Car Maintenance 101 – Keeping Your Car In Shape
We all understand why we consider our cars like new babies (or old babies, but still babies). It does require special care and maintenance. After all, we need the vehicle for our daily transport needs and we cannot have them conk out on us just when we are about to go to an important meeting. While some of us wait until the engine gives out before we go to a service center, other responsible car owners keep their vehicles well maintained by regularly having the cars serviced.
The primary thing that we need to familiarize ourselves with is the car manufacturer’s provided owner manual. The owner manual reports on the vehicles optimum performance levels and how these can be achieved. Always depending on car technicians and maintenance crew is not an option.
Basic car maintenance tips include the following:
On tires
There is such a thing as legal and illegal tires; in the event that you crash while driving on illegal tires, you would probably not be able to claim insurance.
In the owner’s manual, you will find the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle. Tire pressure is given in psi (per square inch) and the right amounts should be found in the manual, may typically differ between front and rear tire pressure. Take note that endorsed pressure psi are for cool tires so you have to check you tires before you use the vehicle. If your tire pressure is different form the ones in the manual, inflate or deflate in air pumps found in service stations.
On oil
Engine oil is very important to the engine as the right amount is vital to your engine’s performance. Oil depletion could be very damaging to your car.
Oil checks should be done every two weeks, preferably when the engine is cold and the car is parked on a level surface. Usually oil dipsticks are colored yellow, orange or red and sticks out from one side of the engine. Pull it out and wipe out the oil before measuring level by returning it and pulling it out again. There are marks on the dipstick indicating upper and lower limits; the oil mark should be in between the two indicators.
Your owner’s manual would contain a suggestion on what motor oil you should use for your engine, which is also what is in your engine when you purchased it. When filling up on oil, you should find an oil filler cap on top of the engine. Pour in a small amount and then check with the dipstick. You should refer to the owner’s manual for schedules of oil changes.
On exhaust
Exhausts are usually checked for emissions of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. In the event that your vehicle fails any of the two, you should have your exhaust fixed by an authorized service center. Usually, a damaged exhaust will have unusual cough-like sounds, or whistling.
There are other things in your car that will need regular maintenance. Car maintenance is not as expensive as you think, unless you wait it out too much.
See: Gas cards
Tags: 101, babies, car, cars, consider, daily, keeping, maintenance, meeting, need, new, shape, transport, understand, vehicle