Maintenance of a car plays a very important part of how long and how well the car will run. It will also affect the resale value of the car and following these simple maintenance steps can save you a lot of cash.
The basic maintenance tips are:
1.Check the engine oil: The longevity of the engine depends on how well it is run and if regular engine oil change have been done. To check the engine oil place the car on a level spot. Take the engine oil dipstick out and wipe it with a clean cloth. Then again insert it back into its place. Now take out the dipstick and see the level of the oil. If it is between the “low” and “full” mark it is O.K. If the color of the oil is black it is time to change the oil. If the color is slightly brown it is fine for now. If the color is dark brown then it is O.K but it would be better to change the oil soon. If the color is a bit milky grey it shows that there must be some water or coolant getting mixed with the oil. This can be because of a leaking head gasket or some other issue and can seriously damage the engine. You should get this checked as soon as possible.
While filling the engine oil it is better to fill only with the brand which has been previously used. Fill a small amount and again check the level of the oil. If it is still low again add a small amount and then see the level. Do not overfill. When finished put the dipstick back in its place and close the oil cap.
2.Checking automatic transmission fluid: Place the car on a level surface, start the engine and set the transmission to “P” position. Pull out the transmission dipstick.
Clean it with a piece of cloth and insert it back again fully. Pull it out again and check the level of oil on the dipstick. If the car had not been used for a few minutes it should be within the “COLD” mark. If the car was recently used it should be at the upper level of the “HOT” mark. If it is significantly lower top up the fluid.
Also check the condition of the fluid. If the fluid is dark black with a burnt smell the transmission should stop working soon. Initially the fluid is red and over time it becomes brownish and then black if not changed. Some cars require it to be changed every 30,000 to 40,000 miles while some cars do not require to change them at all. Check the owner's manual to find when is the time to change the oil.
Using the proper fluid is of great importance. If a wrong fluid type is used it can even end up destroying the transmission. You can check the local dealer as they always have the correct transmission fluid in stock. Add a small amount and then recheck the level. Do not overfill the fluid as it might also cause some issues.
3.Checking engine coolant: The coolant level should always be between the “LOW” and “FULL” mark. If the coolant is lower than that you would need to top it up. If you have to refill the coolant frequently you need to get it inspected for leakage.
When the engine has been shut for some time open the coolant cap and fill it to the “FULL” mark.
4.Checking the tire pressure: It is good to check the tire pressure once every month. You should also consider getting a tire pressure gauge in case you do not have. If you feel any vibration during your cruising speed get the tires balanced. If the car wanders or feels unstable on the road you should get the alignment checked.
5.Mechanical inspection: It is good to have the car properly inspected once a year. Proper checking of the brakes and suspension can help in quick solution of the problem and can also ensure lower overall expense.
Besides these further cash can be saved by following a few simple fuel saving tips which can save from a couple of hundreds to thousand bucks every year on your gas bill.
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