How To Maintain My Car, Tips for Proper Car Maintenance

Keep your tires in shape

It’s important to routinely check the air pressure of your tires. Under inflated tires are much more likely to cause serious accidents. The recommended PSI for your vehicle is printed on the place card which is usually located on the doorjamb of the driver side. You should gauge your air pressure about once a month.

It’s also important to rotate your tires every 6 to 8 thousand miles to increase the life of your tread. Alignment should also be checked in this process, poor alignment can lead to fast, uneven tread wear.

Change the oil and check the fluids

It’s a good idea to check your oil each month and change it based on the standards of your vehicle. If you drive with higher frequency it's good to check even more often.

There are other fluids that should also be checked with regularity, including; power-steering, automatic transmission, wiper, and brake fluids.

Test the lights

Testing your lights is critical. Lights improve visibility, serve as indicators to others drivers and make it safer for driving during the night and in the rain. Testing your lights is quick and easy as well. Simply flip the switches which control the headlights, tail lights, and turn signals and walk around the vehicle to inspect. You may need assistance to check the brake lights. Other than the safety risk, non working lights could result in a ticket or rejected inspection.

Windshield wipers

Windshield wipers are also critical for visibility. You should replace your blades about twice a year to maintain the best driving visibility. Wiper blades are designed to last 6-8 months, to improve the life of your blades keeping a clean windshield is very important. In this winter this means defrosting and scraping the windshield before using the wipers.

Examine the belts and hoses

While it may feel overwhelming to lift the hod and inspect the engine, there are some very simple things you can check routinely that can save you in the long run. Check the battery for and corrosion. Corrosion is easy to solve, but left unresolved can drain the battery and lead to more significant damage. You can slo quickly look over and belts or hoses for signs of ripping or wear and tear. It’s good to catch a potential issue before it becomes more serious. The air filter can easily be checked as well and is usually replaced once a year.

Increase peace of mind!

All of these routine inspections are simple to perform and will be worth your time. Not performing these inspections can lead to costly car repairs, leave your vehicle inoperable, or even get you in trouble with the law. Take a few minutes out of your day once or twice a month to make your rounds with your vehicle, you’ll have better peace of mind knowing your car is reliable.

Visit our Honest Mechanics at Ace Car Care Center in Charlottesville, VA

Our mechanics and auto technicians always enjoy meeting new customers from our community. Helping keep you and your family safely on the road in your vehicle is our top priority. Visit our Auto Repair and Car Maintenance Garage for an inspection and a tune up. We are conveniently located at 1895 AVON ST. EXT. Charlottesville, VA 22902. We are proud to be Charlottesville’s trusted choice for all for your car service center needs.