Your vehicle isn’t just a form of transportation. It’s also your livelihood, and that means it has to be treated with care. No matter what vehicle you own, it’s crucial to give it the proper maintenance. All vehicles should be treated like a child in order to keep them running and stay in mint condition. Maintain the following five components on your vehicle regularly so you can keep driving smoothly and safely.
Vehicle Fluids
This includes fuel, coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and fluids from any cooling or heating equipment. Properly maintaining these fluids will sustain proper lubrication and ensure that the gears turn smoothly. Fluids also keep electronics and electrical options functioning. But what to do if you have old fluids in your car? Well, there are a few ways to deal with that. You can change the fluids and use more modern fluid for the older components. But if you’re distressed or simply don’t have the funds, then you can try to flush out the old fluids into a separate container.
Belts and Hoses
Belts and hoses can extend the lifespan of your engine by allowing it to breathe properly. Check belts periodically to ensure that they’re in good shape. You can replace hoses as well, but belts are somewhat more difficult because they’re usually located in difficult-to-reach spots in the engine bay. Hoses should be replaced when they start to show signs of wear and tear.
Timing Chain and Gear
The timing chain and the gears are critical for maintaining because if they malfunction, your vehicle’s engine is in danger of overheating. This could lead to some major and expensive problems. Timing chains can develop a “ticking” or “knocking” sound that a professional should look at. If it’s found that the gears need to be replaced, you may be looking at upwards of $500.00.
Tires
Maintaining tires is easy. Just let the air out slightly when you fill up on fuel to keep them at optimal levels. Make sure they’re properly inflated and don’t forget to rotate the tires as well. A tire rotation is a good idea for any vehicle you drive, but it’s imperative in a vehicle with an automatic transmission. Rotating the tires will help make sure that the front and rear wheels are working in tandem.
Brakes
The brakes on your vehicle are crucial because they’re your only way to slow down and stop. You should regularly check your brakes and purchase an auto front disc brake conversion kit to ensure that they’re working properly so that there’s no oil or fuel on them. You should also get regular brake adjustments because worn-out brakes can malfunction at the worst possible time. You might have to pay a mechanic to do this, but it’s more than worth the cost. At around $250, it’s a small investment that will protect you, your vehicle, and save you money on repairs in the future. It’s not always easy to keep up with your vehicle, but it’s a necessity that a lot of people put off. Proper maintenance will help extend the life of your vehicle and save you money from preventing potential problems in the future. It will also give you peace of mind knowing that your car is safe and properly maintained.