Car Insurance Articles
Top 10 Ways To Keep Your Car Road Ready
2008-03-03
With proper maintenance, vehicles can last for well over a hundred thousand miles before they require any major repairs. In fact, some vehicles have been known to hit the one million mile mark without ever needing an engine overhaul. If your last name isn’t Trump or Hilton, then it would probably be a good idea to keep your car Road-Ready so it will run efficiently and look good for as long as possible. Following is a list of ten proper car maintenance tips that you can do to keep your car Road-Ready so it will last for years to come.
1. Change your oil - Engine oil is essential to keeping your vehicle running smoothly. If your engine oil is low or is old it can cause friction to the internal parts of your engine and in turn, excessive wear. Unless otherwise stated in your owner’s manual, you should change your oil using the recommended type of oil every 3000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first.
2. Check your tires periodically - If your tires are low it can cause other problems such as improper alignment and unnecessary wear. Keep a tire gauge handy and check your tires’ air pressure every few hundred miles. If your tires are beginning to show uneven wear you should have your alignment checked immediately to avoid having to buy all new tires. It is also a good idea to have your tires rotated every six months or so to help ensure that your tires wear evenly, which will help extend their life.
3. Check your fluids - Your car engine relies on much more than just oil to run properly. It is advisable to check your transmission fluid, brake fluid and power steering fluid every couple thousand miles. If you notice that any of your fluids are low you may want to have your vehicle inspected for leaks as soon as possible. Another fluid that you should check is your windshield washer fluid. If you’ve ever run out of washer fluid after has snowed you can understand how important it is to keep all of your car’s fluids topped off at all times.
4. Make sure you can stop - Having a well maintained engine won’t do you any good if you can’t stop once you’re moving. Have your brakes inspected whenever you have your oil changed to ensure that the brake shoes and rotors are in good shape. If you hear any grinding, screeching or squealing while you are driving it may be a sign that your brakes need attention.
5. Tighten your belts - Whenever you have the hood of your car opened you should make a quick check of your belts and hoses to inspect them for looseness and wear. Press down on your engine belts while the engine is shut off to make sure they are tight and inspect your belts and hoses for any cracks which are a sign that they could break or leak in the near future. You should also listen for squealing from your engine compartment while driving which is a sign that your belts may be loose.
6. Make sure you can breathe - A dirty air filter can lower your fuel efficiency by as much as 10 percent. You should check your air filter every time you change your oil to ensure that it is free of dirt and debris.
7. See the road - Being able to see the road in front of you is vital to the health of both you and your vehicle. Make sure you change your wiper blades at the first sign of wear. It is also a good idea to change your wiper blades after every winter driving season. Old wiper blades can leave streaks on your windshield that can be a hazard and even scratch your windshield if they get worn too far.
8. Wash me! - Not only does a clean vehicle look better, it is actually beneficial to the life of your vehicle. Road salt and dirt if left on an automobile too long can cause rust, and rust is like cancer to a car’s exterior. If your car is dirty or the salt trucks have been out recently, run your vehicle through the automatic wash from time to time.
9. Spare me - One of the worst feelings while on the road is hearing the pop as one of your tires blows and knowing you don’t have a spare handy. Even worse is thinking you have a spare only to open your trunk to find that it is as flat as the one on the car. Whenever you check the air pressure of your tires, open your trunk and make sure your spare tire is properly inflated as well.
10. Make sure they can see you - Not only is important to have properly working headlights, tail lights and turn signals so other drivers can be aware of your presence and intentions while on the road, it is also the law. Check your lights periodically to ensure they are working properly. Turn on your headlights and flash the high beams, turn on each of your turn signals individually and then your hazards and press your brakes and have someone stand behind your vehicle to make sure they are both working. If someone is not available, lay a heavy book or a brick on your brake pedal and walk to the back of your vehicle yourself.