Car maintenance mistakes can have serious consequences, so it’s essential to make sure you keep your vehicle in the best condition. Below are the most common issues in car maintenance you should consider to avoid any problems.
Safety Precautions
When using car tools, follow appropriate safety precautions to protect yourself. Protective wear, such as safety goggles, can help prevent eye injuries when dealing with hot fluids or using a hammer. Earplugs can prevent hearing damage when using noisy power tools, and gloves can protect your hands from chemical burns or painful abrasions. If you need to get under your car, make sure you know how to use a jack stand properly to ensure you will not get crushed by your vehicle. Consider any hazards and find out how to avoid them.
Wear & Tear
Wear happens over time and can rarely be avoided unless you keep your vehicle in perfect shape. The brakes, tires, light bulbs, engine, and transmission are all susceptible to gradual damage. While some wear is noticeable (e.g., a broken light bulb or squealing brakes), other malfunctions, like tire wear or weak pressure, can stay unnoticed, which can cause fatal accidents. So it’s vital to conduct regular inspections of your car before something terrible happens. Be sure to learn your car aspects inside out and have it inspected at least once a month, especially before any long trips.
Warning Lights
Warning lights and messages indicate whether something needs to be taken care of. The tire/oil pressure systems, braking monitoring system, and engine lights will let you know if there’s an action needed. If you decide to drive with your warning lights on, it may lead to excessive emissions, additional expenses, vehicle damage, or other negative consequences, including a crash. In case a warning light shows up, make sure to have your vehicle checked by yourself or an expert that will identify, diagnose, and repair your car.
Regular Maintenance
Vehicle repairs and maintenance can be expensive and time-consuming; however, skipping regular checks will lead to higher expenses and more wasted time. Each maintenance check is integral in keeping your vehicle fit and “healthy” in the long run. Oil changes are an annual occurrence, so it’s essential to check your oil level at least once a month. The same goes for tire season changes – the pressure level can gradually drop over time, so monitoring and adjusting the pressure every week is recommended. Keep an eye on the maintenance requirements of your vehicle, and don’t skip anything you are not supposed to.
Engine Oil
Depending on your engine design, using the proper engine oil can help boost your vehicle’s performance. Similar to brake, differential, or transmission fluids, as well as engine coolants, using the wrong fluid for your car engine can not only lead to poor performance but also result in long-term damage. No matter what liquid you choose, make sure your engine manufacturer recommends it.
OEM Parts
Saving money on vehicle parts or addressing a cheap professional may seem appropriate if you’re on a low budget, but in the long run, it’s not. OEM parts may be the most expensive, but they are designed specifically for your vehicle.
Some aftermarket parts, in turn, may not fit or require adjustments. However, some of them are, in fact, better than OEM parts, so it’s always a good idea to check with a trusted mechanic to get the best service. For instance, Car Smash Repairs in Melbourne may charge more, but the price of their services is justified by the competence, experience, and training. To get the best out of auto repairs, opt for the best parts and services you can afford. Auto repairs will be less expensive and ensure the reliable performance of your vehicle, provided you have them in time.
Avoiding these common mistakes will protect both you and your vehicle from any accidents on the road.