Whether you are a first time car buyer or a seasoned owner, maintaining your car is essential. You don’t want to get stuck with a vehicle that isn’t running correctly or one that is leaking fluids. There are a few simple things that you can do to ensure that your car stays in good condition.
Tire pressure gauge
Using a tire pressure gauge is a simple and inexpensive way to ensure your tires are properly inflated. This will save you money at every fill up and prevent premature tire replacement. Keeping up with the proper tire inflation is recommended by many manufacturers and will extend the life of your tires.
It’s a good idea to check the pressure on your tires once a month. It’s also a good idea to check your tires regularly during the winter. Under-inflated tires reduce your control while driving and increase the braking distance. It can also affect your gas mileage.
Inflate your tires to the recommended PSI. It’s usually on the tire’s sidewall. It’s also listed in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or on the door jamb placard on your driver’s side.
Checking fluids
Taking the time to check your car’s fluids will ensure that your vehicle is performing at its best. This will help prevent costly repairs and breakdowns, and ensure that you are driving a safe, reliable vehicle.
To do this, the best place to start is with your owner’s manual. It’s also a good idea to set up a regular reminder to check these fluids.
The most important fluid in your car is oil, which keeps your engine parts moving smoothly. Checking this is one of the most basic car maintenance tasks.
Coolant, which is often called antifreeze, is a vital part of your vehicle’s cooling system. It absorbs heat from your engine and dissipates it through the radiator. You should replace your coolant every two to three years.
Inspecting headlights
Performing a headlight check-up is an important part of maintaining a new car. Properly aligned and installed headlights can prevent accidents and improve visibility to oncoming traffic.
One of the most commonly found headlight issues is a faulty headlight relay. This is a component of the electrical system and can cause the lights to be dim or inoperable. It is also important to test the air filter for leaks.
Other common headlight defects are broken taillights and badly aimed headlights. The latter can blind oncoming drivers and pedestrians.
When performing a headlight check-up, you should also consider the side view mirrors and brake lights. These should all be in working order and not cracked or broken. You should also ensure the front windshield area is free of cracks.
Changing spark plugs
Changing spark plugs on a new car isn’t difficult, but it’s important to take the time to do it right. Even small mistakes can damage the engine, and improperly tightened spark plugs can lead to expensive repairs. If you’re not sure how to do it, or if you need help, consider calling a professional to do it.
First, you’ll need to clean the area around the spark plug. This will keep dirt and debris from falling into the engine. Once you’ve cleaned the area, you can replace the spark plug.
You’ll need a tool that will allow you to gap the spark plug. You can purchase one online or at a local auto parts store. A tool that will allow you to easily gap the plug will save you trouble down the road.
Keeping a check engine light on
Keeping a check engine light on a new car may seem like a daunting task. However, if you know what to look for, you can save yourself time and money.
The check engine light is usually an orange engine-shaped icon on the instrument cluster. It can come on due to a variety of reasons, from a loose gas cap to a faulty sensor. You should check it out as soon as possible.
If you notice a light coming on, it is important to take your vehicle to a mechanic for a diagnosis. If you can, it’s best to consult an ASE Certified Technician. They will be able to determine the real cause of the problem and recommend a fix.
In some cases, the problem might be a quick fix, such as tightening a gas cap. In others, it might be something more serious, such as a faulty catalytic converter.
