps your engine in working condition, having old, dirty oil can cause significant damage to your car. For this reason, you need to ensure that the oil in your car is fresh and new. Allstate recommends checking your oil once a month and checking your user manual to see what oil your car should take. If you're unsure about how to change the oil yourself, then take your car to an auto shop. No matter who changes the oil, it's important to determine whether you want to use synthetic or non-synthetic oil as well as the oil viscoticy.
Monitor your battery charge
Although many cars come with battery warranties lasting five or six years, it's not unheard of for a battery to need replacement after as little as two to three years. This makes it imperative for you to keep checking up on your car battery's voltage. After all, the last thing you want is to be left stranded in the middle of nowhere should your car unexpectedly pack it in. You can check your battery at the same time that you change your oil or perhaps get the assistance of your go-to auto repair shop.