Used Cars: Maintenance Tips
Used Cars: Maintenance Tips
Posted on November 14, 2023
Help your used car to have the longest life possible, and ensure a good resale value when it's time to re-sell. You can also save money on costly repairs with good maintenance, whether you have a new or used car, and increase your car's reliability. In addition, a car that runs more smoothly, is more enjoyable to drive.
Here are some routine vehicle maintenance tips to help you get started, but always make sure your car has fully cooled after running before checking it.
Know Your Owner's Manual
Make the effort to read your car's manual. It may seem like a pain, but it has a lot of valuable information in it.
Car Maintenance Schedule
One of the most critical car maintenance tips is to set up your own maintenance schedule, according to your car's manufacturer's recommendations. It will help you keep up on necessary work for your car.
Be sure to include all of the basic routine car maintenance jobs:
Windshield Wipers
Windshield wiper blades should be regularly replaced, at least yearly. If they make a screeching sound or leave streaks, they should be replaced.
Be sure to regularly top up your windshield washer fluid, as well.
Check Engine Oil, Transmission Fluid and Coolant Levels
Check your fluids regularly, and top them up as necessary. Otherwise, you could face a premature engine failure. Oil flushes are best done at auto repair shops, to prevent any spills or leaks that are harmful to the environment.
Car Battery
Signs a car battery is weakening includes slow starts and no starts. If your vehicle has been sitting for a prolonged period of time, this is normal. If you're boosting your vehicle daily, odds are you need a new battery.
Also check the car battery terminals; connections should be clean and cables should be tight and undamaged.
Brakes and Brake Pads
For your own safety and the safety of others, be sure to have your brakes checked and maintained regularly. If you hear scraping, vibrating, or rattling noises from your brakes, the brake pads are getting worn out or there are other issues, and maintenance or a replacement is needed.
Brake Fluid
Brake fluid can be checked under the hood; it should only be accessed if fluid is being added. Low brake fluid is a sign of a significant issue that should be checked by a mechanic right away.
Tire Pressure and Wear
Tire pressure has a significant impact on the lifespan of your tires as well as your car's fuel economy. It's worth checking the pressure weekly to make sure it falls within the recommended ranges. Keep a tire pressure gauge in the car so you can more easily check air pressure. Having a routine of checking every time you fill your car is best.
Usually, the proper pressure range is from 32 and 35 psi for a car, but check the manufacturer's recommendations. Don't forget to check your spare tire, too.
Check your tire treads for wear, for safety and to keep control of the car, especially on wet or icy roads. Most tires have indicator bars so you can quickly and easily check tread wear. Be sure to schedule regular maintenance checks for the wheels as well.
Change Engine Air Filter and Oil Filter
Engine air filters need to be cleaned or replaced regularly so that the air flow to the engine isn't restricted which can cause the engine to stall. Replacement is usually preferable and many lifetime filters don't actually last the lifetime of a car. Filters are cheap and changing them frequently to ensure adequate air flow will prevent your engine from working too hard, extend your engine's life, and boost your fuel efficiency.
Replace air filters after a couple of oil changes, or more frequently if air quality is bad or the filter may be clogged with any contaminants. Check and replace fuel and oil filters at the same time.
Radiator Coolant
Check your radiator coolant regularly and top it up to the maximum fill line. Otherwise, a car can overheat.
Other Used Car Maintenance Tips
Keep an eye on your check engine light and pay attention to other notifications in your car. Be aware of any warning signs, including sounds and smells, that your car is not functioning as it should. Always do a quick visual inspection before getting into your car.
Don't perform any maintenance if you are not sure how to do it properly and safely. Some tasks are easier than others, but if you are unsure on how to do something, it's best to get professional help.
There are also several other components to your car that should be checked and maintained regularly that go beyond general home maintenance, such as spark plugs, the timing belt and other belts and hoses. Scheduling regular inspections with a trusted mechanic for these components to keep your car running reliably for a long time.
For more complex maintenance and to have a professional tuneup by a mechanic, Marden Motors has dependable auto services you can trust.