Having your car and making payments are only part of your job when taking care of your car. Are you unknowingly killing your car by not doing things you should? Check out some things you may be doing that could eventually kill your car.
Putting off Maintenance
There is always a reason why its recommended to change your oil every 3 to 5 thousand miles, or to change your belts every 60 to 100 thousand miles. These cars have been tested by experts and they have determined that everyday wear and tear could cause big problems.
Do I need an oil change?
Newer oils are made to last longer than old-school traditional oils. That doesn’t mean you can wait forever. Your car’s engine and transmission are made of metal, and your engine can heat up to over 250 degrees Fahrenheit. These oils keep all the parts lubricated and moving freely, and reduces friction on the moving parts extending the life of your car.
What’s your tire pressure?
Without your tires, your car won’t move. If your tires are not properly inflated it can cause a variety of serious problems. Your tires can wear unevenly which causes other problems: you could hydroplane on wet roads or can even cause blowouts.
Neglecting Your Fluids
Your car is a collection of systems that all work together to keep you running smooth. Each of these systems like your transmission, your brakes, and your cooling system needs its own kinds of fluids to either cool down your engine, provide lubrication to moving parts, or add hydraulic power to help you stop. Make sure these are all full and change them on schedule.
Going to an Unqualified Shop
While cars all operate the same way, not all cars are the same or should be treated equally. If you own a high-end vehicle, not every mechanic is qualified to work on your car. Some may even try to save costs by using generic aftermarket parts instead of Original Equipment Manufacturer parts which are not as good in all cases. Make sure that your mechanic is qualified to work on your car before taking it in for service. Heading back to the dealership you purchased the car at is most likely the best choice.
