Simple Vehicle Maintenance Tips

Owning a vehicle is one of the most expensive purchases a person makes, second only to the purchase of a home. It only stands to reason that you should protect this investment. Proper maintenance will help to maximize the value of your car or truck when it comes time to sell or trade it. This isn't difficult to do, you just need to schedule things and do them on a regular basis.

Become familiar with your particular car's Owner's Manual. Inside the manual you will find the recommended maintenance procedures. Safety precautions will also be spelled out there, and it is extremely important to be aware of these. Your Owner's Guide will list some things that should be regularly serviced or replaced at a specific period of time. A car or truck is a mechanical device, and mechanical devices do wear out over time.

Regularly check all the fluids, such as the coolant, engine oil, and transmission fluid. You always want to be sure the fluids are clean and at the proper level.

Each time you fill up your gas tank, you should check the air pressure in your tires. Proper air pressure will extend the life of your tires and improve your gas mileage. Purchase a good quality pressure guage and keep it in your car. Make it a habit to check the air pressure as you fill the gas tank.

Windshield wipers are important as poor visibility and rain make driving a chore. If your windshield wipers don't seem to be effective in providing a clear view, then replace them as soon as possible. It is a quick and easy process that can save someone's life.

Always keep your vehicle clean. Don't let dirt and grime buildup. It is best to wash your vehicle on a regular basis, and doing so will keep your paint shiny and looking good! It is also important to maintain the wax finish as a deterrant from corrosion.

Never skimp when buying replacement parts. Whenever you find you need to replace a worn out part, try to use a high quality replacement part. Trying to save a nickel on a part can cost you dollars in the future.

A car is no different than you are I (well, maybe a little different), so it doesn't hurt to have it checked out by a doctor (certified mechanic) once each year. You might just discover something that needs to be handled before it happens and save some money in the process!

And here is the number one thing you should do. Take care of problems as soon as they appear. Never put this off until tomorrow because a simple problem can turn into a disaster if you wait to fix it.