Basic tips for Car maintenance
Preventive
maintenance is needed for your vehicle to work optimally. The auto service and maintenance
schedule of your vehicle can be checked in the owner’s manual and can help you
to keep your vehicle in top shape. We have listed top car maintenance tips for
you, that you can perform and if you have any issues you can go to car shops Escondido CA. You can also call the ASCCA for references.
Engine Oil
Engine
is made of large number of moving parts namely pistons, crankshaft, valves and
camshaft etc. Engine oil works as a lubricant and reduces the wear and tear due
to friction when the parts move against each other. Engine oil also absorbs heat produced in the engine combustion chambers
and piston under crown area and cools it. The oil acts as a sealant and rust
inhibitor as well. To avoid auto repair
follow these tips:
- · Change the engine oil regularly irrespective of the vehicle’s age.
- · Use the top up oil with correct grade recommended by the manufacturer.
- · Do not exceed the recommended level while topping up oil.
If you have any oil related problems you can consult your owners’ manual
or contact the local automotive repair
shop.
Tire Care
For maintaining the vehicle safety, tire care is essential. The tires
must be checked regularly and before going for any long driving trips. Well
maintained tires improve fuel economy, extend the life of tires and improve safety
of vehicle.
- · The tire inflation must be checked every two weeks and you can find the recommended pressure in owner’s manual.
- · If the tires have abnormal wear patterns it indicates problem with wheel alignment or suspension.
- · If there is vibration in the steering the tires may require balancing.
- · The tires must have a minimum 1.6 mm tread depth.
You can take your vehicle to any car
shops for getting the tires checked.
Power steering fluid
The power steering fluid also has to be checked regularly and should be
filled to capacity.
- · It can be checked via reservoir. The owner’s manual specifies the exact location of reservoir in your vehicle.
- · The oil recommended for your vehicle must be used.
- · Do not over fill the reservoir.
- · If the power steering fluid requires regular refilling contact the auto repair shop for advice.
Car Battery
The car battery is key component of a car’s electrical system and one of
the main causes of vehicle’s breakdown. To ensure the proper functioning of
battery follow these steps:
- · The battery terminals must be checked regularly to ensure they are clean and tight.
- · The electrolyte level must be correct and use distilled water to top up. Many new batteries are maintenance free and do not need topping up.
- · The battery must be secure.
Lights and electrical components
Lights are very important for vehicle safety and need to be checked
regularly. Electrical components such as horns and window demisters have to be
checked if working properly on regular basis. Use recommended globes in your
cars that deliver proper light.
Vehicle cooling System
The cooling system of your vehicle is vital for the operation of your
vehicle. The hot summers and driving at freeway speeds puts a lot of stress on
the vehicle’s cooling system. To maintain your vehicle’s cooling system basic
checks are needed.
- · Inspect the cooling system only when the engine is cold. You should never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot
- · The coolant level must be checked regularly.
- · Use the coolant recommended for your vehicle that can be found in owner’s manual.
- · If the cooling system requires regular refilling it may indicate leakage in the system and you may need to take your vehicle to automotive repair shop.
Brakes
Brakes are vital component of your car. If the performance and condition
of the brakes is poor it can result in longer braking distances and may place
you and your passengers in danger.
- · If there is a squealing sound from the brakes, grinding on the rotors or unusual vibrations it means the brakes need to be replaced.
- · Poor brake performance also indicates the worn brakes.
- · The brake fluid must be full and you must use recommended brake fluid for your vehicle.
Transmission
The transmission works must be performed by the expert technicians and
mechanics. You can follow these tips to ensure your car’s transmission operates
correctly:
- · The transmission fluid level must be filled to correct level and you can find the details on checking levels in owner’s manual.
- · Fluids should not be discolored or burnt.
- · The correct oil type must be used for your car.
Suspension
The
suspension components must be maintained for vehicle safety. If the suspension
components are worn they can increase the stopping distance by 20 %. A properly
functioning suspension ensures a comfortable ride for passengers.
- · Check the suspension components regularly for any signs of physical damage or excess wear.
- · Also check the shock absorbers for fluid leaks.
- · The suspension may be checked for any abnormalities while driving such as steering wheel vibrations or nose diving when stopping.
Avoid These Car Maintenance Mistakes
1) Auto Service And Maintenance in Escondido CA, or anywhere for that matter, is very important. However do not service your vehicle without knowing the proper
know how. These days the cars are computerized and have various sensors to
regulate idle speed, spark plugs, fuel injectors etc. If something goes wrong
the check engine light will alert you. As the system may be complicated it is
better to take the system to auto repair
shop and let a professional technician handle it.
2) If the filters are not cleaned regularly it can result
in poor gas mileage, engine issues and wearing out of system components. So
clean the filters regularly for optimal performance of your vehicle. Clean
filters will prevent dirt particles or contaminants from entering the vehicle’s
fuel/engine/air conditioning system.
3) Do not use the home glass cleaner to clean the rear
windshield. Most of the glass cleaners we use Ammonia as a chief cleaning
agent. Ammonia breaks down the heating elements in the rear windshield over
time. It is better to use window cleaner designed for automotive glass.
It is true that maintaining the car requires time and
efforts and involves cost too. However a well maintained car will help you
prevent any major repair costs and you will avoid getting stuck on the side of
the road due to car breakdowns.
