Are you trying to figure out what you should do to take care of your car? Read this article to learn what to have on your vehicle maintenance checklist.
Do you dread the expense of going to the mechanic? We know cars need regular servicing, but the sticker shock of the mechanic’s bill can be tough, especially if you’re on a budget.
But, what if there was a way to save money on your car by looking after it yourself? You may not realize, but many car maintenance tasks can be easily done at home.
Create a vehicle maintenance checklist to keep track of what you need to do, and when. Read on to learn the most important things to add to your checklist.
1. Read the Owner’s Manual
Before starting any vehicle maintenance, always read through your car’s manual. This will give recommended guidelines on the frequency of servicing and will give you guidelines on how to perform each task.
If you’re familiar with car maintenance, it’s easy to skip over the manual and assume you know what you’re doing, but each car make and model is slightly different.
2. Inspect Your Tires
One of the easiest basic car maintenance jobs is to inspect your tires regularly. Flat or damaged tires are one of the most common car problems, so avoid issues before they can start.
Check your tire pressure (which will be specified in your owner’s manual), making sure your tires aren’t under or over-inflated. You can also check the tread of your tire.
Tread is essential for gripping the ground and keeping your car safe on the road, especially in wet conditions.
3. Change Your Oil
Oil is necessary to keep your car at optimum performance. It protects the engine, keeping it running smoothly, and helps prevent corrosion.
Change your oil as required in your manual. For most cars, it’s an easy process, but be sure to discard the old oil safely, as it can be hazardous to the environment.
4. Replace Windshield Wipers
It can be easy to forget about your windshield wipers, until you’re caught out in a rainstorm! They do wear out over time, so always replace over time.
Check them regularly as part of your car maintenance checklist.
If other pieces of your luxury car need replacing, it’s easy to find Mercedes parts and other brands online.
5. Check Fluid Levels
Your car requires several fluids, including windshield wiper fluid, coolant, and brake and transmission fluids.
Over time, the levels for each fluid will lower, which may be indicated on your dashboard by a check fluid light. However, it’s still a good idea to check your fluids regularly, using a dipstick, and topping up if low.
When checking your fluids, or anything to do with your engine, wait until the car is completely cool, as otherwise you risk injury from burns.
Create Your Own Vehicle Maintenance Checklist
Home care for your car is easy once you have your own vehicle maintenance checklist. Consult it regularly and keep records of the date of each service, for your records.
Owning a car can give years of pleasure, so make your car ownership experience stress-free with regular care and maintenance!
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