Maintaining Your Car

If you own a car it’s a simple fact of life that maintaining it is expensive – and occasionally confusing if you’re not a mechanic. Lucky for you jcwhitney.com has your every auto need, as well as people who can give you advice on keeping your ride sweet. Find a jc whitney coupon on Groupon today!

First, maintaining your car well will save you money in the long run. While every automobile is different and comes with different factory guidelines, there are some things that are true across the board. Here are some crucial car care tips no matter what you drive!

1. Change the oil or have it changed! Depending on the recommended mileage (usually between 3,000 and 10,000 miles), have the oil changed when appropriate. Even if your mileage is low, having the oil changed once a year is important for upkeep. Many cars will let you know with a dashboard light when it’s time. If not, though, be responsible and keep a mileage log.

2. Check tire pressure to ensure best gas mileage and traction, among other key points. Check frequently (use a tire pressure gauge, which is easy) or have a service attendant do it. Tire pressure changes with temperature and weather. Poorly inflated tires are also more at risk for a blow out or hydroplaning in water. Well inflated tires save you money on gas, too, so don’t forget this important aspect of your car’s care. The car manufacturer’s PSI guidelines are specific to your vehicle, so be sure to follow them. One rule of thumb is to check pressure every other time you get gas.

3. Check your windshield for cracks and chips. There’s nothing worse than going into a carwash and having a tiny chip become a huge crack with the pressure difference and water temperature. Even a small rock chip can cause big problems, so be sure to catch them before they have the potential to obscure your vision.

4. Check your car’s fluid levels regularly. If you’re uncertain how to do this, consult your owner’s manual or go to a car care expert. Being low on oil will make your car’s engine seize up and become “modern art,” not a workable engine. Being low on any other crucial fluid can do the same. Protect your investment by maintaining it well.

5. Follow your car’s maintenance schedule carefully. It’s not merely a suggestion. The auto company specifically designed it to protect your car and ensure optimal performance. Every 10 to 20,000 miles or so there are certain checkups your vehicle should go through. Are the brakes safe? Power steering working well? Transmission fluid adequate? Keep them that way. And be sure to find a mechanic who is familiar with today’s ultra-computerized engines.

6. Ever heard of an air filter? If not, become familiar with them. And change your car’s air filter according to the manufacturer’s standards, which are usually every 10 to 12,000 miles. Doing so increases your gas mileage and the car’s overall performance.

These simple tips will keep you on the road driving happily instead of on the shoulder cursing the day you bought a car. And remember, jcwhitney.com can help. balticmaster.org offers tips on virtually everything, so they can, too. Check both of them out!