The only way to avoid ever doing any maintenance on a car is not to own one. If you have a car, no matter how often or how seldom you use it, it needs maintenance.
There are a hundred or a thousand different parts that make up any car, but some last longer than others. While it’s important to keep an eye (or an ear and perhaps a nose) on anything that’s out of the ordinary, there are also some things you have to prioritize if you want your vehicle to last a long time.
Here are four of them:
Motor Oil
Unless you own a very old car, the old belief that it needs new motor oil every three months or 3,000 miles no longer applies. Most modern cars last longer these days before requiring new oil. Some vehicles have digital indicators that tell you when your oil life is nearing its end. The easiest way to find out when to perform an oil change at a Salt Lake City shop like Certified Automotive is to check your car’s manual. Oil keeps your engine cool and lubricated; neglecting to change the oil can damage the most expensive part of your vehicle.
Tires
Tires are the only contact your vehicle has with the road. If that’s not reason enough to make sure they’re still roadworthy, then what is? There are varying points of view regarding tire replacement, but there is no hard and fast rule. It all depends on your driving style, how often you drive, the roads you drive on, the weight of your vehicle, the quality and type of your tires, and the weather in your location. Learn how to check your car for bumps, scrapes, and anything that indicates wear or damage. Also, learn to check how close you are to the tire wear indicator.
Brake Pads
Brakes allow you to stop when you need to, and neglecting them puts you, your passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists at risk. Like tires, how you drive plays the biggest role in how long your brake pads last. There are also factors such as the condition of the roads you drive on, the traffic in the area, the weather, and others. Although brake pad wear is unique for every driver, it’s a good idea to have them checked for wear every time you take your car to the shop, such as when you replace your oil or your tires.
Air Filter
The air filter protects your engine from contaminants from the air, which it needs to run. After some time, however, the filter may become clogged with dirt and debris. This means there is less air intake for your engine, compromising its power and fuel efficiency. It may also cause the engine to stall. Check your owner’s manual to find out when your air filter should be replaced, and invest in a good brand that lasts longer. Although cars are complex machines, there are simple enough things you can do to make them last longer. These four are a good start.
