Manufacturers outline auto maintenance requirements such as fluid changes and tire rotation. According to Kelley Blue Book, they also recommend inspection schedules or parts replacement when the odometer reaches each 30,000-mile increment. Refer to the owner’s manual for your specific vehicle’s maintenance schedule.
Check and Top Up Fluids
Specific fluids need to be regularly checked. Some are used such as windshield wiper fluid, but most should remain at a stable level unless something is wrong. Each of these fluids will have a gauge to help you determine if it’s properly filled. These can often be checked in the amount of time it takes to fill a gas tank.
You’ll need to check the following before driving a significant distance: engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid and coolant.
Replace Windshield Wipers
Wipers tend to wear out over time. It is a simple task to replace them and often requires no tools. Remember to replace your rear window wiper whenever appropriate.
Check Tire Pressure
Maintain proper tire pressure for safety and fuel efficiency. You can do this with a tire pressure gauge and an air pump. Many gas stations have coin-operated filling stations with automatic shutoffs. Read the tire itself or auto manual for proper inflation guidance in pounds per square inch (PSI).
Modern vehicles have two air filters. The engine air filter protects against particles entering the system. The cabin air filter helps protect passengers from breathing contaminants inside the vehicle. Both must be checked and replaced when dirty.
Replace Headlight and Taillight Bulbs
Burned-out bulbs can easily be replaced without much technical knowledge. Check with the techs at an auto parts store to ensure you use the correct bulbs. Don’t touch halogen bulbs with your bare fingers because the oil from your hands can damage the bulb as it heats. Use gloves or a clean cloth rag if you must handle it.
Rotate or Change Tires
Change a flat tire. You can check the wear on a tire by inserting a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head toward the tire. If any part of Lincoln’s head is covered, the tire has enough tread.
Tire rotation ensures even tire wear and extends tire life. You will need a jack and lug wrench to remove the tires. You will need jack stands to rotate tires. Ensure you place the jack in designated jacking points. These are normally under the car’s rocker panels behind the front wheels and ahead of the rear wheels. Ensure the spare tire is inflated and tools are always in the automobile.
Clean the Exterior and Interior
Clean interiors and regular wash cycles keep cars looking good and help prevent corrosion to maintain vehicle value. Wax the vehicle at least twice yearly to help prevent rust.
Inspect and Replace the Battery
Visually inspect the battery for corrosion and check its voltage with a multimeter. When terminals are corroded, they can often be cleaned with a wire brush to ensure a good connection. Clean both the battery poles as well as the clamps on the wires. Apply a protectant, grease or spray to prevent future corrosion.
Battery replacement is straightforward with the right precautions on most vehicles. Some modern batteries require specific tools and are best completed by service centers. Pay attention to the polarity of battery cables when reconnecting.
Change the Oil
Kelley’s Blue Book states that changing your car’s oil at a repair shop or dealership usually includes a multi-point inspection to check fluid levels, filters, and other components. In previous decades, a rule of thumb was to change a car’s oil every 3,000 miles. Since 2010, many vehicles use synthetic oil that can go up to 10,000 miles between changes.
Oil can be changed at home. Have a safe disposal plan for the dirty motor oil. Most auto parts stores and cities have recycling programs for the used oil.
Change Spark Plugs
This task may require a bit more confidence and familiarity with your car, but it’s doable with the right tools and instructions.
View or download the whole Information Of Value book or my other books for free.
Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
214-862-7212
DFWmark.com
#DFWmark #REALTOR #IOV #InformationOfValue #cars #AutoMaintenance #prevention #maintenance #roadtrip #AutoRepair
No comments:
Post a Comment