Just as we need to follow a well-balanced diet to maintain our health, routine maintenance is essential for optimal vehicle performance. Vehicle maintenance is vital when the seasons change because the weather can impact both road conditions and your vehicle’s performance.
Your vehicle requires proper care to keep you safe on the roads. Regular inspection of your car can ensure that everything is working correctly.
4 Preventative Vehicle Maintenance Tips for Car Owners
Follow these four maintenance tips to keep your vehicle working its best during seasonal transitions.
1. Check Your Car Battery
Check your battery regularly. This is particularly important if you live in an area with drastic temperature changes from one season to another. Cold winter months and hot summer days can negatively impact your vehicle’s performance. Exposing your car to extreme weather changes can affect the lifespan of your battery.
When checking your car battery, be sure it is mounted effectively. Mounting your battery decreases the vibration and evaporation of liquids that can cause wire and terminal corrosion. Check that all clamps are tightened, and that battery fluid is sufficient. Make sure all wiring is adequately covered so it’s not exposed to rain.
If your battery seems to be running low or you’re having difficulty starting your vehicle, a local mechanic can test your battery to determine if you need a charge or a replacement.
2. Check Your Tires
Tire pressures change with the weather. During hot summer days, the air in your tire expands. On cold winter days, the air in your tires compresses. That’s why it’s crucial to check your tire pressure during seasonal changes. If your tires are over-inflated in the hot summer months, they can burst and cause an accident.
You should also monitor for wear and tear and tire alignment. When tires become bald, they can’t find traction on the road. This can leave you susceptible to car accidents. Improper alignment can cause difficulty with steering. Ask your mechanic to rotate your tires and check your alignment whenever you have an oil change. This can help prevent accidents and other vehicle damage.
3. Stay on Top of Oil Changes
Oil changes should be a regular part of your vehicle maintenance routine. You should change your oil every 3,000 miles or three months to keep your vehicle running efficiently. Staying on top of oil changes ensures your vehicle is working at its optimal performance.
4. Brake Maintenance
Your brakes are one of the most critical systems of your vehicle. That’s why you need to stay on top of brake maintenance. During rainy seasons, rainwater can impact the friction between your tires and the road. The same goes for frost, ice, and snow in the winter. Have your brakes checked every 5,000 miles. Replace your brake pads as needed. Staying on top of your brake maintenance can truly be the difference between life and death.
Contact Your Local Mechanic for Help with Preventative Maintenance
Staying on top of your vehicle maintenance with the change of seasons is essential to the safety and productivity of your vehicle. Contact A&A Any Car for a local Victorville auto repair shop you can trust for preventative maintenance.