Having your own car means you definitely need some car maintenance tips. After all, a car is a significant investment, so maintaining it properly is important for extending its life. Besides preventing costly breakdowns, money-saving vehicle maintenance improves performance and fuel efficiency.
Let’s share some effective car maintenance tips to help you save money without compromising your vehicle's health.
Routine checks and maintenance are affordable ways to keep your car in top condition and prevent costly repairs. Here’s what you should focus on:
Checking fluid levels regularly helps in preventing engine damage and other issues. You can follow this short guide:
Check the oil level with the dipstick before long trips or at least once a month. Make sure it’s between the "full" and "add" marks. Low or dirty oil can cause engine overheating and wear.
The coolant in your vehicle prevents your engine from overheating. When the engine is cold, check the coolant level in the radiator overflow tank. Once you find it’s low, consult your owner's manual for the correct coolant type and refill accordingly.
Warning: Never open the radiator cap when the engine is hot, as it could cause burns from coolant or hot steam.
Brake fluid transmits pressure to the brakes. Check its level in the reservoir. Low levels mean a leak in the brake system or worn brake pads. Find the real cause of low fluid levels rather than assuming.
This fluid helps in steering, especially at a low speed. So, low levels can make it hard to steer.
Note: Not all vehicles use power steering fluid. This fluid is present only in vehicles with hydraulic power steering. Many modern cars have electric power steering systems that don’t need fluid checks.
This fluid is important for clear visibility. After checking its level in the reservoir, refill it when needed.
Maintaining proper tire pressure not only improves fuel efficiency and prolongs tire life, but it’s also important for vehicle handling. You can check tire pressure at least once a month (also of the spare tire). The owner’s manual or a sticker inside the driver's door jamb will tell you the recommended tire pressure.
Keeping a healthy battery is a money-saving car maintenance tip. You can:
Clean battery terminals with a wire brush and baking soda mixed with water. Corrosion on battery terminals can significantly hinder electrical connections.
Securely fasten the battery to prevent movement and damage.
Check the electrolyte level for traditional lead-acid batteries. It should cover the battery plates. Add distilled water if the level is low.
Note: Many modern vehicles have maintenance-free batteries, so you don’t need to check electrolyte levels.
Replace air filters according to the schedule if they are not clean. You can find the schedule in the owner’s manual. A clean air filter improves performance and fuel economy.
Replace your worn wiper blades when they start to streak or chatter. These old wiper blades can reduce visibility, especially in the rain.
Routinely check all exterior and interior lights and change them when needed. These include headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and interior lights.
Follow your vehicle’s recommended tune-up schedule to prevent major issues and save money on car repairs.
If you notice leaks, strange sounds, or warning lights, find and fix the issue immediately to avoid further damage.
Consider taking your car for a professional inspection at a trusted auto repair shop to find potential problems early.
You can perform many car maintenance tasks at your home with basic tools and knowledge. Take a look at these common DIY car maintenance tips:
Changing your oil and oil filter is a common DIY maintenance task. Check your owner's manual for the recommended change interval and oil type.
Note: Sometimes, changing oil could be difficult due to specific requirements or complications of certain vehicles (oil type, oil filter location). If you are unsure, it’s better to get professional help.
It’s simple to replace your car battery. Just make sure to get the correct battery size and type.
Usually, changing the cabin air filter is easy. Once you do this, you can enjoy improved air quality inside your car.
Rotating the tires of your car helps to even out wear and extend their life. The frequency of rotation depends on driving conditions and tire type. Typically, it’s recommended every 5,000 miles. However, consider your driving habits and the manufacturer's recommendations.
Smooth Acceleration and Braking: Aggressive driving habits, such as rapid acceleration and hard braking, cause more fuel consumption. Avoid that by adopting a smooth driving style.
Maintain a Steady Speed: Driving at a consistent speed, especially on highways, improves fuel efficiency.
Use Cruise Control: Cruise control helps maintain a steady speed on highways, improving fuel efficiency. This is useful for long-distance driving.
Avoid Unnecessary Idling: Letting your car idle for an extended period wastes fuel and increases engine wear.
Lighten Your Load: Remove unneeded items from your car to reduce weight so the engine doesn’t have to work harder and consume more fuel.
You can follow all the affordable car maintenance tips you want, but sometimes, professional help is the only option. When you need expert assistance, you can count on us. At Next Level Complete Auto Care Center, we are more than just mechanics; we are performance enthusiasts. We offer:
Comprehensive and preventative car maintenance services
Auto repair/maintenance
Diesel upgrades/maintenance
Performance upgrades
Dyno testing/pull
Camshaft upgrades
Inboard marine repair
Our personalized plans and use of the latest equipment and tools make us a perfect choice for auto repair and maintenance. Contact us now by filling out the form or call us at +1 (865) 350- 2700 for a quick response.
